In this Chocolate Raspberry Cake recipe, I show you how to assemble a layer cake step-by-step! It’s a delicious vegan chocolate cake which is layered with chocolate mousse and homemade raspberry jam.
How to make a layer cake
I really love making vegan layer cakes at the moment! Not only because they taste delicious and look great, but also because I really enjoy the process. Maybe it’s a kind of meditation for me! But if I’m being honest, I was always a bit afraid of trying to build a layer cake, because such a big cake seems pretty complicated. However, after making my first few, I realized that it’s not that difficult. Even if you have a different opinion, trust me, the more often you make layer cakes, the easier it will be for you too!
To show you the simplicity of assembling, I decided to create my blog post a little different this time. I thought adding a few step-by-step pictures showing you how I always build my layer cakes would be a good idea. Anyways, I have made so many pictures (it’s actually 158 pics in total, haha!), so I put a few of them into a picture animated video, you’ll find below in this post.
Chocolate Raspberry Cake Recipe
… And of course, the recipe for this delicious Chocolate Raspberry Cake is also here for you, so don‘t worry!
How to prepare the cake pan
I have already explained in the lemon poppy seed cake recipe how I recommend preparing the cake pan.
CLICK HERE to check it out!
It works best when you first grease the cake pan and then, line it additionally with parchment paper. That way, you’ll be able to remove any cake from the pan perfectly without the cake sticking or breaking apart.
Do not overfill your cake pan
You may also be wondering why most recipes say that you should bake each cake layer in a separate cake pan preferably. It’s not only because of the shorter baking time, or so that you don’t have to cut the cake into layers but because the cake is baked through more evenly in this way. It is, of course, possible to bake a big cake in only one pan, and then cut it into layers once cooled. But because of the higher amount of batter, you also have to increase the baking time. This often results in the cake getting too dry at the top while being still wet at the bottom.
Prepare the cake and allow to cool
A freshly baked cake tastes best to me personally. But if you want to layer it, you would be better off preparing it the night before. This way the layers will have enough time to cool, making it easier to work with. Actually, a chilled cake is less crumbly and firmer which makes it easier to cut, and the frosting will not melt so quickly when you frost it.
Use cold ingredients
The frosting for cakes is usually made from ingredients such as butter, whipping cream, cream cheese or similar things, which softens quickly when it’s getting warm. Therefore, it is important to make sure to use cold ingredients. I also put my mixing bowl in the fridge for an hour before starting to make the frosting. However, you could also put the bowl in the freezer for only 20 minutes to cool.
Chocolate Raspberry Cake Recipe with Chocolate Mousse and Jam
This Chocolate Raspberry Cake is layered with homemade raspberry jam and a creamy, fluffy chocolate mousse. Then I frosted the whole cake with a rich chocolate frosting. The great thing is that you don’t need to make two different creams because the chocolate mousse is made from the chocolate frosting. And by the way, did you try my Vegan Chocolate Mousse made of Aquafaba yet? It’s soooo good!
This Chocolate Raspberry Cake is:
- Vegan
- Eggless
- Dairy-free
- Can be made gluten-free
- Chocolatey
- Creamy
- Delicious!
- Layered with chocolate mousse and
- Homemade raspberry jam
- Decorated with fresh strawberries
- The perfect dessert for any occasion!
Chocolate Frosting and Cake Decoration
Finally, you can layer and decorate the Chocolate Raspberry Cake to your liking. You can also use another jam and frosting or even omit them if you want. Also, you can decide for yourself if you’re doing all 3 layers or maybe just one layer or two or even four. You can also make thinner layers by cutting one layer in half or by using a slightly bigger sized cake pan.
How to assemble a layer cake
(+ animated VIDEO!)
Once your chocolate cake layers, chocolate mousse, homemade raspberry jam, and the frosting is prepared and chilled, you can start to assemble your cake. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread about 1/2 of the raspberry jam over the cake. Then spread 1/2 of the chocolate mousse over it. Top with the next layer, and repeat this process. Place the third layer on top and spread the chocolate frosting all over your cake.
