Chocolate Raspberry Birthday Cake

Chocolate Raspberry Birthday Cake is a delightful treat perfect for any celebration. This rich chocolate cake is layered with a delicious raspberry filling and topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. It’s not just a cake; it’s a sweet experience that brings joy to birthdays and special occasions.

Why Make This Recipe

Making a Chocolate Raspberry Birthday Cake is an excellent way to impress your friends and family. The combination of chocolate and raspberry offers a perfect balance of flavors that everyone loves. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding baking project that allows you to showcase your skills. Whether it’s for a birthday party or just because, this cake is sure to bring smiles.

How to Make Chocolate Raspberry Birthday Cake

Ingredients

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
3⁄4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1⁄2 tsp salt
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
1⁄2 cup (120ml) hot coffee
1 1⁄2 cups (200g) fresh raspberries
1⁄4 cup (50g) sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
8 oz (225g) dark chocolate, chopped
2 tbsp unsalted butter
Fresh raspberries (for decoration)
Chocolate curls (for decoration)
Edible gold dust (optional)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch (20 cm) cake pans.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Combine: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the hot coffee until the batter is smooth.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans.
Make Raspberry Filling: In a saucepan, heat the fresh raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Let it cool.
Prepare Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until it’s hot but not boiling. Pour it over the chopped dark chocolate and stir until smooth. Add the butter and let it cool slightly.
Assemble: Spread the raspberry filling between the cooled cake layers. Cover the top and sides of the cake with the ganache and smooth it out. Finally, decorate with fresh raspberries, chocolate curls, and edible gold dust if desired.

How to Serve Chocolate Raspberry Birthday Cake

Serve this delicious cake at room temperature. Slice it into generous pieces and enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat!

How to Store Chocolate Raspberry Birthday Cake

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have extra ganache or raspberry filling, keep them in the refrigerator for a few days as well.

Tips to Make Chocolate Raspberry Birthday Cake

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for a smooth batter.
Use fresh raspberries for the best flavor, but frozen could work in a pinch if they’re thawed first.
When preparing the ganache, ensure the cream is hot enough to melt the chocolate but not boiling.

Variation

For a twist on this recipe, add a layer of cream cheese frosting between the cake layers for a richer flavor, or use strawberries instead of raspberries for a different berry experience.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this cake in advance?
A1: Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble.

Q2: Can I use a different type of chocolate?
A2: Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate or white chocolate for the ganache, but keep in mind the sweetness will differ.

Q3: What can I use instead of buttermilk?
A3: You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

This Chocolate Raspberry Birthday Cake is sure to make your celebration unforgettable!