Best Chocolate Raspberry Tunnel Cake Recipes

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 BUNDT CAKE

Steps:

• For the cake: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• In a large mixing bowl, use a handheld electric mixer to whisk the milk, jam, melted butter, liqueur and eggs. Add the cake mix and beat on medium speed for about 1 minute.
• Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean when inserted into the cake, about 35 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove the cake from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• For the ganache: Put the chocolate, jam, and liqueur in a mixing bowl. Bring the cream to a low simmer in a small pan set over medium-high heat. Pour over the chocolate and let stand 10 minutes. Stir with a whisk until smooth. Let stand another 10 minutes.
• Place the cake on a cake stand or serving dish and pour the ganache over it, letting it drip down the sides. Use the raspberries and mint to decorate it to look like a holiday wreath if desired.

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.