Want to use another cake pan or bake muffins?
Another option would be to make another cake shape, such as a loaf or muffins from this recipe. However, if you choose a different cake pan, no matter if it’s in shape or size, please keep in mind that the baking time may change. But if you do a cake test, you can check when the cake is done!
Here you can also find more Vegan Cakes Recipes with different frostings and toppings:
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake
- Blueberry Lemon Cake
- Black Forest Cake
- Strawberry Cream Cake
- Cranberry Vanilla Cake
- The Best Chocolate Cake
More questions about how to make a layer cake?
I hope the pictures in this post have helped you in getting an idea of how to assemble a layer cake. If you have any further questions, wishes or suggestions, you can, of course, leave me a comment at any time and I will reply as soon as possible.
If you try this Chocolate Raspberry Cake, I would appreciate your feedback. And if you take a picture of it to share on Instagram, please remember to tag me @biancazapatka and use the hashtag #biancazapatka so I won‘t miss your post. Happy baking!
Chocolate Raspberry Cake
Author:You do not have a fitting cake pan at hand right now? Try my Cake Pan Conversion Calculator!
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups non-dairy milk 480ml
- 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 cup vegan butter 225g, or coconut oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tsp instant coffee or espresso granules optional
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose or spelt flour 420g, or gluten-free flour*
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder 65g
- 2 1/2 cups sugar 250g, or to taste
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup apple sauce 120g, or 1 mashed banana (optional, if you want a moister cake)
Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 1/4 cup non-dairy whipping cream (or full-fat coconut milk) 300ml
- 12 oz non-dairy bittersweet chocolate chopped (I used 60% cacao)
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar 40g (OR 2-3 tbsp agave syrup)
Chocolate Mousse Filling
- 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese 60g, or sub tofu (blended until creamy)
- 1/2 cup non-dairy whipping cream (or full-fat coconut milk) 120ml
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1/3 cup of the chocolate frosting
Homemade Raspberry Jam (optional)
- 8 oz raspberries frozen
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sugar
- squeeze of lemon juice optional
Decoration (optional)
- raspberries
- strawberries
- chopped chocolate
Instructions
(step-by-step pictures are in my blogpost)
Frosting
- In a small pot, heat the coconut milk until just boiling (or microwave for about 2 minutes).
- Pour this mixture over the chopped chocolate and stir until the chocolate is melted.
- Add the agave syrup or powdered sugar and beat with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Remove 1/3 cup of the chocolate frosting (to use in the chocolate mousse). Let cool remaining frosting until thickened into a spreadable frosting.
Chocolate Mousse
- Using a hand mixer, beat the vegan cream cheese, non-dairy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Pour in reserved 1/3 cup frosting and continue beating until thick and stiff peaks form. (If the frosting became to firm in the meantime, slightly heat up again until melted).
Raspberry Jam
- In a small pot, thaw frozen raspberries over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Mash with a spoon.
- In a small cup, dissolve cornstarch in 2 tbsp water. Stir into the raspberries along with the sugar and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened. Set aside to cool. (It will thicken up even more when cooled).
Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch (3x20cm) cake pans.*
- Stir the apple cider vinegar into the non-dairy milk and set aside to curdle into vegan buttermilk.
- In a small pot over medium heat, slowly melt the vegan butter. Stir in coffee granules and vanilla extract. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Sift the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a bowl and mix to combine.
- Pour the vegan buttermilk and soft butter mixture over the flour mixture. Also, add the apple sauce and stir just until combined and no large lumps remain (please do not overmix). (Adjust sugar to your desired taste).
- Fill the batter into the prepared cake pans and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out almost clean. Then let cool completely. (If you want a moist chocolate cake, make sure not to overbake it.)
Assemble the Cake:
- Remove the frosting from the fridge and mix until creamy.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread about 1/2 of the raspberry jam over the cake. Then spread 1/2 of the chocolate mousse over it. Top with the next layer, and repeat this process. Place the third layer on top and spread the chocolate frosting all over your cake.
