Best Chocolate Raspberry Cake Recipes

CHOCOLATE-RASPBERRY CAKE

Steps:

• Cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat three 8-by-2-inch round cake pans with cooking spray. Line bottoms with parchment. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. In another large bowl, beat butter with sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, 3 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in liqueur. Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture in three batches, alternating with buttermilk in two batches. Beat to combine, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Beat in melted chocolate.
• Divide batter evenly among prepared pans, smoothing tops with an offset spatula. Bake, rotating pans halfway through front to back and top to bottom, until a tester inserted in centers comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Let cakes cool in pans on a wire rack 10 minutes. Run a small sharp knife around edges, then invert onto rack. Remove parchment and let cool completely, about 25 minutes. With a serrated knife, trim tops of cakes so they're level.
• Filling: While cakes are baking, stir together 3 cups raspberries, sugar, salt, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Cook over high, stirring frequently and mashing with the back of a spoon, until mixture comes to a boil, 2 minutes. Continue to cook, stirring, until mixture thickens and clings to spoon, 7 to 8 minutes more. (You should have 1 1/3 cups.) Let cool 30 minutes. Stir in 2 cups raspberries, reserving remainder.
• Spread half of filling over one cake. Top with second layer; spread remaining filling over top. Top with final layer, cut-side down. Refrigerate, covered, at least 1 hour and up to overnight. Spread frosting over top and sides of cake. Garnish with remaining raspberries.

CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH RASPBERRY FILLING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
• Combine chopped chocolate and hot coffee in a bowl. Stir occasionally until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Set aside.
• Sift sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl.
• Beat eggs in a bowl using an electric mixer until slightly thickened and lemon-colored. Slowly add oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and melted chocolate mixture. Beat until well combined. Add sugar-flour mixture; beat on medium speed until just combined. Divide batter between the prepared cake pans.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes. Let cool completely in pans on wire racks, about 30 minutes. Invert layers onto racks.
• While cakes are cooling, bring heavy cream, sugar, and corn syrup to a boil over low heat in a small saucepan. Whisk until sugar dissolves. Add chocolate; whisk until melted. Add butter; whisk until smooth. Let ganache frosting cool until spreadable, about 10 minutes.
• While frosting and cakes continue to cool, puree raspberries in a food processor. Press through a fine mesh strainer with the back of a spoon into a saucepan. Pour in sugar and cornstarch; bring to a boil over medium-low heat. Cook until thickened and reduced, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in lemon zest. Remove raspberry filling from heat.
• Cut each cake layer in 1/2 horizontally to produce 4 equal layers. Spread 1/3 raspberry filling onto each of 3 layers and stack. Place top layer onto cake. Spread ganache frosting evenly from center of top layer down the sides of the cake.

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Line three greased 9-in. round baking pans with waxed paper and grease paper; set aside. In a large bowl, combine first six ingredients. Combine buttermilk, oil and vanilla; add to dry ingredients. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition; beat 2 minutes. Gradually add coffee (batter will be thin)., Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 35-40 minutes . Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For filling, in a small saucepan, whisk together flour and milk until smooth. Cook over medium heat 1 minute or until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let stand until cool. , In a large bowl, cream shortening and butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add confectioners' sugar and mix well. Gradually add cooled milk mixture; beat until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Beat in liqueur, salt and, if desired, food coloring., Place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread half the filling to within 1/4 in. of edge. Drizzle half the jam over filling. Repeat layers. Top with remaining cake layer. Refrigerate until filling is set, about 30 minutes. , In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Beat in cocoa and liqueur. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Frost top and sides of cake. Store in the refrigerator.

FLOURLESS DARK CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH FRESH RASPBERRY SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 10-inch cake pan.
• Melt chocolate chips and butter over a double boiler. Let cool slightly and fold in eggs. Pour batter into the prepared pan. Place pan in a deep roasting pan and pour in enough boiling water to come 1 inch up the sides of the cake pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes and cover with a paper towel.
• Turn cake out of pan upside-down onto a cake plate.
• Combine raspberries, water, and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until sauce has thickened and reduced, 5 to 7 minutes. Strain sauce and let cool 10 minutes before serving with the cake.

