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Chocolate Raspberry Cake has rich chocolate cake layers frosted with a raspberry cream cheese frosting, filled with raspberry preserves, and a luscious chocolate ganache drip. This cake is ultra moist and packed with raspberry and chocolate flavor. It’s the perfect cake for any celebration!
Published: February 2020. Updated: August 2023.
Table of Contents
Why you’ll love this Raspberry Chocolate Cake:
- Rich Chocolate Cake – This one-bowl, moist chocolate cake is the easiest and best chocolate cake you’ll ever make! No matter your baking skills, you can make this cake.
- Creamy Raspberry Frosting – A creamy frosting packed with raspberry flavor is slathered over this cake.
- Raspberry Preserves – Store-bought raspberry preserves make the easiest filling for this cake. There’s no shortage of bright raspberry flavor here!
- Chocolate Drip – A luscious chocolate drip finishes off this cake beautifully!
Ingredient Overview:
As always, the full recipe with measurements & complete directions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Raspberry Preserves – I highly recommend raspberry preserves over raspberry jam – they have better flavor and texture!
- Freeze Dried Raspberries – You can only add a bit of raspberry jam to frosting before it will become weepy. The solution? Freeze-dried raspberries! They add tons of raspberry flavor (and a pretty pink color!) without making your frosting runny.
- Butter – I always use salted buter for the best flavor, but feel free to use unsalted butter if you prefer.
- Sour Cream – Use full fat sour cream at room temperature for best results.
- Cake Flour– Cake flour produces a more tender crumb in a cake and I highly recommend using it! Spoon & level your flour for best results, or use a scale. Scooping the measuring cup directly in will lead to too much flour, giving you a dry cake. 1 cup of cake flour is 110 grams, whereas 1 cup of all-purpose flour is 130 grams.
- Eggs – Use large eggs, at room temperature.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Use natural cocoa powder, not dutch process.
- Milk – I always use 2% milk for baking because it’s what we already buy.
- Cream Cheese – Use full fat, block-style cream cheese.
Recipe Substitutions & Variations:
- Dairy-free – Use your favorite, trusted dairy-free products to make this recipe dairy-free, including a dairy free chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Gluten-free – I have not tested a gluten-free version of this cake. Let me know if you do!
- Sour Cream – You can use full fat greek yogurt, at room temperature, in place of the sour cream.
- Cake Flour Substitute – Make your own cake flour by spooning & leveling 1 cup of flour into a measuring cup, using a flat edge to level it off. Add to a mixing bowl, then remove two tablespoons (scoop & level them off). Add two tablespoons of corn starch, then sift this mixture twice. This is important to evenly mix the ingredients and to give the same light texture as cake flour.
- Other Freeze Dried Fruits – Raspberry not your jam? Use freeze dried blueberries and blueberry preserves, or the same with strawberry instead to make a blueberry chocolate cake or a strawberry chocolate cake.
- Homemade Raspberry Sauce – If you want to make the raspberry filling from scratch try my easy 10-minute Raspberry Coulis recipe! You can also use a homemade raspberry jam – just try to make sure it’s not too runny. It should match the consistency of store bought preserves.
How to Make Chocolate Raspberry Cake:
Step 1: Make the Cake Batter. Whisk together the dry ingredients, then mix in the wet ingredients until just combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl well to make sure everything is incorporated. It’s the easiest chocolate cake recipe you’ll ever make!
Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers. Divide the batter between greased and parchment paper-lined cake pans. Bake as directed in the recipe card below. Cool in the pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes before inverting layers. Let each layer of cake cool completely before frosting.
Step 3: Make the Raspberry Frosting. In a large mixing bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter with an electric mixer on high speed until creamy, about 30 to 60 seconds.
Beat in the powdered sugar, using a little milk or heavy cream to help it come together as needed. Add vanilla and salt. Mix in the freeze dried raspberry powder and raspberry preserves. Beat in the cream cheese last.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake. Spread a layer of frosting over the first cake layer, then pipe a border of frosting around the cake layer. Add raspberry preserves and spread evenly with a small offset spatula. Add the second layer of cake.
