Chocolate Raspberry Half Cake Food

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 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.

EASY CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE GANACHE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt cake pan.
• Combine cake ingredients in a large mixing bowl and beat on low speed of electric mixer until blended. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and then beat on high speed for 2 minutes. Spoon into the prepared pan and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched with a finger.
• Cool completely before frosting.
• Put the whipping cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the cream to a boil; remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips. Continue stirring until the chocolate has melted and the ganache is smooth.
• Let the ganache stand for about 5 minutes to cool slightly and then drizzle over the cooled cake. Garnish if desired with chopped walnuts and fresh raspberries.

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY CAKE

Steps:

• Prepare cake mix as directed in 9" round cake pans.
• Prepare mousse mix as directed except use the milk and liqueur for the liquid.
• Split each cake layer in half horizontally with a serrated knife.
• Place bottom of one layer on a cake plate.
• spread with 1/3 cup of the fudge topping.
• Spread 1/2 cup of the mousse over the fudge topping.
• Repeat layers two more times.
• Top with last cake layer.
• Finish frosting the cake with the remaining mousse.
• Cover and chill throughly.
• Garnish with fresh raspberries 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.

MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKES WITH RASPBERRY SAUCE

Steps:

• For Cakes:
• To make the ganache, melt 4 ounces of the chocolate with the heavy cream over a double boiler. Stir until smooth and chill until firm enough to scoop, about 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and butter 8 (7-ounce) ramekins. Coat the inside with 2 tablespoons of the sugar, making sure to tap out the excess.
• In a medium bowl combine the remaining chocolate with 1 cup of butter over a double boiler until melted, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. In large bowl beat together the eggs, egg yolks and the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar until pale, thick and light. Sift the flour over top, and fold in the salt and almond extract. Fold in the cooled chocolate mixture until uniformly combined. Divide equally between the prepared ramekins.
• Using a small scoop or tablespoon, form the chilled ganache into 8 balls.
• Put 1 into the center of each ramekin and press down slightly to cover with the batter.
• (Cakes can be prepared to this point, covered and held in the refrigerator for a few hours until ready to bake.) Arrange the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake until the tops look set, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven and carefully invert the ramekins onto serving plates. Garnish with raspberry sauce and reserved raspberries and serve immediately.
• For Raspberry Sauce and Garnish:
• Reserve 8 raspberries for garnish. Mash the remaining raspberries through a fine meshed sieve into a small bowl. Discard the seeds. Add the 2 tablespoons of superfine sugar and the Kirsch and whisk until the sugar is dissolved.

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.

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY BAVARIAN CAKE

Steps:

• Finishing:
• You will need 1 10-inch springform pan.
• For the syrup, combine the sugar and water, bring to a boil and cool. Stir in the liqueur.
• For the chocolate filling, bring the cream to a boil. Remove from heat, add the chocolate, and allow to stand 2 minutes. Whisk in the butter until smooth and cool.
• To make the Bavarian, combine the raspberries and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer 10 minutes. Use a food mill or a fine sieve to puree and strain away seeds. Cool. Combine the liqueur and gelatin in a small, heatproof bowl and soak 5 minutes. Place the bowl over simmering water to make liquid again, then whisk into cool puree. Whip cream and fold it in.
• Slice the genoise into two layers and place one in the bottom of a 10-inch springform pan. Moisten with half the syrup. Whip the cooled chocolate filling to lighten and spread half over cake layer; pour on half the Bavarian. Repeat with remaining cake layer, syrup, chocolate filling, and Bavarian. Chill to set.
• To unmold, run a small knife between dessert and mold and lift off side of pan. Whip the cream and spread over sides of dessert. Press some of the chocolate shavings into cream. Arrange raspberries on top in two concentric circles around the top rim, then sprinkle center with shavings and confectioners' sugar.
• One 9 by 2-inch round layer pan, or a 9-inch springform pan, buttered and the bottom lined with a disk of parchment or wax paper Set a rack at the middle level of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Sift together the cake flour, cornstarch, and cocoa through a fine-meshed strainer over a piece of waxed paper to break up any lumps in the cocoa. Set sifted ingredients aside with the strainer. Whisk together the eggs yolks, sugar, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water and continue whisking gently until the mixture is lukewarm, about 100 degrees. This should take only a minute or two. Whip with the electric mixer on high speed until the mixture is cooled and increased in volume, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove bowl from mixer and sift in dry ingredients, in three additions gently folding each third in with a rubber spatula. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread the top even with a spatula. Bake the layer about 30 minutes until it is well risen and the center is firm to the touch. If necessary, loosen the layer from the side of the pan with a small knife or spatula and invert the cake onto a rack. Place another rack on the cake and invert again. Remove the top rack, so that the layer cools right side up, still on the paper. Yield: 1 round layer, 9 inches in diameter by 2 inches deep