LEMON RASPBERRY WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Prepare and bake cake mix according to package directions for two 9 inch round pans. Cool cakes completely, then split each in half to make 4 layers.
• To make Raspberry Filling: In a blender or food processor, puree raspberries. In a saucepan, heat pureed raspberries until boiling. Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water and stir into raspberries. cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes, or until thickened. Set aside to cool.
• To make White Chocolate Mousse: In the top of a double boiler, heat white chocolate with 1 cup of the cream, stirring occasionally, until chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool to lukewarm. Whip the remaining 2 cups cream until soft peaks form. Stir in the vanilla. Fold 1/3 of the whipped cream into the white chocolate mixture, then quickly fold in the remaining whipped cream. Do not over-mix, or the mousse will become grainy.
• Place 1 cake layer on serving plate and spread with white chocolate mousse. Place the next layer on top and spread with raspberry filling. Repeat next layer of cake with mousse. Cover with the final layer of cake. Frost top and sides with mousse. Pipe a border with remaining mousse. Garnish with fresh berries.

FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO CAKE WITH RASPBERRY SAUCE

Steps:

• FOR SAUCE:
• Working in batches, puree raspberries and syrup in processor. Strain puree into medium bowl. Chill. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.)
• FOR CAKE:
• Preheat oven to 350 °F. Line bottom of 9-inch-diameter cake pan with 2-inch-high sides with parchment. Place all chocolate in large bowl. Bring butter, espresso and sugar to boil in medium saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add to chocolate; whisk until smooth. Cool slightly. Whisk in eggs.
• Pour batter into prepared pan. Place cake pan in roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into roasting pan to come halfway up sides of cake pan. Bake until center of cake is set and tester inserted into center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 1 hour. Remove pan from water. Chill cake overnight.
• Cut around pan sides to loosen cake. Using oven mitts as aid, hold pan bottom over low heat for 15 seconds, warming slightly to release cake. Place platter over pan. Hold pan and platter together tightly and invert. Lift off cake pan; peel off parchment.
• Serve with sauce and fresh berries.

CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE WITH RASPBERRY CREAM FILLING

Steps:

• CHOCOLATE CAKE.
• Prepare Chocolate Cake according to package directions in two 9 inch cake pans.
• Cool completely. For best results and time permitting, place the layers in freezer until firm.
• RASPBERRY CREAM FILLING.
• Place softened cream cheese and jam in a mixing bowl and cream together until well incorporated, about 2 minutes.
• Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until it reaches desired consistency. Use more or less than 2 cups, as desired.
• Frost only ONE of the cooled layers leaving a 1 inch unfrosted margin all around the edge of the layer. Then place the other layer on the Raspberry Filling. The top layer will push the Raspberry Filling toward the edges of the cake, that's why it's important to leave the 1 inch margin.
• CHOCOLATE FROSTING.
• Beat the frosting in mixing bowl for 2-3 minutes.
• Completely frost the sides of the cake.
• Put remaining frosting in decorating bag. Using a large star tip, create a shell border around the top of the cake. The border will keep the ganache on top of the cake. Place cake in refrigerator until ganache is ready.
• RASPBERRY CHOCOLATE GANACHE.
• Combine cocoa, sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan and whisk.
• Gradually add water and jam, continue to whisk the mixture.
• Bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly.
• Remove from the heat and stir in raspberry liqueur, if using.
• Let cool slightly.
• Remove cake from refrigerator and pour/spread ganache on top.
• Garnish with candies or raspberries.

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY BUNDT CAKE

Steps:

• For the cake: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• In a large mixing bowl, use a handheld electric mixer to whisk the milk, jam, melted butter, liqueur and eggs. Add the cake mix and beat on medium speed for about 1 minute.
• Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean when inserted into the cake, about 35 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove the cake from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• For the ganache: Put the chocolate, jam, and liqueur in a mixing bowl. Bring the cream to a low simmer in a small pan set over medium-high heat. Pour over the chocolate and let stand 10 minutes. Stir with a whisk until smooth. Let stand another 10 minutes.
• Place the cake on a cake stand or serving dish and pour the ganache over it, letting it drip down the sides. Use the raspberries and mint to decorate it to look like a holiday wreath if desired.

CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH RASPBERRY FILLING

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat the sugar, milk, coffee, oil, eggs and vanilla until well blended. In a small bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, coffee granules, baking soda, baking powder and salt; gradually beat into sugar mixture until blended., Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. baking pans. Bake at 325° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For filling, in a large bowl, beat butter and confectioners' sugar. Add jam; beat until blended., For frosting, melt chocolate in a microwave; stir until smooth. In a large bowl, beat butter and chocolate until fluffy. Add marshmallow creme, confectioners' sugar and extract; beat until smooth., Place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread with filling. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread frosting over top and sides of cake. Garnish with raspberries and chocolate curls. Store in the refrigerator.

CHOCOLATE-RASPBERRY LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• For the puree: Place the raspberries in a blender and blend until smooth (yields 1 1/4 cups of puree). Remove 1/4 cup of puree and reserve.
• For the cake: Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter and flour the bottom and sides of two 8- or 9-inch round nonstick baking pans. Set aside.
• Place 1 tablespoon of the cake mix and the chocolate chips in a small bowl. Toss until the chocolate chips are coated.
• In a large bowl, combine the remaining cake mix, 1 cup of the raspberry puree, vegetable oil, eggs and 1/4 cup water. Using an electric hand mixer, blend on low speed for 30 seconds. Increase the speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed. Mix in the chocolate chips. Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes.
• Cool the pans on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Remove the cakes from the pans and cool completely on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
• For the frosting: In a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, butter, cream cheese and sour cream. Using an electric hand mixer, beat on low speed until smooth. Increase the speed to high and beat until light and fluffy, about 1 minute.
• In a small bowl, mix together 3/4 cup of the frosting and the reserved 1/4 cup puree until smooth.
• To assemble the cake: Place one cake layer, flat side-up, on a cake stand. Using a spatula, spread the raspberry-chocolate frosting over the cake layer leaving a 1/2-inch border. Place the other cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining chocolate frosting. Decorate with fresh raspberries or chocolate curls. Using a damp knife cut the cake into wedges and serve.
• Cake can be made 1 day in advance. Refrigerate in an airtight plastic container. Allow the cake to stand at room temperature for 1 hour before serving.

