02/11/2025
Chocolate Raspberry Cake
This Chocolate Raspberry Cake is a decadent three-layer dessert featuring moist chocolate cake layers, a rich raspberry-infused frosting made with both reduced raspberry puree and ground freeze-dried raspberries, and a luscious chocolate ganache topping. It's the perfect treat for chocolate and raspberry lovers alike! ๐ซ๐ฐ
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2ยฝ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1ยฝ teaspoons baking soda
- 2ยฝ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1ยพ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 cup oil (canola or vegetable)
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
For the Raspberry Puree:
- 1 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- ยผ cup water
For the Raspberry Frosting:
- 2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ยผ cup ground freeze-dried raspberries
- ยผ cup reduced raspberry puree
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ยพ cup heavy cream
Instructions:
Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layers:
1. Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Slowly pour in the hot water, mixing until the batter is smooth.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Raspberry Puree:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries and water. Cook over medium heat until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds. Set aside to cool completely.
Prepare the Raspberry Frosting:
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the ground freeze-dried raspberries, cooled raspberry puree, vanilla extract, and salt until fully incorporated.
Assemble the Cake:
1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of raspberry frosting over the top. Repeat with the second layer. Place the final cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Make the Chocolate Ganache:
1. In a heatproof bowl, place the chocolate chips.
2. Heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth.
3. Allow the ganache to cool slightly until it reaches a pourable consistency.
Decorate the Cake:
1. Pour the ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
2. Optional: Garnish with fresh raspberries or chocolate shavings.
3. Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to set the ganache before serving.
Tips:
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Individual slices can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 30 days. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 12 servings