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY CAKE

Steps:

• For the chocolate cake batter:
• Preheat the oven at 350 degrees F. Butter 2 (9-inch round by 2-inch deep cake pans), and line the bottom with a round of parchment paper.
• Beat the 12 egg yolks with the sugar until thick and pale, about 3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer. Sift and fold in the cocoa using a spatula.
• Beat the egg whites until firm peaks form. Slowly add the egg whites to the chocolate mixture in 3 increments.
• Divide the batter evenly between the pans lined with parchment paper and bake in the middle of the oven for 20 minutes, or until it springs back with the touch of your fingers. Let cool slightly and unmold. Cool completely.
• For the raspberry filling:
• In a small saucepan, melt the raspberry jam, transfer to a bowl and add the fresh raspberries. Stir delicately to coat the raspberries with the jam. Keep aside.
• For the chocolate mousse:
• In a saucepan, bring the cream to a boil and remove from heat. Pour the hot cream on the chopped chocolate and let stand for 2 minutes. Whisk the ganache until smooth. Add the butter and let cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Beat the 5 egg whites to soft peaks. Add the sugar and continue beating until firm peaks form. Slowly add the meringue in 3 increments to the chocolate ganache. Keep the mixture in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
• To assemble the cake:
• Remove the parchment paper from the cake and invert one layer onto a plate. Spread half of the chocolate mousse and garnish with the reserved raspberry mixture. Place the second cake layer on top. Spread the remaining mousse and garnish with fresh raspberries. Top with chocolate shavings and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

CHOCOLATE-RASPBERRY ICING

Steps:

• Bring raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Strain and let cool for 5 minutes.
• Add powdered sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder. Whisk until smooth; taste and adjust flavorings as needed.
• Beat with a whisk for a thick and creamy icing. Let cool before using.

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE CAKE WITH RASPBERRIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. and butter a 10-inch springform pan.
• Chop chocolate and cut butter into pieces. In a double boiler or a metal bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water melt chocolate and butter with sugar, stirring until smooth (sugar will not be dissolved). Remove top of double boiler or bowl from heat and cool mixture to room temperature. Transfer mixture to a large bowl.
• Separate eggs, putting yolks in a small bowl and whites in a large bowl. Add yolks 1 at a time to chocolate mixture, whisking well after each addition. With an electric mixer beat whites until they just hold soft peaks. Sift flour over chocolate mixture and with a whisk fold flour and half of whites into mixture gently but thoroughly. With a rubber spatula fold in remaining whites gently but thoroughly.
• Pour batter into pan, smoothing top, and bake in middle of oven 40 to 45 minutes, or until a tester comes out with moist crumbs adhering. Cool cake completely in pan on a rack. Cake may be made up to this point 2 days ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Chop chocolate and in a double boiler or a metal bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water melt chocolate, stirring frequently until smooth. Remove top of double boiler or bowl from heat. While chocolate is melting, in a small saucepan bring cream just to a simmer and add espresso. Add cream mixture to chocolate with butter and liqueur and stir until smooth.
• Remove side of pan and cut cake into 8 wedges. Invert wedges (so that top sides will be flat) onto a large rack set over a large shallow baking pan, spacing them at least 1 inch apart. Pour enough warm ganache evenly over wedges to coat them and let stand 5 minutes.
• Scrape excess ganache from baking pan into bowl of ganache and pour ganache over wedges again, making sure they are coated completely. (Remaining ganache may be chilled, covered, and reheated for using as a chocolate sauce.) Let wedges stand at room temperature until ganache is set, at least 1 hour, and up to 6.
• Just before serving, pick over raspberries and cover top of each wedge with raspberries.

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.

