This Chocolate Raspberry Cake is a rich, moist dessert layered with luscious raspberry filling and smooth chocolate frosting. If you’re craving a bakery-style treat at home, this Chocolate Raspberry Cake delivers the perfect balance of deep chocolate flavor and bright fruity sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is irresistibly soft, deeply chocolatey, and beautifully balanced with tangy raspberry filling. It’s simple enough for home bakers yet impressive enough for celebrations. Families love its classic flavor combination, and it’s perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or anytime you want a standout dessert.
Ingredients

Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 3/4 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Chocolate Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Raspberry Filling:
- 2 cups raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh raspberries for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Stir in boiling water to create a thin batter.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool completely.
Raspberry Filling:
6. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
7. Add raspberries and cook until thickened. Let cool fully.
Chocolate Frosting:
8. Mix melted butter with cocoa powder.
9. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Beat until creamy.
Assemble the Chocolate Raspberry Cake:
10. Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread raspberry filling evenly.
11. Add the second layer and frost the entire cake with chocolate frosting.
12. Top with fresh raspberries if desired.

Tips & Tricks
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Don’t skip lining the pans to prevent sticking.
- Chill the raspberry filling before spreading to avoid sliding layers.
- Substitute buttermilk with milk + lemon juice if needed.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Medium
- Dietary: Vegetarian

Notes
- You can strain the raspberry filling for a seedless texture.
- Add chocolate shavings or ganache for extra richness.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 60g
- Fat: 18g
FAQ
Can I make Chocolate Raspberry Cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the layers a day ahead and store wrapped at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Absolutely, just cook them slightly longer to reduce excess moisture.
How do I keep the cake moist?
Do not overbake and store it covered to retain moisture.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
What frosting alternatives can I use?
Cream cheese frosting or whipped chocolate ganache works well.
Storage
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze slices for up to 2 months. Reheat slightly or bring to room temperature before serving.

Similar Recipes

Chocolate Raspberry Cake
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 3/4 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Chocolate Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Raspberry Filling:
- 2 cups raspberries fresh or frozen
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh raspberries for topping optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Stir in boiling water to create a thin batter.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool completely.
- Raspberry Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Add raspberries and cook until thickened. Let cool fully.
- Chocolate Frosting:
- Mix melted butter with cocoa powder.
- Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Beat until creamy.
- Assemble the Chocolate Raspberry Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread raspberry filling evenly.
- Add the second layer and frost the entire cake with chocolate frosting.
- Top with fresh raspberries if desired.
Notes
- You can strain the raspberry filling for a seedless texture.
- Add chocolate shavings or ganache for extra richness.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Raspberry Cake is the ultimate combination of rich chocolate layers and vibrant raspberry filling. It’s simple, elegant, and guaranteed to impress. Once you try it, it will quickly become a favorite dessert for any occasion.

