Chocolate Raspberry Dream Cake – 5-Star Dessert Recipe

If there’s one dessert that delivers on both elegance and flavor, it’s the Chocolate Raspberry Dream Cake. With its layers of rich, moist chocolate cake, a tart raspberry filling, and silky ganache cascading over the top, this cake isn’t just a treat—it’s an edible celebration.

The pairing of chocolate and raspberry is timeless for a reason. Chocolate satisfies our deepest dessert cravings, while raspberries add brightness, balance, and a hint of sophistication. The Chocolate Raspberry Dream Cake is proof that you can create show-stopping, patisserie-style desserts right in your own kitchen—with no complicated tools required.

At SofyaRecipes, Sofya Petrova brings gourmet-style baking within reach. With her passion for transforming everyday ingredients into culinary masterpieces, this layered cake is a signature recipe that reflects her mission: to inspire confidence in home bakers through creativity and ease.

---

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this decadent Chocolate Raspberry Dream Cake, you’ll need three key components: chocolate cake layers, raspberry filling, and dark chocolate ganache.

For the Chocolate Cake Layers:

• 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups (400g) sugar
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 2 large eggs, room temp
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Raspberry Filling:

• 1½ cups fresh raspberries
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

For the Ganache:

• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh raspberries
• Chocolate curls or shavings
• Powdered sugar or freeze-dried raspberry dust

For more fruity desserts, try our Fruit Pizza Cookies or Lemon Raspberry Cookies—perfect pairings with this cake!our Fruit Pizza Cookies or Lemon Raspberry Cookies—perfect pairings with this cake!

---

Timing Breakdown

• Prep Time: 30–35 minutes
• Bake Time: 35–38 minutes
• Cooling & Assembly: 30–40 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 45 minutes from start to finish

The Chocolate Raspberry Dream Cake is faster than many classic layer cakes, making it a great choice when you want something impressive without spending your whole day in the kitchen.

Short on time? Our Fudgy Keto Mug Cake is a speedy, satisfying chocolate fix.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until fully combined.
4. Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing until just incorporated—avoid overmixing.
5. Gradually add boiling water, stirring slowly until the batter becomes thin and glossy.

💡 Why thin batter? It spreads evenly, bakes flatter, and yields a moist, tender crumb—ideal for layer cakes.

---

Step 2: Cook the Raspberry Filling

1. Combine raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Optional: Strain through a fine-mesh sieve if you prefer a seedless texture.
4. Let the filling cool completely before assembling.

🔍 Flavor hack: A splash of raspberry liqueur (like Chambord) or vanilla elevates this filling into something restaurant-worthy.

---

Step 3: Make the Ganache

1. Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
2. Heat the cream just to a simmer—not boiling—then pour it over the chocolate.
3. Wait 2–3 minutes, then stir until velvety smooth.

🌟 Want a different texture? Chill the ganache for 20 minutes and whip it into a pipeable frosting.

---

Step 4: Assemble Like a Pastry Chef

1. Place one cooled cake layer on a plate or stand.
2. Spread the raspberry filling over the top, stopping ½ inch from the edge.
3. Gently lay the second cake layer on top, aligning edges evenly.
4. Pour ganache over the center of the cake and guide it outward with a spatula.

🎀 Decorate with purpose: Use fresh berries, shaved chocolate, or even candied rose petals for an extra touch of elegance.

Need more styling ideas? See how we glam up layers in our Strawberry Cake and Shortcake recipe.

---

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Slice, 1 of 12)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~435 kcal
Total Fat	27g
Saturated Fat	14g
Carbohydrates	49g
Sugars	33g
Fiber	3g
Protein	5g
Sodium	290mg

Looking for lighter options? Explore our Flourless Avocado Brownies or Sugar-Free Banana Blondies.

---

Healthier Chocolate Raspberry Dream Cake Variations

• Low Sugar: Use erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
• Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
• Keto-Friendly: Use almond flour, sugar-free chocolate, and stevia
• Dairy-Free: Swap cream for coconut milk and use almond milk + lemon juice in place of buttermilk

Try our Sugar-Free Low-Carb Brownies if you’re craving more diet-friendly indulgences.

---

Diet-Friendly Substitutions

Whether you’re baking for dietary needs or lifestyle preferences, this cake is easily adaptable:

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 blend like Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Baking Mix
• Keto Version: Sub in almond flour, stevia, and sugar-free chocolate
• Low-Sugar: Use monk fruit sweetener or erythritol in both the cake and filling
• Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use almond milk + vinegar for buttermilk

🧁 Want more clean bakes? Don’t miss our Sugar-Free Low-Carb Brownies or our Coconut Waffles for a guilt-free brunch.

---

Serving Suggestions That Wow

This Chocolate Raspberry Dream Cake is versatile and fits any occasion:

• Serve with vanilla gelato or raspberry coulis
• Pair with espresso or wine for elegant dinners
• Add edible flowers for weddings or anniversaries
• Cut into squares and serve mini portions for dessert tables

Love dramatic desserts? Don’t miss our Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cake sinking in the middle? Oven may be too hot, or batter overmixed.
• Leaky filling? Make sure it’s completely cool and thickened before assembling.
• Runny ganache? Let it set slightly before pouring, or chill your cake layers.
• Dry texture? Don’t overbake and measure flour accurately (spoon and level method!).

---

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

1. Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days
2. Freezer: Freeze slices up to 3 months
3. Make Ahead: Bake cake layers a day early, then assemble before serving

Pro tip: Let chilled slices come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

---

Final Thoughts

The Chocolate Raspberry Dream Cake is your new go-to for celebrations, holidays, or any day that needs a little sweetness. With rich chocolate, bright raspberries, and an irresistibly smooth ganache, it’s the kind of cake that earns a spot in your forever recipe file.

💬 Tried it? Leave a comment below or tag us on Instagram! Hungry for more? Subscribe to SofyaRecipes and check out our Decadent Chocolate Brownie Cake next.

---

Conclusion

The Chocolate Raspberry Dream Cake is the kind of dessert that earns compliments, photos, and second servings. With its luscious chocolate layers, vibrant raspberry filling, and rich ganache finish, this cake is a masterclass in flavor balance and visual appeal.

At SofyaRecipes, we believe that baking should be both joyful and achievable. This Chocolate Raspberry Dream Cake proves that even a beginner can bake something beautiful and delicious.

💬 Tried it? Drop a comment, tag us on social media, and explore more dream desserts like our Decadent Chocolate Brownie Cake.

---

FAQs

Print