A Chocolate Raspberry Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and berry lovers alike. This indulgent cake combines the richness of moist chocolate cake layers with a sweet and tangy raspberry cream filling and velvety chocolate buttercream frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying a craving, this cake is sure to impress with its decadent flavors and beautiful presentation. The layers of chocolate cake are perfectly balanced by the bright, fruity raspberry filling, making every bite a delightful experience.

Making this cake at home allows you to customize the sweetness and texture to your liking, and you’ll have the satisfaction of creating a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. The combination of fresh raspberries, creamy fillings, and smooth chocolate is an irresistible pairing that will become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Get ready to learn how to make this gorgeous cake and treat your loved ones to something truly special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Flavor Balance

The rich chocolate cake complements the fresh, tart raspberry cream filling, creating a flavor profile that is indulgent yet refreshing.

2. Showstopper Cake

With its vibrant raspberry topping and smooth chocolate buttercream, this cake is a beautiful centerpiece for any gathering or celebration.

3. Customizable Layers

You can adjust the sweetness of the fillings to suit your preferences or even add extra raspberry jam for more fruit flavor.

4. Rich and Moist Cake

The buttermilk and hot water in the cake batter ensure a soft, moist texture that melts in your mouth.

5. Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or casual dessert, this cake is a perfect fit for any event. Its flavors and elegance make it a versatile choice.

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake:

Flour
Sugar
Cocoa (high quality)
Baking Soda
Baking Powder
Salt
Oil (such as Canola)
Eggs
Buttermilk
Vanilla
Hot Water

Raspberry Cream Filling:

Cream Cheese (softened)
Powdered Sugar
Heavy Cream
Fresh Raspberries (reserve some for topping)
Seedless Raspberry Jam (optional)

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:

Butter (softened)
Cocoa
Powdered Sugar
Cream (Half n Half or Milk)
Light Karo Syrup (optional for shine)

Variations

Berry Filling Twist: Instead of just raspberries, mix in other berries like strawberries or blackberries for a mixed berry filling.
Ganache Drizzle: Top your cake with a smooth chocolate ganache for an extra rich finish.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.
Vegan Version: Swap the eggs and dairy products with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, vegan butter, and egg replacers.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add in the oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla, and mix until smooth.

Step 2: Add Hot Water

Gradually stir in the hot water. The batter will be thin, but that’s normal and necessary for a moist cake.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Raspberry Cream Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. Add the fresh raspberries (reserving some for the top of the cake), and mix until the raspberries are evenly distributed. For a smoother texture, you can add seedless raspberry jam if desired.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cocoa powder together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with the cream. Add the light Karo syrup for added shine, if desired, and continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Place the first layer of the cooled chocolate cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of raspberry cream filling on top. Add the second layer of cake and frost the entire cake with the chocolate buttercream frosting. Decorate the top with the reserved fresh raspberries.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother batters and frosting.
Don’t Overmix the Cake Batter: Mix the cake batter until just combined to avoid a dense texture.
Chill the Cake Layers: Let the cake layers cool completely before assembling to prevent the filling from melting or the frosting from sliding off.
Use High-Quality Cocoa: For the best chocolate flavor, opt for high-quality cocoa powder in the cake and frosting.
Fresh Raspberries: Fresh raspberries provide a burst of flavor, but you can also use frozen raspberries if fresh ones are not available.

How to Serve

Serve this cake chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. It’s perfect for any celebration or as a sweet treat after dinner. Pair it with a glass of dessert wine or a hot cup of coffee for an extra special indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices of cake in plastic wrap and then in foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

If frozen, allow the cake to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. For a quick option, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can make the cake layers and filling a day or two in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the cake.

2. Can I use frozen raspberries for the filling?

Yes, you can use frozen raspberries, but fresh raspberries yield a better texture. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid.

3. Can I make this cake in one layer?

Yes, you can bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan for a single-layer cake. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

4. What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.

5. How can I make the frosting less sweet?

If the frosting is too sweet for your taste, you can reduce the powdered sugar and add a pinch of salt to balance the flavor.

6. Can I use a store-bought raspberry jam instead of fresh raspberries?

Yes, you can use raspberry jam, but fresh raspberries give the filling a lighter and fresher flavor.

7. How do I keep the cake layers from sticking to the pan?

Be sure to grease and flour the cake pans thoroughly before pouring in the batter. You can also line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper for added security.

8. Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes, you can use cream cheese frosting or even a ganache for a different flavor and texture.

9. How do I prevent the filling from making the cake soggy?

Let the cake layers cool completely before adding the filling, and avoid over-saturating the cake with the filling.

10. Can I freeze the entire cake?

Yes, you can freeze the entire cake (without the raspberries on top) after it’s been assembled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Raspberry Cake is the perfect combination of rich chocolate and tangy raspberries, layered with indulgent fillings and frosting that make it a showstopper at any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, a holiday celebration, or just because, this cake will surely become a favorite in your baking repertoire. With its decadent layers and vibrant raspberry flavor, it’s a dessert that delights both the eyes and the taste buds.