Chill for 10 minutes, so the layers don’t slide around. Repeat with the second cake layer, then add the third layer. Frost the outside of the cake with the remaining frosting. Let chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
To make a naked or semi-naked cake, don’t apply as much frosting. I did this and used the excess to pipe swirls on top, after adding the chocolate drip.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Ganache Drip. Heat heavy cream until simmering, then pour over the chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth. Once it’s not too hot, pour over your cake, using an offset spatula to push it over the edges while you spin the cake on a turntable.
This creates that beautiful waterfall drip effect! You can use this method on any of my layer cakes, like my Chocolate Truffle Cake or my Biscoff Cake!
Serving + Storing:
Let the cake chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to set the ganache, then pipe swirls on top of the cake with any leftover raspberry frosting. Top with chocolate shavings or chocolate chips and fresh raspberries. Slice and ENJOY!
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. I usually press a piece of plastic wrap over the slices in the container as added insurance to keep them moist, although this cake does hold up well in the fridge for a few days.
Expert Success Tips:
- Oven Thermometer – An oven thermometer will tell you if your oven is actually running at the temperature you set it to. Your oven may not be accurate. Accurate oven temperature is crucial for most bakes, so I leave an oven thermometer in at all times to keep an eye on my oven’s calibration.
- Kitchen Scale – A food scale is the best way to make sure your flour is at the proper weight, since amounts will vary SO widely based on how you measure it, as well as the measuring cup you use, as they are not standardized.
FAQs:
You can scale this recipe in a few ways! Cut the recipe in half and bake in two 8-inch cake pans, or make 1/3 of the recipe and bake in one 9-inch cake pan. You can also bake the full recipe in a 9×13 pan if you want a sheet cake. Half a batch of this recipe will make 24 cupcakes.
There are a few culprits when dealing with runny frosting. Either the butter was too soft, you left the frosting at room temp for too long, or you beat in the cream cheese earlier in the recipe (it must be added last). Sugar will pull moisture from cream cheese, so adding it to any frosting at the very end is important to maintain the structure of the frosting. Pop the whole bowl of frosting (or your cake) in the fridge or freezer at any time, for anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how bad it is, to firm the frosting up.
Yes, you can freeze the whole cake (without the chocolate drip and extra frosting decorations on top), or you can freeze individual slices. For the whole cake, wrap well in multiple layers of plastic wrap and then foil. Seal inside of an airtight container or large freezer bag if possible. For individual slices, wrap in parchment paper and then foil. Seal in airtight containers or freezer bags. Use within 1-2 months for best flavor. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Special Tools:
- Offset Spatula – Offset spatulas make cake assembly so easy! They can also be used for spreading cake and brownie batters evenly.
- Cake Turntable – If you make at least a few cakes a year, a cake turntable makes the process a breeze!
- Piping Bag & Piping Tip – I like to use a reusable piping bag and a Wilton 1A tip to pipe the frosting border (if using). I used a Wilton 1M tip to pipe the swirls on top. Affiliate links.
More Raspberry Recipes to Love:
- 10-Minute Raspberry Coulis
- Raspberry Lemonade Cheesecake
- Raspberry Champagne Cupcakes
- One-Bowl Raspberry Lemon Bread
- Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies
More Chocolate Cake Recipes to Love:
- Chocolate Truffle Cake
- Ultimate Nutella Chocolate Cake
- Tuxedo Cake with Whipped White Chocolate Ganache
- Ultimate Cookie Dough Cake
- German Chocolate Cake
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment & star rating!
Click the little stars in the header of the recipe card below to leave a comment & star rating, letting me know how you liked the recipe. I take all feedback seriously, & leaving a rating helps my small business immensely!
