Chocolate Decadence Cake

The Chocolate Decadence Cake is a true chocolate lover’s delight. Fluffy layers of rich chocolate cake, paired with tangy raspberry frosting and a luscious chocolate ganache, make this dessert irresistible. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, or simply a special treat, this cake will satisfy your sweet cravings and impress your guests!

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe stands out because it combines the rich flavors of chocolate and raspberry in a way that’s both beautiful and delicious. The cake is moist and fluffy, while the raspberry frosting adds a refreshing twist. Plus, the chocolate ganache on top makes for an elegant finish. It’s perfect for celebrations or even for a cozy dessert at home.

How to Make Chocolate Decadence Cake

Ingredients:

2 cups hot water
1 1/2 cups + 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
3 cups cake flour
2 1/4 cups light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
2 tsp espresso powder
1 1/2 cups full-fat sour cream
1/4 cup milk
4 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups salted butter, softened
5 cups powdered sugar
1 tbsp milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
1 cup + 2 tbsp freeze-dried raspberries, powdered
2 tbsp raspberry preserves
6 oz cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup raspberry preserves
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate
1/2 cup heavy cream
1–2 tsp vegetable oil
Fresh raspberries
Mini chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together the hot water and cocoa powder until smooth. In another bowl, mix the cake flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder. Add the sour cream, milk, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until well combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 23-27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the raspberry frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth. Add in freeze-dried raspberries and raspberry preserves, blend, then add softened cream cheese and beat until smooth.
Assemble the cake by spreading raspberry frosting between the layers, adding raspberry preserves, and applying a crumb coat. Chill for 30 minutes, then apply a final layer of frosting.
For the chocolate ganache, heat the cream until hot. Pour it over chopped chocolate, let it sit, then stir until smooth. Add vegetable oil to create drips on the edges of the cake. Refrigerate to set.
Decorate with swirls of frosting, fresh raspberries, and mini chocolate chips.

How to Serve Chocolate Decadence Cake

To serve, slice the cake into pieces and place them on a dessert plate. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. Enjoy this rich dessert with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a perfect pairing.

How to Store Chocolate Decadence Cake

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent it from drying out.

Tips to Make Chocolate Decadence Cake

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
You can use high-quality cocoa powder for an even richer chocolate flavor.
If you prefer a different fruit flavor, feel free to swap the raspberries for strawberries or another berry.

Variation

You can turn this cake into cupcakes by pouring the batter into cupcake liners. Adjust the baking time to 18-20 minutes. This will give you individual chocolate decadence treats!

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance. Wrap them tightly and store in the fridge for a few days or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! You can use chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting for a different flavor.
What can I do if my cake layers are domed?
If your cake layers rise unevenly, you can level them with a serrated knife before frosting to ensure they stack well.