Chocolate Layer Cake With Raspberry Cream Filling Food

RASPBERRY-CREAM LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter two 9-inch round cake pans (2 inches deep). Line bottoms with parchment paper; butter parchment.
• Bring cold ingredients to room temperature. Butter should be soft enough to hold a thumbprint but still keep its shape. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar on high until light and fluffy, about 6 minutes.
• Beat in 4 eggs plus 2 yolks, one at a time, until combined. Beat in vanilla extract.
• In another large bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. With mixer on low, add 1/3 the flour mixture to butter mixture, beating to combine.
• Beat in 3/4 cup buttermilk, another 1/3 the flour mixture, another 3/4 cup buttermilk, and remaining flour mixture until just combined. Scrape down bowl as needed. Divide batter between pans, firmly tap on a flat surface to remove air bubbles, and smooth tops.
• Bake until cakes are golden and puffed and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 30 minutes, rotating pans halfway through. Let cakes cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Run a knife around edges, then invert; remove parchment. Invert cakes again and let cool completely on racks.
• In a medium bowl, gently mash 1 cup raspberries with a fork. Stir in 1 cup whole raspberries. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat cream and confectioners' sugar on high until soft peaks form, 1 minute. With a rubber spatula, gently fold raspberries into whipped cream. Place 1 cake on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread raspberry cream on top, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Top with other cake, press gently, and finish with remaining raspberry cream. Serve immediately. Looking for more dessert ideas? Check out our homemade chocolate chip cookie recipes, apple pie recipes, and chocolate cake recipes.

CHOCOLATE & RASPBERRY BIRTHDAY LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Oil and line two round 20cm springform cake tins with baking parchment. Whisk the oil, sugar, eggs and milk in a bowl until smooth. Sieve the flour, cocoa and bicarb into another large bowl, then gradually mix in the wet ingredients.
• Divide the mixture between the tins and bake for 35-40 mins until the cakes are risen and spring back when pressed. Leave to cool in the tins for 10 mins, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• For the raspberry layer, stir the jam and the defrosted raspberries together. Once the cakes are cool, whip the cream with the sugar to soft peaks, then gently fold half the raspberry mixture through the cream to create a ripple effect.
• Spoon most of the reserved raspberry mixture over one of the cakes, then dollop on half of the cream. Smooth over with a palette knife, then place the other sponge on top. Swirl over the remaining cream and swirl the last of the raspberry mixture through it. Will keep in the fridge for two days.

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 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 WAFFLE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat a waffle maker that makes round waffles on medium. Prepare the boxed cake mix according to the package directions.
• Pour 1/3 cup of the batter into the center of the waffle maker, close the lid and cook until the cake is lightly browned and springs back when you touch it, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Remove the cake from the waffle maker using a fork and set aside on a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining batter; you should have 8 waffled cakes total. Let them all cool completely.
• Pulse the raspberries with the confectioners' sugar in a food processor until it looks like dust. Add the mascarpone, vanilla and 1 cup cream and pulse until thick and creamy.
• Put the chocolate chips in a medium bowl. Heat the remaining 1/2 cup cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until small bubbles form and it just begins to simmer. Pour the cream over the chocolate and stir until melted and smooth.
• Put 1 waffled cake on a cake stand or plate. Use an offset spatula to evenly spread a 1/4 cup of the raspberry-cream mixture over the cake, pushing most of it to the edge of the cake, leaving a small well in the middle. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the chocolate ganache into the well and top with another waffled cake. Repeat with remaining waffled cakes, raspberry cream and ganache, finishing with some raspberry cream on top. Decorate the top with the fresh raspberries and drizzle with the remaining ganache (microwave the ganache for a few seconds and stir if it needs to be loosened). If desired, dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.

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.

WHITE CHOCOLATE-RASPBERRY CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Grease and flour 2 (9-inch) round pans; set aside. Microwave chocolate and butter in medium microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 min. or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted; cool slightly.
• Beat cake mix, milk, eggs, vanilla and chocolate mixture in large bowl with mixer until well blended. Pour into prepared pans.
• Bake 25 to 28 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans 10 min.; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool cakes completely.
• Place 1 cake layer on plate; spread with 2/3 cup White Chocolate-Cream Cheese Frosting, then jam. Cover with remaining cake layer. Spread top and side with remaining frosting. Top with raspberries just before serving.

CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH RASPBERRY BUTTERCREAM

Steps:

• For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two 9-by-2-inch round cake pans; dust the pans with flour, and knock out excess.
• In a large measuring cup, combine the buttermilk, coffee, vanilla and 1 1/2 cups water. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix on low speed. Mix in the butter and eggs, and then slowly add the buttermilk mixture, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake until the cake layers begin to pull away from sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 22 to 25 minutes.
• For the Swiss meringue buttercream: Add the sugar and egg whites to a heatproof stand mixer bowl, and set over a pan of simmering water. Whisking constantly, heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture registers 160 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer. Transfer the bowl to the stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, and beat on medium-high speed until fluffy and cooled, about 10 minutes. Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Reduce the speed to medium-low and add the butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla. (Makes 7 cups. See Cook's Note.)
• For the raspberry buttercream: In a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat 800 grams of the Swiss meringue buttercream together with the raspberry puree until fully incorporated. (Makes 4 cups.)
• To assemble: Level and tort both cakes--you will end up with 4 layers of cake. Place one cake layer on a serving platter; add about a 1/2-inch layer of the raspberry buttercream. Repeat until you have 4 stacked layers of cake and 3 layers of filling. Frost the cake with the remaining Swiss meringue buttercream.

RASPBERRY CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• TO MAKE THE RASPBERRY FILLING:
• Combine the sugar, cornstarch and water in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat and stir to combine. Heat until the mixture is wet and the sugar begins to melt.
• 2. Add the raspberries and stir to coat with the sugar mixture.
• 3. Continue to cook until the raspberries start to soften and let out juice. Use your spatula to mash the raspberries.
• 4. Remove from heat when raspberry juice has begun to thicken, after about 5 minutes. Pour the mixture into another bowl and refrigerate until cool. TO MAKE THE CAKE LAYERS:
• Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C) and prepare three 8 inch cake pans with non-stick baking spray and parchment paper in the bottom.
• . Add the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt to a large mixer bowl and combine. Set aside.
• . Add the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract and eggs to a medium sized bowl and combine.
• . Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and beat until well combined.
• . Slowly add the hot water to the batter and mix on low speed until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is well combined.
• 0. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• 1. Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes, then remove to a cooling rack to finish cooling. TO MAKE THE CHOCOLATE FROSTING:
• p id="instruction-step-13″>12. Add the butter to a large mixer bowl and beat until smooth.
• 3. Add the melted chocolate and mix until well combined.
• 4. Add the cocoa powder and mix until well combined.
• 5. Add about half of the powdered sugar, salt and half of the heavy cream and mix until well combined.
• 6. Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
• 7. Add the remaining heavy cream as needed to get the right consistency of frosting. TO MAKE THE GANACHE AND FINISH THE CAKE:
• p id="instruction-step-19″>18. To make the chocolate ganache, add the chocolate chips to a medium sized bowl (see my tips on making chocolate ganache).
• 9. Heat the heavy whipping cream in the microwave until it just begins to boil. Keep an eye on it because it happens quickly.
• 0. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Set aside.
• 1. To layer the cake, first use a large serrated knife to remove the domes from the tops of the cakes so they are flat. See my tips on how to level a cake and how to stack a cake.
• 2. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate or on a cardboard cake circle.
• 3. Pipe a dam around the outside of the cake layer with some of the chocolate frosting.
• 4. Spread about 1/4 cup of chocolate ganache on top of the cake, in the center of the dam.
• 5. Drop spoonfuls of the raspberry filling (use about half of the raspberry filling per layer) over the chocolate ganache and then spread into an even layer.
• 6. Add the second layer of cake, then repeat steps 23 thru 25.
• 7. Add the third and final layer of cake on top.
• 8. Frost the top and outside of the cake with the remaining chocolate frosting.
• 9. Use the remaining chocolate ganache to drizzle chocolate around the edges of the cake, then fill in the center. If the ganache has gotten a little firm from sitting, just reheat for a few seconds until pourable again. See my tips on making a chocolate drip cake.
• 0. Pipe swirls with the remaining chocolate frosting around the top of the cake, then decorate with additional raspberries and chocolate sprinkles, if desired. Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve. The cake is best when served at room temperature and holds up well for 4-5 days when well sealed in an air tight container. *You'll need about 2 pints of raspberries for the filling and decor.