DARK CHOCOLATE-RASPBERRY CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a fluted tube pan (such as Bundt®).
• Combine cake mix, water, oil, eggs, and almond extract in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly by hand, then fold in pie filling; batter will be thick. Pour into the prepared pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack before inverting carefully onto a cake platter or cake stand, about 30 minutes.
• For glaze, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add chocolate chips and stir constantly with a whisk until melted, then quickly stir in milk.
• Remove from heat and pour to drizzle evenly over cake. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY (OR STRAWBERRY) TALL CAKE

Steps:

• Prepare the cake according to package directions, using three greased and floured 9 in round cake pans.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 25- 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
• Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
• In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy.
• Combine milk and pudding mix;add to cream cheese and mix well.
• Fold in whipped topping and raspberries.
• Reserve a large dollop (approx 2 tablespoons) of filling for garnish.
• Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
• Spread with half of the filling. Do not cover sides of cake, just the top as this is made to look like a torte, not a frosted cake.
• Repeat layers.
• Top with remaining cake;dust with confectioner's sugar.
• Mound the reserved filling in the center and arrange raspberries in the middle.
• Garnish with fresh mint on top if desired.
• Store in refrigerator.
• Note: If you make this with strawberries and slice them, do not prepare filling too far in advance of serving the cake.
• This is because the strawberries will"bleed" into the filling and become mushy.
• It will still taste great, it will just look a bit unattractive.

CHOCOLATE-RASPBERRY CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with baking spray. Mix cocoa and flour together and use to flour the pans.
• Combine cake mix, water, vanilla yogurt, pudding mix, vodka, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl. Mix on low speed until moistened. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes, then stir in chocolate chips. Divide batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
• Bake in the preheated oven until the centers spring back at your touch, 40 to 50 minutes. Cool in the pans for 5 minutes. Run a table knife around the edges to loosen. Invert carefully onto a serving plate or cooling rack and let cool completely, about 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine raspberries and sugar for filling in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until they reduce by about 50%. Set aside to cool.
• Slice each cooled cake layer horizontally into two layers. Place the bottom layer on a serving plate and top with 1/3 of the filling. Repeat with 2 more layers and remaining filling. Top with final layer.
• Combine vanilla frosting, whipped topping, and melted white chocolate in a large mixing bowl; mix on high speed until smooth and creamy.
• Frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with extra chocolate chips and/or raspberries, if desired. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

WEIGHT WATCHERS CHOCOLATE-RASPBERRY HEART CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350ºF.
• Coat an 8-inch-round disposable aluminum pan with cooking spray and sprinkle with flour. Bend sides of pan to form a heart shape.
• Mix together cake mix, water, egg substitute and 1/3 cup of jam with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds; change speed to high and mix for 2 minutes more.
• Pour into prepared pan and bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
• Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
• Invert onto a plate and remove from pan; place right side up on wire rack and allow to cool completely.
• Meanwhile, melt chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water; allow to cool, then stir in remaining jam and half-and-half. Frost cake with chocolate mixture and outline perimeter of cake with raspberries.
• (Note: If chocolate mixture stiffens while frosting cake, microwave for 30 seconds to soften.).

DARK CHOCOLATE-RASPBERRY LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
• Sift cake flour, sugar, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Add 1 stick butter and oil and beat on slow speed for 1 to 2 minutes. Increase speed to high for 4 minutes. Turn off mixer and scrape sides of the bowl. Add 1 cup milk, eggs, applesauce, and chocolate extract and beat on medium speed until well combined into a thick batter. Pour evenly into the prepared cake pans.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick comes out clean and the center springs back to a light touch, 25 to 35 minutes. Allow to cool completely, about 30 minutes. Slice each cake in half horizontally to create 4 layers.
• Combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and bittersweet chocolate chips in the top of a double boiler set over hot but not boiling water. Stir until chocolate is melted and smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit.
• Cream 2 sticks butter in the bowl of the stand mixer. Mix on low speed and add confectioners' sugar, 8 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon chocolate extract, and 1 teaspoon cocoa. Scrape the bowl and add melted chocolate chips. Mix frosting until fluffy and light.
• Pour raspberry preserves in a microwave-safe bowl and warm in the microwave oven for 1 minute; stir well.
• Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread 1/2 the jar of preserves just to the edge. Lay the second layer on top and spread about 1 cup of frosting just to the edge. Lay the third layer down and spread remaining preserves just to the edge. Lay the final layer down and frost the entire cake with a thin crumb-coating of frosting, reserving remaining frosting. Refrigerate cake for 30 minutes.
• Remove cake from refrigerator and decorate as desired with remaining frosting.