RASPBERRY WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Make the white chocolate mousse:
• In a bowl whisk together well the yolks, the sugar, and a pinch of salt, add the cornstarch, sifted, and whisk the mixture until it is just combined. Add the milk, scalded, in a stream, whisking, transfer the mixture to a heavy saucepan, and boil it, whisking, for 1 minute, or until it is very thick and smooth. Strain the pastry cream through a fine sieve into a bowl, stir in vanilla and the butter, and chill the pastry cream, its surface covered with plastic wrap, until it is cooled completely. In a metal bowl set over barely simmering water melt the white chocolate, stirring occasionally, and let it cool to lukewarm. In a large bowl whisk together the white chocolate and 1 cup of the pastry cream, reserving the remaining pastry cream for the raspberry mousse, until the mixture is combined well. In a bowl with an electric mixer beat the heavy cream until it holds soft peaks, whisk one fourth of it into the white chocolate mixture, and fold in the remaining whipped cream gently but thoroughly.
• Line the sides of an oiled 9 1/2-inch springform pan as smoothly as possible with pieces of plastic wrap (the plastic wrap prevents the filling from discoloring and makes unmolding the cake easier), letting the excess hang over the side, and put an 8-inch cardboard round in the bottom of the pan. Invert the top layer of the génoise onto the round, brush the cake with some of the framboise, and spread it evenly with half the white chocolate mousse (about 2 cups). Invert the middle layer of the génoise onto the mousse, brush it with some of the remaining framboise, and chill the cake and the remaining white chocolate mousse while preparing the raspberry mousse.
• Make the raspberry mousse:
• In a blender or food processor purée the raspberries with the reserved syrup and strain the purée through a fine sieve set over a metal bowl, pressing hard on the solids. In a small saucepan sprinkle the gelatin over the framboise and let it soften for 1 minute. Heat the mixture over moderately low heat, stirring, until the gelatin is dissolved and whisk it into the purée. Whisk the reserved pastry cream into the raspberry mixture, whisking until it is smooth, set the bowl in a larger bowl of ice and cold water, and whisk the mixture until it is the consistency of raw egg white. Remove the bowl from the ice water and in a bowl with an electric mixer beat the heavy cream until it holds soft peaks. Whisk one fourth of the whipped cream into the raspberry mixture and fold in the remaining whipped cream gently but thoroughly.
• Spread about 1 cup of the raspberry mousse evenly over the middle layer of génoise in the pan, arrange some of the raspberries neatly around the edge of the pan, and continue to arrange the raspberries in concentric circles until the surface of the mousse is covered. Spread the remaining raspberry mousse over the raspberries, invert the third layer of génoise onto the mouse, and brush it with the remaining framboise. Spread the remaining white chocolate mousse over the génoise (the pan will be completely full) and chill the cake, its surface covered with a sheet of wax paper, for at least 6 hours or overnight. Remove the side of the pan, peel the plastic wrap carefully from the side of the cake, and transfer the cake with a spatula to a serving plate.
• Garnish the cake:
• Arrange some of the raspberries around the top edge of the cake, mound the white chocolate curls in the center, and garnish the bottom edge of the cake with the remaining raspberries and the mint sprigs.
• Make the white chocolate génoise:
• Line the bottom of a greased 8 1/2-inch springform pan with wax paper, grease the paper, and dust the pan with flour, knocking out the excess. In a metal bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water melt the white chocolate with the butter, the vanilla, and 3 tablespoons water, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Remove the bowl from the heat and let the mixture cool. Into a bowl sift together the flour and the salt. In a large bowl with an electric mixer beat the eggs with the sugar on high speed for 5 minutes, or until the mixture is triple in volume and forms a ribbon when the beaters are lifted. Fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture until the batter is just combined and fold in the white chocolate mixture gently but thoroughly. Pour the batter into the pan, smoothing the top, and bake the cake in the middle of a preheated 350°F. oven for 25 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean. Transfer the cake to a rack, run a sharp knife around the edge, and remove the side of the pan. Invert the cake onto another rack and remove the wax paper. Reinvert the cake onto the rack and let it cool completely.

WHITE CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH RASPBERRY FILLING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease the bottom and sides of three 9-inch round cake pans. Cut waxed paper into three 9-inch disks and fit into the pans.
• Combine cake mix, pudding mix, egg whites, water, and oil in a large mixing bowl. Beat using an electric mixer for 2 minutes. Fold in grated white chocolate. Pour batter evenly between the prepared pans.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean, 18 to 22 minutes. Let cool in the pans, 15 to 30 minutes. Turn out onto wire racks and let cool completely, about 30 minutes more.
• Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate and spread 1/2 cup of raspberry preserves on top. Place second layer on top and spread remaining preserves. Place third layer on top.
• Place white chocolate for frosting in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir frequently, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching, until chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool, about 10 minutes.
• Blend cream cheese and butter together in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer. Add cooled chocolate and continue mixing; add vanilla extract. Add powdered sugar slowly; beat on medium speed until fluffy.
• Frost the sides and top of the cooled cake and garnish with raspberries and shaved white chocolate. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

DECADENT CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH RASPBERRY SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325ºF.
• Grease bottom and side of springform pan, 8x2 1/2 inches, or round pan 9x1 1/2 inches.
• Melt 1 package chocolate chips and 1/2 cup butter in 2-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat; cool 5 minutes.
• Stir in flour until smooth.
• Stir in egg yolks until well blended.
• Beat egg whites in large bowl with electric mixer on high speed until foamy.
• Beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until soft peaks form.
• Gently stir chocolate mixture into egg whites.
• Spread in pan.
• Bake springform pan 35 to 40 minutes, round pan 30 to 35 minutes (top will appear dry and cracked) or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean; cool 10 minutes.
• Run knife along side of cake to loosen; remove side of springform pan.
• Turn cake upside down onto wire rack; remove bottom of springform pan and cool completely, about 1 hour.
• Place on serving plate.
• Heat 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons butter and the corn syrup over medium heat until chocolate chips are melted.
• Spread over top of cake, allowing some to drizzle down side.
• Place whipped cream in decorating bag fitted with tip.
• Pipe a rosette on each serving. Serve with Raspberry Sauce.
• Garnish with fresh raspberries.
• Raspberry Sauce:.
• Add enough water to reserved juice to measure 1 cup.
• Stir together sugar and cornstarch in 1-quart saucepan.
• Stir in juice and raspberries.
• Heat to boiling over medium heat.
• Boil and stir 1 minute; strain.
• Stir in liqueur.
• Refrigerate any remaining sauce.