RASPBERRY-CREAM LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter two 9-inch round cake pans (2 inches deep). Line bottoms with parchment paper; butter parchment. Divide batter between pans, firmly tap on a flat surface to remove air bubbles, and smooth tops.
• Bake until cakes are golden and puffed and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 30 minutes, rotating pans halfway through. Let cakes cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Run a knife around edges, then invert; remove parchment. Invert cakes again and let cool completely on racks.
• In a medium bowl, gently mash 1 cup raspberries with a fork. Stir in 1 cup whole raspberries. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat cream and confectioners' sugar on high until soft peaks form, 1 minute. With a rubber spatula, gently fold raspberries into whipped cream. Place 1 cake on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread raspberry cream on top, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Top with other cake, press gently, and finish with remaining raspberry cream. Serve immediately.

SEMISWEET CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE WITH VANILLA CREAM FILLING

Steps:

• For cake:
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter three 8-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 1/2-inch-high sides. Line bottoms with parchment paper round; butter parchment. Place chocolate in metal bowl set over saucepan of simmering water. Stir until melted and smooth.
• Whisk all purpose flour and next 4 ingredients in medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat brown sugar, butter, and vanilla in large bowl to blend (mixture will be crumbly). Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in warm melted chocolate. Mix in dry ingredients in 2 additions alternately with buttermilk in 1 addition. Divide batter among prepared pans.
• Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 23 minutes. Cool cakes in pans 10 minutes. Turn cakes out onto rack; peel off parchment. Cool cakes completely. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Wrap cakes in plastic and store at room temperature.)
• For cream filling:
• Place 2 tablespoons cold water in small bowl. Sprinkle unflavored gelatin over; let stand 10 minutes to soften.
• Bring 1/2 cup cream to boil in heavy small saucepan. Add hot cream mixture to softened gelatin; stir until dissolved. Place in refrigerator just until cold, whisking frequently, about 5 minutes.
• Place remaining 1 cup chilled cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat until peaks form. Add gelatin mixture and beat until peaks form.
• Place 1 cake on 8-inch cardboard round or tart pan bottom. Spread half of filling over. Top with second cake. Spread remaining filling over. Top with third cake. Chill on cardboard round 3 hours.
• For ganache:
• Bring cream and corn syrup to simmer in heavy small saucepan. Remove from heat. Add chocolate; whisk until smooth. Cool.
• Place cake on rack set in large rimmed baking sheet. Spread half of ganache over top and sides of cake. Chill cake 1 hour. Rewarm remaining ganache in small saucepan over low heat just until lukewarm, whisking often. Pour ganache over cold cake, spreading as needed to cover top and sides. Chill until ganache is set, about 1 hour. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.)
• Cut out paper heart shapes of differing sizes and arrange atop cake. Sift powdered sugar over. Carefully lift hearts from cake. Serve immediately.

VERY CHOCOLATE TORTE WITH RASPBERRY CREAM

Steps:

• Prepare and bake cake mixes according to package directions, using four 9-in. round baking pans., For frosting, in a small heavy saucepan, melt chocolate chips and butter over low heat; stir until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl; cool 5 minutes. Stir in sour cream. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth., For filling, in a small bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add preserves, sugar and liqueur; beat until stiff peaks form., Save one cake layer for another use. Using a long serrated knife, cut each remaining cake layer horizontally in half. Place one layer on a serving plate; spread with about 1/3 cup filling. Top with another cake layer; spread with 1/2 cup frosting. Repeat layers. Top with another cake layer, remaining filling and remaining cake layer. Frost top and sides of cake with remaining frosting., Melt white chocolate in a microwave; stir until smooth. Place mixture in a resealable plastic bag; cut a small hole in a corner of bag. Pipe over top of cake as desired. Refrigerate until serving. Just before serving, top with chocolate curls and raspberries.

LIGHT CHOCOLATE TORTE WITH RASPBERRY FILLING

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat the sugar, water, buttermilk, eggs, applesauce, oil and vanilla until well blended. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt and baking soda; gradually beat into sugar mixture until blended., Transfer to two 9-in. round baking pans coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 25-30 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., In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar and jam until blended. Split each cake into two horizontal layers. Place a bottom layer on a serving plate; spread with a third of the filling. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining cake layer. Garnish with raspberries, mint and additional confectioners' sugar if desired.