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY TEA CAKES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugars, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, whisk the egg white, milk and butter; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in chocolate chips. , Fill each of six paper-lined muffin cups with 1 tablespoon batter. Drop 1 teaspoon of jam into each cup; top with remaining batter., Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

RASPBERRY WHITE CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH LEMON BUTTERCREAM

Steps:

• For cake:.
• Heat oven to 350. Generously grease and flour 2 9" round cake pans.
• Melt the white chocolate in a small glass bowl in the microwave for 1 minute. (It will probably hold most of its shape even though it is starting to melt). Remove from the microwave and stir the chocolate with a rubber spatula until smooth. Let cool for approximately 5 minutes.
• Place the cake mix, water, oil, eggs, egg whites, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a large bowl. Add the slightly cooled melted chocolate. Mix with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute. Stop your mixer and scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula. Using a medium speed, mix again for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Divide the batter between your prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a rubber spatula, then place the pans in the oven on the center rack, side by side.
• Set the timer for 28 minutes and then check for doneness. The layers should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed with your finger. It may take up to 4 minutes longer in the oven, but don't overcook.
• Remove from the oven and place on wire racks to cool for 10 minutes.
• Run a knife around the edge of each layer and invert onto a rack, then invert on another rack so that each layer is right side up. Allow to cool for at least 30 more minutes.
• For frosting:.
• Place the butter and 1 cup of the powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. With an electric mixer, beat on low speed for 30 seconds.
• Add the remaining powdered sugar alternately with the milk and lemon juice (1 cup of sugar, then 1 T liquid at a time), blending with the mixer after each addition. Add the lemon zest. If the frosting seems very stiff, add up to 1 more tablespoon milk. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy, approx 1 minute.
• To assemble:.
• Place the raspberry preserves in a small bowl and stir until it is smooth and no lumps are present.
• Using a long serrated knife, carefully split the first cake layer horizontally into halves, creating 2 layers. Place the bottom half on a cake plate, cut side up. Spread ¼ cup of the raspberry preserves on it. Place the top half of the layer, cut side down, on top of the first half. Again, spread with ¼ cup of the preserves.
• Split the 2nd layer in the same way you did the first. Place the bottom half on top of your partially assembled cake, cut side up, and top with the remaining ¼ cup of preserves. Then top with the top half, cut side down.
• Frost the top and sides of the cake with the lemon buttercream frosting.
• If you are garnishing the cake with fresh raspberries, wait until right before you serve it. Otherwise juice from the raspberries will start to spread into the frosting. It won't ruin it, but it won't look very pretty after a while.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

MINI CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY CAKES

Steps:

• In a bowl, beat the egg, sugar, water, oil and extracts until well blended. In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Gradually beat into sugar mixture until blended., Pour into four 4-in. fluted tube pans or 6-oz. ramekins coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to a wire rack to cool completely., For raspberry sauce, in a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir in raspberries and water; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; cool slightly. Press through a sieve; discard seeds., Scoop ice cream into cake centers. Drizzle with ice cream topping and raspberry sauce; sprinkle with pecans and additional raspberries if desired.

HEAVENLY CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F Grease a bundt or tube pan.
• Cream cream cheese with sugar and vanilla. Mix in chocolate chips and set aside.
• Stir together the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt.
• Beat the eggs, gradually beating in the sugar until the mixture is thick and pale yellow. Beat in the melted butter, then the milk, water and vanilla. Gradually beat in the flour mixture.
• Spread half the batter into the pan. Drop spoons of the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter. Sprinkle raspberries over top. Cover with remaining batter.
• Bake at 375°F for about 1 1/4 hours.

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY SHORTCAKES

Steps:

• To prepare shortcakes, heat oven to 400 degrees. Oil bottom of each cup in a 12-cup muffin pan. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and sugar. Using a pastry blender or an electric mixer, or working by hand, cut in the butter until mixture resembles damp sand. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, sour cream, vanilla and honey. Add to flour mixture, and stir until thoroughly blended.
• Put a scant 1/4 cup dough into each muffin cup. (Do not use muffin papers.) Bake until risen and firm on top, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat, and allow to cool. Then remove from pan, and cool completely. Place 6 shortcakes in an airtight freezer bag, and freeze for another use.
• To prepare filling for 6 shortcakes, whip heavy cream with 2 teaspoons confectioners' sugar until thick but still soft. Add 1/2 cup raspberries to cream, mashing them roughly with a fork.
• Split each shortcake in half horizontally, and place a dollop of raspberry cream onto bottom half. Add a portion of whole raspberries, and put the top back on at an angle. Sprinkle a dusting of the remaining 1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar over shortcakes, and serve.

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.

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.