Valentine's Day Chocolate Raspberry Cake (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Raspberry Filling

01 - 1.5 tablespoons (22ml) water
02 - 1.5 tablespoons (12g) cornstarch
03 - 3 cups (340-375g) fresh or frozen raspberries
04 - 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
06 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Chocolate Cake

07 - 1 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour
08 - 3/4 cup (62g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
09 - 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
10 - 2 teaspoons baking soda
11 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
12 - 1 teaspoon salt
13 - 2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional)
14 - 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
15 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
16 - 3/4 cup (180g) full-fat sour cream
17 - 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
18 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
19 - 1/2 cup (120ml) hot coffee
20 - 1 cup (170g) mini chocolate chips tossed in 1 tablespoon flour

→ Chocolate Buttercream

21 - 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
22 - 3 1/2 cups (420g) confectioners' sugar
23 - 1/2 cup (41g) unsweetened cocoa powder
24 - 3 tablespoons (45ml) heavy cream
25 - 1/8 teaspoon salt
26 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

→ Chocolate Raspberry Ganache

27 - 8 ounces (226g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
28 - 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy cream
29 - 1/4 cup (60ml) raspberry liqueur or heavy cream

# Instructions:

01 - Cook cornstarch mixture with raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice until boiling. Cool and chill for 4 hours.
02 - Mix dry ingredients. Combine wet ingredients separately. Mix together with hot coffee. Fold in chocolate chips. Divide between three 9-inch pans.
03 - Bake at 350°F for 24-26 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
04 - Beat butter until creamy. Add sugar, cocoa, cream, salt, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
05 - Layer cake with buttercream dam and raspberry filling between layers. Crumb coat and chill.
06 - Pour hot cream over chocolate, let sit, then stir until smooth. Chill until thickened.
07 - Cover cake with ganache. Garnish with fresh raspberries if desired.

# Notes:

01 - Components can be made ahead
02 - Use natural cocoa powder, not dutch-process
03 - Room temperature ingredients are crucial
04 - Can be frozen up to 3 months