- Decorate with fresh berries and chopped chocolate if you like and enjoy!
Notes
- To make this cake GLUTEN-FREE, you can use a gluten-free flour blend 1:1.
- You can also use store-bought jam or omit it completely.
- If you have only 2 pans, you can bake 2/3 of the batter in one pan for approx. 40 minutes. Then let cool completely and cut into 2 layers.
- If you want to make cupcakes or muffins with this recipe, bake for approx. 20 minutes.
- I used this non-dairy whipping cream because it gets perfectly creamy and stiff but full-fat coconut milk will do too.
- Please read my blogpost for additional Information about this recipe.
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This cake looks yummy! I plan to make it soon. The recipe states Adjust sugar to your desired taste) – does this mean I can omit the sugar totally if I prefer a healthier, sugarless cake ?
I do not recommend skipping the sugar completely but you can do it if you like! 😉
Hi Bianka,
The cake looks amazing but the whipped cream was a disaster. It would not thicken up at all and I tried twice with soya Alpro whipping cream.
Now I left the cake and will try tomorrow again to make the cream but I have no idea what went wrong. Shall I use coconut milk instead? Would that not be watery too? Do I need to leave the coconut milk for a long time in the fridge before using?
Please let me know.
Hi Georgiana,
Alpro soya cream is not whippable. I recommend using “Schlagfix” for the best result.
You can also try the thick part of coconut cream. However, I found out that not all brands can be whipped well.
Please be sure to use dairy-free cream that can be whipped.
Greetings,
Bianca
I made this cake with my kids yesterday and the entire family agreed that it was the most delicious cake we’d ever made! The first time we have friends over for dinner again (after the pandemic) I’m going to make this!
Thank you!
Yay, that’s awesome!
Thank you so much for your feedback! 🙂
I’m very happy that your whole family loved this recipe!
Greetings,
Bianca ♡
I was really excited to try this recipe because it looks so good! We followed the instructions exactly (used a food scale for exact measurements) but the cake cracked and the top layer fell apart, and the mousse and jam both ran out from between the layers entirely. I have no idea where we went wrong! Would love some help, because we may try again.
So sorry to hear that! I would love to help you but I have no idea what you did wrong… 🙁
Hope it’ll turn out better when you try it again. Just be sure to follow the recipe exactly. Maybe you could also check your oven with an oven thermometer? Also, be sure to not overmix the batter. <3
This recipe deserves way more love! It’s by far the best vegan dessert I have made thus far (and I’ve been at it for a few years now). Thanks Bianca!
Aww, thank you so much! So glad you love this recipe! 🙂
Hi Bianca,
Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe. I am going to try this soon, before that I have few questions. Hope you can help
– I want to use coconut milk in place of cream. What should I do to not have the frosting watery ?
– when mixing coconut mulk and chocolate chips should I keep the container cold ? What should I take care of while mixing this ?
– I will be using banana in place of apple sauce. Should banana be over ripe ? Can it be frozen ? Any other ingredient I can use beside apple sauce or banana ?
– can I use almond milk ?
Hi Saloni,
be sure to use full-fat coconut milk and keep the coconut milk warm when mixing with the chocolate chips. The frosting will become firmer as it cools. To speed this up you can leave it in the refrigerator but be sure to stir it occasionally.
You can use a ripe mashed banana instead of apple sauce or creamy blended silken tofu.
Almond milk is fine for the batter! 🙂
Hope you’ll enjoy it!
Best, Bianca
Thank you Bianca.
Should the coconut milk be used after a boil or just warm?
After a boil! 🙂
Hi Bianca,
I tried out the recipe and it turned out really good. Few things though
– the cake batter was very dense and thick , the top of the cake cracked and I was not able to cut it in a layer (I used banana in place of apple sauce)
– I did not much like the flavor of banana, is there anything else which can be used instead of this ? Anything non-vegan beside egg ?
Hi Saloni,
you can gently warm the non-dairy milk before adding it to the other ingredients, then the batter will be thinner and easier to mix.
