Triple Decker Raspberry Chocolate Cake Food

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.

TRIPLE-CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH RASPBERRY SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mixes, eggs, water and oil; beat on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium 2 minutes. Fold in chocolate chips., Pour into a well-greased 10-in. fluted tube pan. Bake 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely., Meanwhile, place water, raspberries and sugar in a blender; cover and process until well blended. In a small saucepan, combine cornstarch and lemon juice; stir in raspberry puree. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Refrigerate until serving., Dust cake with confectioners' sugar. Serve with sauce.

TRIPLE-DECKER RASPBERRY CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Place a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Generously grease three 9-inch round cake pans with solid vegetable shortening, then dust with flour. Shake out the excess flour. Set the pans aside. Strain the raspberries through a fine-mesh sieve if you don't want the seeds in your cake (I like the bit of crunch they add). Place the cake mix, raspberries and their juice, sour cream, oil, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute. Stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat 2 minutes more, scraping down the sides again if needed. The batter should look well blended. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans, smoothing it out with the rubber spatula. Place the pans in the oven side by side, or if your oven is not large enough, place two pans on the center rack and the third pan in the center of the highest rack. Bake until they spring back when lightly pressed with your finger, 25 to 28 minutes. Check the pan on the highest rack first, as it will bake the quickest. Remove the pans from the oven and place them on wire racks to cool for 10 minutes. Run a dinner knife around the edge of each layer and invert each onto a rack, then invert again onto another rack so that the cakes are right side up. Allow to cool completely, 30 minutes more. For Chocolate Ganache. Place the cream in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring. Meanwhile, place the chopped chocolate in a large stainless-steel mixing bowl. Remove the cream from the heat, and pour it over the chocolate. Stir with a wooden spoon until the chocolate is melted. Stir in the liqueur if desired. To use the ganache as a frosting, let it stand for 30 minutes at room temperature, or chill it for 10 minutes, until it has thickened enough to spread with a metal spatula. Place one cake layer, right side up, on a serving platter. Spread the top with ganache frosting. Place the second layer, right side up, on top of the first layer. Spread the top with ganache. Place the third layer, right side up, on top of the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake. Work with clean, smooth strokes. Decorate the top attractively with the fresh raspberries, if desired. Place this cake, uncovered or in a cake saver, in the refrigerator until the frosting sets, 20 minutes. Then cover the cake with waxed paper, or place it in a cake saver or under a glass dome, and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Or freeze it in a cake saver for up to 6 months. Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

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.

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.

BEST CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY TORTE

Steps:

• Line three 9-in. round baking pans with waxed paper; grease and flour the pans and paper. Set aside., In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt and baking powder; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition., Transfer to prepared pans. 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 pans to wire racks to cool completely., For frosting, in a small heavy saucepan, melt chips and butter over low heat. Transfer to a large bowl; cool for 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 the preserves, sugar and liqueur; beat until stiff peaks form., Cut each cake horizontally into two layers. Place bottom layer on a serving plate; spread with 1/2 cup filling. Top with another cake layer and spread with 1/2 cup frosting. Repeat layers. Top with another cake layer, 1/2 cup filling and remaining cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake., For drizzle, place chips and butter in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate; whisk until smooth. Place mixture in a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag; cut a small hole in a corner of bag. Pipe a lattice design over top of cake, allowing some drizzle to drape down the sides. Decorate with chocolate curls and raspberries as desired. Refrigerate leftovers.

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.

DOUBLE-DECKER CHOCOLATE AND CHERRY-RASPBERRY BIRTHDAY PIE

Steps:

• Make the crust:
• Coat springform pans with nonstick spray and line bottoms with parchment paper.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll one large disc of dough to a 15" round; keep remaining dough chilled. Roll dough loosely around rolling pin, then unfurl it into one of the prepared pans. Gently lift and settle dough into bottom and up sides of pan. Trim any excess dough with scissors, leaving a 1/4" overhang, and transfer to refrigerator. Repeat with second large disc of dough and remaining pan. Chill at least 30 minutes.
• On a lightly floured piece of parchment, roll out smaller discs of dough to 12" rounds. Transfer on parchment to a rimmed baking sheet. Chill at least 30 minutes.
• Make the cherry-raspberry pie filling:
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until fragrant and slightly darkened, about 8 minutes. Let cool slightly, then coarsely chop.
• Mix walnuts, cherries, raspberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl until well combined.
• Make the chocolate pie filling:
• Blend granulated sugar and cocoa powder in a food processor until smooth, about 1 minute. Add eggs, butter, evaporated milk, and salt; process until well combined, another 1-2 minutes.
• Assemble the pies:
• Whisk egg and milk in a small bowl; set aside. Remove springform pans from refrigerator. Fill one crust with cherry-raspberry filling and the other with chocolate filling. Let thaw 5 minutes.
• Brush edges of pie with egg wash, reserving any excess. Carefully top one pie with one smaller dough round, pulling it taught across the top and pressing the top and bottom crusts together to seal. Trim top crust to leave a 1/8" overhang, pinching excess dough together to seal. Repeat with second pie.
• Brush top of cherry-raspberry pie with remaining egg wash. Using a sharp knife, cut several thin vents on surface of both pies. Chill 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400°F. Cover 2 rimmed baking sheets with foil. Transfer pies to sheets and bake until crusts are light golden, about 25 minutes. Rotate trays in oven, reduce temperature to 350°F, and bake until crusts are deep golden brown, 25 minutes more; cover crusts with foil or a pie shield if they begin to darken too much. Carefully transfer pies to a wire rack and let cool 30 minutes. Transfer pies to refrigerator and chill at least 4 hours or up to overnight.
• Make the Royal Icing:
• Beat egg whites and powdered sugar on medium-high speed in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until white, thickened, and tripled in volume, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer one-third of the icing to a medium bowl. Whip with a spatula, adding water by the teaspoonful, until icing no longer holds a peak but folds back on itself. Fit pastry bag with circle tip, then transfer Royal Icing to bag.
• Add cream to remaining icing and continue whipping on medium-high speed until thick, about 5 minutes. Chill both icings at least 5 minutes.
• Assemble the Birthday Pie:
• Carefully remove pies from springform pans, trimming top edges of chocolate pie crust with a serrated knife to flatten if needed. Place chocolate pie on a cake stand or pie plate and pipe a thick ring of Royal Icing along top edge of pie. Pour cream-icing mixture into the center and evenly spread with the back of a spoon. Place cherry-raspberry pie on top and decorate with remaining Royal Icing. Chill at least 2 hours.
• To serve, bring pie to room temperature for 15 minutes, then slice with serrated knife.
• Do Ahead
• Pies can be baked 3 days ahead; loosely cover with foil and chill.

TRIPLE-CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY BUNDT CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees; grease and flour 12-cup Bundt pan.
• On low speed, beat first 4 ingredients 30 seconds.
• On medium speed, beat 2 minutes.
• Pour batter into pan.
• Bake 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
• Cool on rack 10 minutes.
• Remove from pan.
• While cake is hot, poke about 20 holes into top with toothpick.
• Spread jam over cake, allowing it to drip into holes.
• Cool completely on rack.
• In glass measuring cup, microwave vanilla frosting on high in 20-second intervals until just melted.
• Slowly pour melted frosting over cake, spreading with a small spatula.
• Set aside until frosting is cooled.
• In small microwave-safe bowl, microwave chocolate chips, half-and-half and corn syrup on high in 15-second intervals, stirring, until melted.
• Stir until smooth; cool slightly.
• Drizzle over cake.
• If desired, garnish with berries.

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY TRIPLE DECKER CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Generously grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. Set the pans aside.
• Strain the raspberries through a fine-mesh sieve if you don't want the seeds in your cake.
• Place the cake mix, raspberries and their juice, sour cream, oil, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute. Stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat 2 minutes more, scraping down the sides again if needed. The batter should look well blended.
• Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans, smoothing it out with the rubber spatula.
• Bake the cakes until they spring back when lightly pressed with your finger, 25 to 28 minutes.
• Remove the pans from the oven and place them on wire racks to cool for 10 minutes. Run a dinner knife around the edge of each layer and invert each onto a rack, then invert again onto another rack so that the cakes are right side up. Allow to cool completely, 30 minutes more.
• Meanwhile, prepare the Chocolate Ganache, adding the Chambord, if desired, after all the chocolate has melted.
• Place one cake layer, right side up, on a serving platter. Spread the top with ganache frosting. Place the second layer, right side up, on top of the first layer. Spread the top with ganache. Place the third layer, right side up, on top of the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake. Work with clean, smooth strokes.
• Decorate the top attractively with the fresh raspberries, if desired. Place this cake, uncovered or in a cake saver, in the refrigerator until the frosting sets, 20 minutes. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Ganache: Place the cream in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring. Meanwhile, place the chopped chocolate in a large stainless-steel mixing bowl. Remove the cream from the heat, and pour it over the chocolate. Stir with a wooden spoon until the chocolate is melted. Stir in the liqueur if desired.
• To use this ganache as a glaze, let it stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before spooning it over a cooled cake. To use the ganache as a frosting, let it stand for 30 minutes at room temperature, or chill it for 10 minutes, until it has thickened enough to spread with a metal spatula.
• Makes 1 3/4 C., enough to thinly frost a 2 - 3 layer cake.