RASPBERRY DREAM CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C) and prepare three 8 inch cake pans with parchment paper in the bottom and baking spray on the sides. 2
• . Combine the milk, eggs, vegetable oil and vanilla extract in a large bowl, then separate about 3/4 cup of the mixture into another bowl or measuring cup. About 1 1/4 cups should remain in the other bowl. Set both aside.
• . In a large mixer bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
• . With the mixer on the lowest speed, add the butter about a tablespoon at a time, allowing it to incorporate before adding the next tablespoon. As you add more butter, the mixture will start to clump together a bit a should end up resembling wet sand.
• . Add the larger of the reserved egg mixture (about 1 1/4 cups) to the dry ingredients/butter mixture. Stir on the lowest speed until it's incorporated, then scrape down the sides of the bowl. 6.
• Increase the speed to medium high and beat until light and fluffy, about 45 seconds to a minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. 7.
• Turn the speed down to low and slowly add the remaining egg mixture in a slow stream until incorporated. 8.
• Scrape the sides of the bowl, then turn speed back up and mix until well combined, about 10-15 seconds. 9.
• Divide the batter evenly between the three cake pans and bake 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. 10
• Remove cakes from the oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack to cool completely. The cakes will pull away from the sides of the pan a little as they cool. 11
• To make the raspberry filling, add the raspberries and water to a food processor and puree until smooth. If you'd like, you can strain the puree to remove the seeds. 12
• Combine the sugar and cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Stir in the raspberry puree. 13
• Cook over medium heat, stirring consistently until mixture thickens and comes to a boil, about 8-10 minutes. 14
• Allow to boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Refrigerate and allow to cool completely. 15
• When ready to build the cake, make the frosting. Add the cream cheese and butter to a large mixer bowl and beat until well combined and smooth. 16
• Add about half of the powdered sugar and mix until well combined and smooth. 17
• Add the vanilla extract and salt mix until well combined. 18
• Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until well combined and smooth. 19
• To put the cake together, use a large serrated knife to remove the domes from the top of the cakes so that they're flat. Refer to my tutorial, if needed. 20.
• lace the first cake on a serving plate or a cardboard cake round. 21.
• ipe a dam of frosting around the outside of the cake. Refer to my tutorial, if needed. Spread about 1/2 of the filling evenly on top of the cake. 22.
• lace the second cake on top and add another dam of frosting and the remaining raspberry filling. 23.
• op the cake with the final cake layer and frost with the remaining frosting. Refer to my tutorial, if needed. 24.
• f desired, use a 9 inch offset spatula to create a design in the sides of the cake. Pipe shells around the top edge of the cake. I used Ateco tip 847. Finish off the cake with some fresh raspberries. 25.
• efrigerate cake until ready to serve. Cake is best when allowed to sit out for an hour or two before serving so that it comes a little closer to room temperature. Cake is best when stored well covered for 3-4 days.

FUDGY CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE WITH RASPBERRY CHAMBORD WHIPPED CREAM

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325°F.
• Line the bottoms of three 8" round pans with rounds of parchment paper. Spray pans and paper with vegetable cooking spray.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
• In a small mixing bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs and vanilla.
• In another glass measuring cup, melt the butter in the espresso grounds and hot water.
• Using a whisk, beat half of the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients at low speed. Beat in half of the coffee mixture, scrape down the bowl. Beat in the remaining buttermilk and coffee mixtures. Pour into the pre lined pans and bake for 30 minutes or until the cake slightly cracks or pops back.
• For the Filling:.
• Bring the water and sugar to a boil add raspberries and cook down till you have a syrup (nearly jam consistency). Cool and set aside.
• Once cake is cooled cover each layer of cake with 1 ½ ounces of Chambord liquor add 1/3 of your raspberry mixture and spread over the top of each layer.
• Whip 1 pint of Whipping Cream to near peak add ¾ cup confectioners sugar and ½ tsp vanilla. Whip till peaks appear.
• Place one half of the whip cream mixture over the first two layers and spread evenly.
• Ganache:.
• Bring cream to a boil (stirring constantly) add chocolate remove from heat and cover for 5 minutes - uncovered and whisk fill smooth, cool for 10-15 minutes. Allow the Ganache to cover the top of the cake and drizzle down the sides. If you are watching your calories this is not the cake for you - but if you love chocolate - yummy!

