Chocolate Decadence Cake

Decadent Chocolate Raspberry Cake: A Sweet Symphony

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of rich chocolate and vibrant raspberry flavors, this Chocolate Decadence Cake is your answer. Whether it’s a special occasion or simply a treat-yourself moment, this cake promises to deliver indulgence in every bite. Below, you’ll find the complete recipe to bring this delicious creation to life in your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Chocolate Cake:

• 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

Raspberry Frosting:

• 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

Filling:

• 2/3 cup raspberry preserves

Chocolate Ganache Drip:

• 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1-2 tsp vegetable oil

Decorating:

• Fresh raspberries
• Mini chocolate chips

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Directions

Prep:

1. Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans, ensuring the cakes will release easily after baking.

Cake Batter:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the hot water and cocoa powder until smooth. Set aside.
2. In another large bowl, mix the cake flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder until well combined.
3. Add the wet ingredients—sour cream, milk, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract—into the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is combined and the batter is smooth.
4. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.

Bake:

1. Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 23-27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
2. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Raspberry Frosting:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
3. Blend in the powdered freeze-dried raspberries and raspberry preserves until fully incorporated.
4. Finally, add the softened cream cheese and beat the frosting until it is smooth and has a light, fluffy texture.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Place one layer of the cooled cake onto a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of the raspberry frosting on top, followed by a thin layer of raspberry preserves.
2. Repeat this process with the remaining cake layers.
3. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake to lock in any crumbs. Chill the cake for 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
4. After chilling, apply a final thick layer of raspberry frosting smoothly over the entire cake.

Chocolate Ganache Drip:

1. Heat the heavy cream until it is hot but not boiling.
2. Pour the hot cream over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and let it sit for a minute. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
3. Mix in the vegetable oil to achieve a glossy finish.
4. Using a spoon, carefully create drips around the edge of the chilled cake. Allow the ganache to set by chilling the cake.

Decorate:

1. Use any remaining raspberry frosting to pipe decorative swirls on top of the cake.
2. Garnish with fresh raspberries and mini chocolate chips for an extra touch of elegance.

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Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Decadence Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The combination of rich chocolate, tangy raspberry, and creamy frosting makes it a showstopper for any event. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or indulging on your own, each slice is sure to impress.

Enjoy baking, and savor every bite of this delightful cake!

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Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 27 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Calories: 670 kcal per serving
Servings: 12 servings