Chocolate Raspberry Cake
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups hot water, 472 mL
- 1 and 1/2 cups + 2 tbsp unsweetened natural cocoa powder, 157 grams *do not use dutch process
- 3 cups cake flour, spooned & leveled, 330 grams
- 2 and 1/4 cups light brown sugar packed, 488 grams
- 1 cup granulated sugar , 206 grams
- 3 tsp baking soda
- 1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp espresso powder
- 1 and 1/2 cups full fat sour cream, at room temperature, 360 grams
- 1/4 cup milk, 60 mL
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 106 mL
- 1 and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Raspberry Frosting
- 1 and 3/4 cups salted butter, softened at room temperature, 3 and 1/2 sticks, 28 tbsp, or 396 grams
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- salt
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp freeze dried raspberries, pulsed to a powder, but measured while whole, About one, 1.25 oz bag
- 2 tbsp raspberry preserves
- 6 ounces full fat cream cheese, use the block style
For Filling
- 2/3 cup raspberry preserves
For the Chocolate Ganache Drip
- 4 ounces semi sweet chocolate, finely chopped, *see note
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, 4 ounces
- 1-2 tsp vegetable oil
For Decorating
- fresh raspberries
- mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 ℉. Grease three 9-inch cake pans with shortening. Place a parchment circle in the bottom of each, then grease over that. Dust the inside of each pan well with flour, knocking out any excess.
- Make the Cake Batter: Measure the hot water into a 4-cup glass measuring cup or large bowl, then whisk in the cocoa until completely dissolved. Set aside to let come down to room temp. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients (including the sugars). Next, add the wet ingredients, including the room temp (not steaming hot!) cocoa and water mixture, and whisk until combined. There may be a few small lumps – that's fine.2 cups hot water, 1 and 1/2 cups + 2 tbsp unsweetened natural cocoa powder, 3 cups cake flour, spooned & leveled, 2 and 1/4 cups light brown sugar packed, 1 cup granulated sugar , 3 tsp baking soda, 1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder, 3/4 tsp salt, 2 tsp espresso powder, 1 and 1/2 cups full fat sour cream, at room temperature, 1/4 cup milk, 4 large eggs, at room temperature, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the cake batter evenly between the three pans (use a kitchen scale to weigh the full amount of batter, then divide by 3 to get it perfect!). Bake for 23 to 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center pulls out moist crumbs. Let cakes cool in the pans on wire racks for 10 minutes before running a butter knife around the edge and inverting onto a cooling rack. Let cool completely.Tip: I recommend rotating cake pans halfway through since every oven will have hot spots and this ensures an even bake.
- Make the Raspberry Frosting: Beat butter in a large bowl until creamy, about 30 seconds. Mix in the powdered sugar in three additions, mixing between each until combined. Add the milk as needed to help things come together. Add the vanilla and salt and mix. Beat in the freeze dried raspberry powder & raspberry preserves. Beat in the cream cheese last, until well combined.1 and 3/4 cups salted butter, softened at room temperature, 5 cups powdered sugar, 1 tbsp milk, 2 tsp vanilla extract , salt, 1 cup + 2 tbsp freeze dried raspberries, pulsed to a powder, but measured while whole, 2 tbsp raspberry preserves, 6 ounces full fat cream cheese
- Assemble the Cake: Place the first cake layer on a cake stand on top of a turntable. Spread 1 and 1/4 cups of frosting over the layer, going past the edge a smidge. Pipe a border around the cake layer, and pour 1/3 cup of raspberry preserves into the center. Spread evenly with an offset spatula, going to the edges of the border. Place the second cake layer on top and Spread any frosting "overhang" between the two layers to seal them together. Chill for 5-10 minutes to set things so the layers don't slide around. Repeat with the second layer. Add the final layer upside down for a flat top, and give the cake a thin layer of frosting on top and on the sides. Use a cake scraper to smooth out and remove excess. This is your crumb coat, so don't fret if it isn't perfect. Pop the cake in the fridge for 30 minutes or until the frosting is set. Then, frost the top and sides of the cake, smoothing things with the cake scraper or offset spatula. I left this cake semi-naked, which means I scraped off a more generous amount of frosting to let the cake peek through a bit. Chill the entire cake in the fridge for 30 minutes, or until set, before adding the chocolate drip.Tip: If your frosting is getting too soft at any point from sitting out, pop it back in the fridge for a bit to firm back up.2/3 cup raspberry preserves
- Make the Chocolate Drip: Add finely chopped chocolate to a small bowl. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Pour over the chocolate, let sit for 4 minutes, then stir until completely smooth. Add 1-2 tsp vegetable oil to get a pourable consistency. Set cake on a turntable. Pour ganache into the center of the top of the cake, then spin the cake slowly while pushing ganache to the edges with an offset spatula to create drips. Let chill 20-30 minutes, until ganache is set.4 ounces semi sweet chocolate, finely chopped, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1-2 tsp vegetable oil
- Serve + Store: Once ganache drip is set, pipe on swirls with remaining frosting and top with raspberries and chocolate chips. Slice and enjoy your life! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.fresh raspberries, mini chocolate chips
- Make Ahead Tips: Cake layers can be made a day ahead. Bake them, let cool completely at room temperature, and then store them on dinner plates covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store at room temp overnight.Raspberry frosting can be made a day ahead, covered tightly and stored in the fridge overnight. Beat it until creamy enough to spread before using.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I made this fantastic cake for my daughter’s 29th birthday – amazing! It is now the most requested cake. (I am making it again for a bridal shower in March.) The directions are easy to follow and the cake tastes as wonderful. You will NOT be disappointed.