WHITE CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE WITH RASPBERRY FILLING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Take two 9-inch round baking pans and either line bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking or take a shortening stick and grease the pans, then sprinkle with flour.
• Pour milk over chopped white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave in 30-second intervals until smooth.
• Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder in a small bowl.
• Beat white sugar and butter together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually blend in melted chocolate mixture and vanilla extract. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour mixture alternately with sour cream. Pour evenly into the prepared cake pans.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes; make sure you don't overbake. Cool for 15 minutes; remove cakes from pans. Cool completely in the freezer for about 30 minutes to make them easier to cut the layers.
• Combine heavy cream, raspberries, and sugar for filling in a small mixing bowl; beat until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• Beat cream cheese and butter for frosting in a large mixing bowl on medium speed until well blended. Add melted chocolate and vanilla; mix well. Add powdered sugar gradually, beating until light and fluffy after each addition.
• Split cake layers horizontally in half. Place 1 layer on a cake plate and spread 1/3 of the raspberry filling over top. Repeat with two more layers and remaining filling. Top with last layer and frost cake with cream cheese frosting.

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY LAYER CAKE RECIPE

Steps:

• Gather the raspberry filling ingredients.
• Combine the sugar and cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Whisk to combine and then add the lemon juice, water, and frozen (or fresh) raspberries.
• Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Let the raspberry filling cool and refrigerate until it's time to assemble the cake. Make the Chocolate Cake
• Gather the cake ingredients.
• Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 F. Grease three 8-inch round cake pans and then line them with parchment paper. Set aside.
• Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Stir to blend thoroughly.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract together.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and mix until combined.
• Add the hot water (or hot coffee) to the mixing bowl and mix just until the batter is combined. The batter will be thin.
• Divide the batter evenly among the baking pans. If you are weighing ingredients, it will be roughly 15 to 16 ounces per pan for a 3-layer cake or about 22 to 24 ounces per pan for a 2-layer cake.
• Bake the cakes for 24 to 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
• Cool the cake layers in the pan on a cooling rack for 20 minutes.
• Then, turn the layers out onto the cooling racks to cool completely. Prepare the Chocolate Buttercream
• Gather the ingredients for the chocolate buttercream.
• In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed, beat the butter for 2 minutes or until creamy.
• Sift the confectioners' sugar and cocoa powder together in a separate bowl.
• Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter along with 4 tablespoons cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to high and beat for about 1 minute, adding more cream if needed, until you reach the desired spreading consistency. If the buttercream gets too soft, refrigerate it for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up before frosting the cake. Assemble the Cake
• Place a cake layer on a cake plate or cake stand and spread with about a cup of raspberry filling.
• Place the second layer on top and spread with more raspberry filling. Add the 3rd layer.
• Frost the top and sides of the cake with the chocolate buttercream frosting. If you have leftover filling, refrigerate it in a covered container or jar for other uses.
• If desired, arrange fresh raspberries over the top of the frosted cake or add a decorative piped edging with any leftover buttercream and refrigerate until it's time to serve.

CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE-RASPBERRY FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter two 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 2-inch-high sides. Line bottom of pans with parchment paper. Butter parchment. Dust pans with flour; tap out excess.
• Sift 2 2/3 cups flour, baking soda and salt into medium bowl. Combine cocoa and espresso powder in another medium bowl. Whisk boiling water, then buttermilk and vanilla into cocoa mixture. Using electric mixer, beat sugar, butter and shortening in large bowl until fluffy. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk mixture in 3 additions each. Beat batter until smooth, about 2 minutes. Divide between prepared pans.
• Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Cool in pans on racks 10 minutes. Cut around pan sides to loosen cakes. Turn cakes out onto racks. Peel off paper. Cool completely. Chill cakes 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, prepare the Chocolate-Raspberry Frosting. Place 1 cake layer on work surface. Place 8-inch-diameter cake pan or plate atop cake. Using serrated knife, cut around cake pan, trimming to form 8-inch-diameter cake. Repeat with second cake layer. Transfer cake trimmings to processor; grind finely. Place in bowl. Mix in cookie crumbs.
• Using serrated knife, cut each cake horizontally in half. Using 9-inch tart pan bottom as aid, transfer 1 cake layer, cut side up, to platter. Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons raspberry jam over. Spread 1/2 cup frosting over jam. Repeat layering 2 more times, using 1 cake layer, 1 1/2 tablespoons jam and 1/2 cup frosting for each layer. Top with fourth cake layer, cut side down. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Press crumb mixture generously onto frosting on top and sides of cake. Arrange raspberries in concentric circles atop cake. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover with cake dome and refrigerate. Let cake stand at room temperature 1 hour before serving.)