This Decadent Chocolate Raspberry Layer Cake is the epitome of elegance and indulgence. With moist, deeply chocolatey cake layers, smooth vanilla or cream cheese frosting, a glossy ganache drip, and vibrant fresh raspberries, it’s the perfect showstopper for any special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake strikes the perfect balance between richness and freshness. The moist chocolate layers are made even more irresistible with a touch of hot coffee, enhancing the cocoa flavor. The choice of vanilla or cream cheese frosting offers flexibility in taste and texture, while the ganache drip and fresh raspberries provide visual drama and flavor contrast. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, anniversary, or holiday, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Moist Chocolate Cake Layers:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar)
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup hot strong brewed coffee (or hot water)
For the Vanilla or Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened (optional for cream cheese buttercream)
4–5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2–4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Ganache Drip:
½ cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
¼ cup heavy cream
For Decoration:
1 ½ – 2 cups fresh raspberries
Mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings (optional)
Light dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar (optional)
Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Equipment:
Two or three 8-inch round cake pans or two 9-inch pans
Parchment paper
Electric mixer
Wire cooling racks
Spatulas and offset spatulas
Piping bag with star tip (optional)
directions
Bake the Chocolate Cake Layers
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes. Slowly mix in the hot coffee. Divide batter evenly and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool layers completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting
Beat softened butter (and cream cheese if using) until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Add vanilla, salt, and cream or milk to adjust consistency. Mix until light and smooth.
Assemble the Cake
Level cake layers if necessary. Place one layer on a serving plate. Spread with frosting. Add another layer and repeat. Apply a crumb coat and chill for 15–20 minutes. Frost the entire cake smoothly with the remaining frosting.
Prepare the Ganache Drip
Heat cream until simmering. Pour over chocolate and let sit 5 minutes. Whisk until glossy and smooth. Let cool for 10–20 minutes until pourable but thickened.
Decorate the Cake
Pour ganache gently over the top edge, allowing it to drip down. Pipe frosting swirls around the top and garnish with fresh raspberries. Add chocolate shavings or chips and mint leaves if desired.
Chill and Serve
Chill the cake for 30 minutes to set the ganache and firm the frosting. Slice with a clean sharp knife for neat servings.
Servings and timing
Yields: 12–16 servings
Prep time: 45 minutes
Bake time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling time: At least 2–3 hours
Total time: Approximately 3.5–4.5 hours
Variations
Berry Mix: Add a mix of raspberries and blackberries for a vibrant twist.
Raspberry Jam Layer: Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam between the cake layers for extra fruitiness.
White Chocolate Drip: Swap dark ganache for a white chocolate version to contrast with the dark cake.
Espresso Frosting: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the frosting for a mocha flavor.
Mini Cakes: Bake in mini pans for individual dessert portions.
storage/reheating
Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor. To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature. Do not reheat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Fresh raspberries are ideal for decoration, but frozen can be used in the filling or as a garnish if thawed and drained well.
Can I make the cake layers in advance?
Yes, the cake layers can be baked, cooled, and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap up to two days ahead.
How do I ensure the ganache drip looks clean and even?
Use a spoon or piping bottle to gently control the flow of ganache, and make sure the cake is chilled before adding it.
Can I omit the coffee in the cake?
Yes, you can substitute it with hot water for a milder chocolate flavor, though coffee enhances the chocolate richness.
What’s the best way to level cake layers?
Use a serrated knife to trim the tops evenly. A cake leveler tool also works well.
Can I make this cake without cream cheese?
Absolutely. The frosting can be made using just butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream for a classic vanilla buttercream.
Can I use a different fruit?
Strawberries, blackberries, or cherries can be used in place of raspberries for a variation in flavor.
How do I prevent my cake from being dry?
Do not overbake, and measure flour accurately. Adding coffee or using buttermilk also helps maintain moisture.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, though homemade frosting offers better flavor and texture. If using store-bought, whip it to improve consistency.
Is this cake suitable for transporting?
Yes, once chilled and set, the cake holds its shape well and is suitable for transporting in a cake carrier.
Conclusion
This Decadent Chocolate Raspberry Layer Cake is a refined dessert perfect for those who love rich chocolate paired with the fresh, tangy bite of raspberries. With its moist layers, smooth frosting, and luxurious ganache, it’s both a visual and culinary delight—an ideal centerpiece for any celebration.
[tasty-recipe id=”19995″]