Chocolate Raspberry Layer Cake: A Decadent, Berry-Filled Delight

Few desserts are as indulgent and luxurious as a Chocolate Raspberry Layer Cake. This rich, moist chocolate cake is layered with smooth chocolate ganache, fluffy chocolate buttercream, and a vibrant raspberry filling, creating the perfect balance of deep chocolate and fruity tartness.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, holiday, or simply craving something extraordinary, this stunning, bakery-quality cake will impress everyone. The chocolate and raspberry pairing is a match made in heaven, and each bite is pure decadence.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

✔ Ultra-Moist & Rich – The chocolate cake is soft, tender, and melts in your mouth.
✔ Perfect Chocolate-Raspberry Balance – The sweet chocolate and tart raspberries complement each other beautifully.
✔ Three Layers of Indulgence – Each bite has a perfect blend of chocolate ganache, buttercream, and raspberries.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – A stunning centerpiece for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or celebrations.
✔ Easy to Make Ahead – This cake stores well, making it perfect for prep-ahead desserts.

The Best Chocolate Raspberry Layer Cake Recipe

This cake features deep chocolate cake layers, a creamy chocolate buttercream, and a fresh raspberry filling, finished with a silky ganache glaze.

Ingredients (Serves 12-14)

For the Chocolate Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)

For the Raspberry Filling:

2 cups fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (to thicken)

For the Chocolate Buttercream:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
½ cup cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ cup heavy cream (or milk)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream

For Garnish:

Fresh raspberries
Shaved chocolate (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare the Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.

2. Make the Chocolate Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
Add oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Pour in the hot coffee and stir until fully combined (batter will be thin).

3. Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the three cake pans.
Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Raspberry Filling

In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
Stir frequently, mashing the raspberries as they soften.
Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, then stir it into the raspberry mixture.
Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Remove from heat and let cool.

5. Make the Chocolate Buttercream

In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy (about 2 minutes).
Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing on low speed.
Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, then beat on high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.

6. Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a cake stand.
Spread a layer of chocolate buttercream, followed by raspberry filling.
Repeat with the second cake layer.
Place the final cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream.

7. Make the Ganache

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat heavy cream for 30 seconds (or until warm).
Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes.
Stir until smooth and glossy.

8. Decorate & Serve

Pour the chocolate ganache over the frosted cake, letting it drip down the sides.
Top with fresh raspberries and shaved chocolate.
Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for perfect layers.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Raspberry Cake

✅ Use high-quality cocoa powder – It makes a big difference in flavor.
✅ Sift the dry ingredients – Keeps the cake light and prevents lumps.
✅ Don’t skip the coffee – It deepens the chocolate flavor (you won’t taste the coffee!).
✅ Chill the raspberry filling – This prevents it from running out of the cake layers.
✅ Let the cake rest before slicing – This helps the layers set and prevents sliding.

Variations & Customizations

Want to switch it up? Try these fun variations!

1. White Chocolate Raspberry Cake

🍫 Swap the chocolate buttercream for white chocolate buttercream.
🍫 Drizzle with white chocolate ganache instead of dark chocolate.

2. Dark Chocolate Espresso Cake

☕ Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to the batter for a mocha flavor.
☕ Use dark chocolate chips for a richer ganache.

3. Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Cake

🧀 Add a layer of cheesecake between the cake layers.
🧀 Swirl raspberry sauce into the cheesecake for extra fruitiness.

4. Vegan Chocolate Raspberry Cake

🌱 Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed + 6 tbsp water).
🌱 Use almond milk and coconut oil for a dairy-free version.

What to Serve with Chocolate Raspberry Cake

This cake is incredibly rich, so pairing it with lighter flavors is ideal:

☕ Espresso or Coffee – Balances the sweetness with bitterness.
🍨 Vanilla Ice Cream – A creamy contrast to the rich chocolate.
🍷 Red Wine (Cabernet or Merlot) – Enhances the chocolate depth.
🍓 Fresh Mixed Berries – Adds freshness and tanginess.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:

Keep the cake covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Freezing:

Wrap individual cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Chocolate-Raspberry Indulgence

This Chocolate Raspberry Layer Cake is rich, moist, and bursting with fresh raspberry flavor—a true showstopper for any celebration! The silky chocolate ganache, tangy raspberry filling, and luscious buttercream make it completely irresistible.

🔥 Try it today and experience the magic of chocolate and raspberries! 🔥