Dark Chocolate-Raspberry Layer Cake

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Two 8-inch round chocolate cakes are layered with alternating raspberry filling and super chocolate frosting.

Submitted by Cricketbug
Published on June 19, 2020
Recipe Placeholder Image
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Additional Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
2 hrs 15 mins
Servings:
12
Yield:
1 cake
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

Cake:

  • 3 cups cake flour

  • 2 cups white sugar

  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

  • ¾ teaspoon salt

  • 1 stick unsalted butter

  • ¼ cup oil

  • 1 cup milk

  • 2 eggs

  • ¼ cup applesauce

  • 1 tablespoon chocolate extract

Frosting:

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

  • 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips (such as Ghirardelli® 60%)

  • 2 sticks unsalted butter

  • 2 pounds confectioners' sugar

  • 8 tablespoons milk

  • 1 tablespoon chocolate extract

  • 1 teaspoon baking cocoa

Filling:

  • 1 (16 ounce) jar seedless raspberry preserves

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Pour raspberry preserves in a microwave-safe bowl and warm in the microwave oven for 1 minute; stir well.

  7. 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.

  8. Remove cake from refrigerator and decorate as desired with remaining frosting.

Cook's Notes:

I cream my butter right out of the refrigerator.

This frosting makes a great chocolate basket weave or beads well, too.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

1066 Calories
38g Fat
184g Carbs
8g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 1066
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 38g 48%
Saturated Fat 21g 105%
Cholesterol 94mg 31%
Sodium 263mg 11%
Total Carbohydrate 184g 67%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 140g
Protein 8g 15%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 108mg 8%
Iron 4mg 21%
Potassium 252mg 5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.