Raspberry Chocolate Layer Cake: A Decadent Dessert for Every Occasion

Experience the perfect blend of rich chocolate and tangy raspberry with this Raspberry Chocolate Layer Cake. Featuring moist chocolate cake layers, a luscious raspberry filling, and a vibrant raspberry buttercream frosting, this dessert is as delicious as it is stunning. Here’s how to make it step by step.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee or hot water

For the Raspberry Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

For the Raspberry Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup raspberry puree
• 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust as needed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish:

• Fresh raspberries
• Mint leaves (optional)
• Chocolate shavings or chips

Instructions

1. Bake the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add Coffee and Combine: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir in the hot coffee until smooth.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before assembling.

2. Prepare the Raspberry Filling

1. Cook the Raspberries: In a small saucepan, combine fresh raspberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the raspberries break down.
2. Thicken the Mixture: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the raspberries and cook until thickened. Let cool completely.

3. Make the Raspberry Buttercream

1. Whip the Butter: Beat the softened butter in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
2. Add Sugar and Raspberry Flavor: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, then add the raspberry puree and vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency with heavy cream, if needed.

4. Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of raspberry filling over the top. Add the second cake layer on top.
2. Frost the Cake: Spread the raspberry buttercream frosting over the entire cake, smoothing it with a spatula.
3. Decorate: Garnish the cake with fresh raspberries, chocolate shavings, and mint leaves for a beautiful finish.

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room-temperature eggs and buttermilk for a smooth batter.
• Thickened Filling: Ensure the raspberry filling is completely cooled and thickened before layering.
• Smooth Frosting: Chill the buttercream briefly if it becomes too soft to work with.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Raspberry Chocolate Layer Cake combines the richness of chocolate with the freshness of raspberries, creating a dessert that’s both elegant and flavorful. Its vibrant colors and balanced flavors make it a perfect centerpiece for any occasion.

Storage

• Refrigerate: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Variations

• Mixed Berry Filling: Use a mix of raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries for the filling.
• Dark Chocolate Cake: Swap cocoa powder for dark cocoa powder for a richer flavor.
• White Chocolate Buttercream: Replace raspberry buttercream with white chocolate buttercream for a unique twist.

Make this Raspberry Chocolate Layer Cake for your next celebration or simply to treat yourself. Its bold flavors and stunning presentation are guaranteed to impress!