FROZEN WHITE CHOCOLATE & RASPBERRY MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325.
• Butter a 9-inch spring form pan with 2-3/4 inch high sides.
• Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter and press mixture evenly over bottom and 1 inch up sides of pan.
• Bake 6 minutes and cool on rack.
• Bring 1/2-cup cream to boil in medium saucepan and reduce heat to low.
• Add white chocolate and stir until smooth.
• Pour mixture into large bowl mix in liqueur and vanilla.
• Cool completely.
• Bring sugar and water to a boil in small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves; boil until it reaches 238 degrees on a candy thermometer, about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
• Gradually beat in boiling syrup.
• Continue beating until stiff peaks form and meringue is cool.
• Fold egg whites into white chocolate mixture in 2 additions.
• Beat 1-1/2 cups cream in large bowl to soft peaks then fold into other mixture.
• Pour into prepared crust, cover tightly with foil and freeze for at least 5 hours.
• Remove cake from freezer and run a knife around the sides of the pan to loosen the cake.
• Release pan sides and cover the top with raspberries.
• Cut and serve.

WHITE CHOCOLATE-RASPBERRY BUNDT® CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a fluted tube pan (such as Bundt®).
• Combine cake mix, yogurt, water, oil, eggs, and pudding mix in a large bowl. Beat using an electric mixer on low speed until moistened. Increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes. Stir in white chocolate chips. Pour 1/2 of the batter into the prepared pan. Drizzle raspberry jam over batter; lightly swirl batter and jam together using a knife. Pour remaining batter on top of jam.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 55 minutes.
• Remove cake from the oven and let cool in the pan on a rack for 20 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
• While cake cools, combine cream cheese and butter using an electric mixer in a mixing bowl until fluffy. Add vanilla extract; gradually mix in confectioners' sugar until combined. Place icing in a gallon-sized zip-top bag and refrigerate until ready to use.
• When ready to ice cake, transfer cake to a plate and snip the corner of the frosting bag using scissors. Drizzle cake with frosting.

VEGAN CHOCOLATE-RASPBERRY CAKE WITH DARK CHOCOLATE GANACHE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Oil and flour a fluted tube pan (such as Bundt®).
• Combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Add 2 cups soy milk, oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract and stir until just combined. Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven, watching closely, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Invert cake onto a serving platter with a sheet of wax paper underneath the cake. Let cool completely, about 45 minutes, before glazing.
• Combine jam and 1 tablespoon water in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat glaze in a microwave oven at 50% power for about 1 minute.
• Combine chocolate chips and 1/4 cup soy milk in the top of a double boiler over medium heat. Stir until chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes. Add coffee granules and stir until smooth. Remove ganache from heat and let sit to thicken slightly, about 8 minutes.
• Spoon and spread raspberry glaze all over the top and sides of the cake. Follow with ganache. Allow cake to sit in a cool place until serving. Before serving, remove the wax paper from under the cake.

WHITE CHOCOLATE & RASPBERRY CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Grease and line the base of 2 x 20cm round, loose-bottomed cake tins. Put the butter and chocolate in a heatproof mixing bowl, set over a pan of barely simmering water and allow to melt slowly, stirring occasionally.
• When the butter and chocolate have melted, remove from the heat and allow to cool for 1-2 mins, then beat in the eggs and sugar with an electric whisk. Fold in the flour and raspberries.
• Gently pour the mixture into the tins and bake for 20-25 mins or until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean (the raspberries may leave a residue on the skewer, so don't be fooled by their juiciness). Remove the cakes from the oven and allow to cool in the tins for 10 mins before turning out onto a wire rack.
• To make the ganache, put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl with 100ml of the cream, set over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir until the chocolate has melted into the cream and you are left with a smooth, glossy ganache. Leave the ganache to cool to room temperature, then beat in the rest of the cream.
• When the cakes have cooled, sandwich them together with the chocolate ganache. Dust with icing sugar just before serving.