So glad to hear you enjoyed this recipe, Cathy!
I’m going to be making this for my boyfriends birthday next week. I’m so excited to make and eat it!
One question, is cake flour just regular flour?
Hi Brenna! No, cake flour is different from all-purpose flour and it produces a lighter texture in cakes. It can be found in the baking aisle near the regular flour and I highly recommend using it! However, the cake will still be delicious if you use all-purpose flour. Let me know how you like the recipe!
Good
Thanks, Jaz!
Made this one for my birthday, just perfect! Everybody said that it was the best cake they ever had, the frosting is delicious by the way.
Thank you for this recipe <3
So glad to hear you enjoyed this recipe, Annie!
This frosting is AMAZING!! Thank you for a great recipe!
Thanks so much, Em!
Could I make this using seedless preserves? My husband doesn’t like it with seeds. Thanks!
Yes absolutely! Let me know how you like the recipe.
Hi there! The recipe card states oil for one of the cake batter ingredients, could I sub it for butter?
Thanks!
Whittnie
Hi Whittnie! No, the cake would turn out a bit more dense if you sub the oil for butter. Oil remains a liquid at room temperature which keeps the cake super tender. Unless the blog post or recipe card specifies a substitution, I always recommend following my recipes as written for the best results. Let me know how you like the cake!
Hey dear can I replace the sour cream with regular plain yoghurt!thanks for the recipe I will make it soon for my son 2 years birthday 🥳
Hi Ciara! Yes, that should work just fine. Just be sure it’s full fat yogurt – if you use low fat or non fat it will affect the recipe. Please let me know how you enjoy the cake!
This is a delicious cake! Friends said it was the best cake I’ve ever made.
So glad to hear you enjoyed this recipe, Kristi! Happy baking!
Love this recipe!, but What should I do if I want just two layers instead of three?
Hi Natalie! A little math will be required here, haha. You’ll want to multiply every ingredient quantity in the recipe by two thirds. For example, 2 cups of water x 2/3 = 1 and 1/3. Here are all the quantities adjusted for a 2/3s batch, or two layers worth, recipe.
1 and 1/3 cups water
1 cup + 1 tbsp cocoa powder
2 cups cake flour
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 tsp espresso powder
1 cup sour cream
3 tbsp milk
2 and 1/2 large eggs (for half an egg, beat one egg in a small bowl, then measure out 2 tbsp or about 25 grams worth – save the rest for your morning scramble!)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla
Frosting:
1 cup + 2.5 tbsp butter (18.5 tbsp total)
3 and 1/3 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp milk
pinch salt
3/4 cup freeze dried raspberries
1 tbsp + 1 tsp raspberry preserves
4 ounces cream cheese
Filling:
1/3 cup raspberry preserves (as you’ll only be filling between one layer instead of two, this quantity is halved)
Chocolate Drip:
No adjustment needed!
I hope that helps and apologies for the delayed response. Please let me know how you enjoy the cake!