DEEP CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line bottoms of two 9-inch cake pans with parchment or waxed paper.
• To Make Cake: Melt 6 ounces of semisweet chocolate and 6 ounces of unsweetened chocolate in the top of a double boiler, or in a microwave. Cool, and beat in egg yolks.
• In a large bowl, beat butter, 1 1/2 cups sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add chocolate mixture, and continue beating until smooth. Stir in flour until just combined.
• In another bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually beat in 1/2 cup sugar, and continue beating until the whites hold soft peaks. Fold whites into chocolate batter, in three additions. Pour batter into prepared pans, and smooth tops.
• Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick stuck into the centers of the cakes comes out with moist crumbs, about 45 minutes. Cool in pans.
• To Make Frosting: In a saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Chop 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, and stir into the cream. Remove saucepan from heat, and continue stirring until smooth. Pour frosting into bowl, and press sheet of plastic wrap directly against surface of chocolate to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until thick enough to spread.
• To Make Filling: Drain the thawed raspberries, if necessary, and combine with the jam. Sandwich the cake layers with raspberry filling. Spread top and sides with chocolate frosting.

RASPBERRY-RICOTTA CAKE WITH WHITE CHOCOLATE AND ALMONDS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
• Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
• Cream sugar and butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add ricotta cheese, vanilla, and almond extract and beat until thoroughly incorporated, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in 1/2 of the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Repeat with remaining dry ingredients.
• Measure out 1/4 cup raspberries and 2 tablespoons sliced almonds; set aside.
• Add remaining raspberries and almonds to the batter, along with white chocolate chips; gently fold to combine. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth into an even layer. Sprinkle reserved raspberries and almonds evenly over top, followed by turbinado sugar.
• Place the pan on top of a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, 85 to 90 minutes. Allow cake to cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then gently run a table knife around the edges to loosen, and remove sides. Let cool completely before serving.

CHOCOLATE-RASPBERRY TRUFFLE CAKE

Steps:

• Puree raspberries in a food processor.
• Press raspberry mixture through a wire mesh sieve, using the back of a spoon to squeeze out the juice; discard seeds.
• Bring juice and the 1-2 T sugar to a boil over high heat, then cook over medium heat, stirring often until the mixture is reduced to 1/2 cup.
• Remove from heat and cool completely.
• Butter an eight inch cake pan and line bottom with parchment or waxed paper.
• Heat the 1/3 cup sugar and the Chambord in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.
• Add butter and continue heating and stirring until butter melts.
• Remove from heat and add chocolate, stir until smooth and cool.
• (I heated the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave at 50% power for about four minutes, then stirred until smooth and then added the warm melted chocolate to the liquor/butter mixture-It seemed to make it a lot smoother and quicker).
• Whisk together the raspberry reduction,eggs, flour, and almond extract in a large bowl.
• Add chocolate mixture and beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until well blended.
• Pour into prepared cake pan.
• Place cake pan into a larger pan (I used the broiler pan from the oven) and add hot water to a depth of one inch.
• Bake at 325°F for 42 to 45 minutes.
• Cake will have risen and not be completely "set".
• Remove from water bath and cool cake completely on a wire rack.
• Cake will "collapse" as it cools down.
• Run a thin knife around pan to loosen cake.
• Invert cake onto a plate, remove the parchment or waxed paper, and invert again onto a serving plate.
• To serve, cut cake into small wedges and place on plates that have been drizzled with the chocolate syrup.
• Garnish with whipped cream and a few fresh raspberries and serve.
• If desired, cake can be made a day ahead of time.
• Cover and chill in refrigerator then let stand at room temperature for at least one hour before serving.