If you’re not vegan, feel free to use 2 eggs instead of apple sauce or banana.
Best, Bianca
Thank you for getting back.
Last thing…
can I use Greek yogurt or flax egg in place of banana.
I am allergic to eggs so can’t use that.
Yes, sure! 🙂
My absolute favorite vegan cake recipe!
I went vegan three years ago and really struggled with baking in the beginning and after trying countless cake recipes i’m so happy i’ve found this one! I’ve made it several times already and everyone is always so surprised to find out that the cake and especially the chocolate mousse filling are completely plant-based.
Thank you for this amazing recipe!❤️
So glad you love this cake!
Thank you so much for your great feedback! 🙂
I made this for a friend’s bridal shower and it was amazing and a big hit! Nearly every person at the party came up to me and told me how delicious the cake was, especially since it’s dairy free. Thank you so much for such a great recipe 🙂
Hi Arika,
so glad this cake turned out great!
Thank you so much for your amazing feedback!
Lots of love,
Bianca <3
I am making the cake for my husbands birthday tomorrow and want to hear if I can make some or all of it today and put it together tomorrow, or is it better to make it all on the day?
You can definitely make the cake ahead. Then wrap it tightly in foil and refrigerate until ready to assemble! 🙂
This cake was straightforward to make and so, so tasty- thank you! I’m going to make it again but just wondered how long it will keep for and where I should store it? I’m going to be making it one day ahead.
Hi Chloe,
so glad you enjoyed it!
Be sure to keep it in the refrigerator. It keeps up to 4 days. 🙂
I surprised my husband with this cake for our 20th wedding anniversary. He loves chocolate and raspberry, so this cake was perfect! Our whole family thought it was a amazing.
Thank you so much for your great feedback!
So glad your whole family loved this cake! 🙂
Have fun trying more recipes!
Lots of love,
Bianca <3
Hi! I have been following you for years and have always wanted to try your recipes. If you could pick your favourite chocolate dessert to recommend, which one would it be? Thanks!
Hi Isabel,
so glad you’ve been following me for years! 🙂
My absolute favorite chocolate dessert ist definitely my best vegan chocolate cake or my best vegan chocolate banana bread!
Hope you’ll love these recipes as much as I do when you try them!
Best,
Bianca
Mega Rezept! Alle lieben es 😋 Das Mousse funktioniert mit Sahne besser als mit Kokosmilch.
Das freut mich sehr zu lesen! Danke! 😊
Ich finde auch, dass es mir der veganen Sahne besser klappt.
It looks amazing! can I sub sugar for coconut sugar?
Yes, if you don’t mind the taste! 🙂
Ich habe diesen Kuchen nun schon zweimal gemacht und er sah nicht so toll aus wie der oben,aber er war unfassbar lecker!🥰
In meiner Familie ist außer mir keiner vegan,aber sie lieben diesen Kuchen auch sehr!
Dank dieser Rezepte wurde endlich der Gedanke abgelegt, dass Veganer nur Gras essen!🙏
Ich kann die Rezepte nur empfehlen 🥰
Eine Bereicherung für die vegane Küche! 🥰
Schön, dass die Torte so gut geschmeckt hat und jeder begeistert war! 😊
Das freut mich wirklich sehr!
Viele Grüße,
Bianca ❤️
This recipe is truly incredible. Simple ingredients, perfect instructions and truly the most delicious cake ever. The combination of bitter chocolate, sweet mousse and fresh raspberries was absolutely divine. Definitely a cake we will enjoy again! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe for all to enjoy!
So glad you love this recipe! Thank you so much! ❤️
Do I need to refrigerate the coconut milk?
Yes.
I love this recipe!!! It was so thorough and easy to follow. I used it to make my first cake and it came out delicious! I would attribute any hiccups to my novice baker status.
Love love love.
So glad you love this recipe! 😊
Thank you so much for your amazing feedback!
Lots of love,
Bianca ❤️
I made this and turned out is very moist and delicious. It’s not complicated at all but my cream was little watery!
How do I send the pic?
You can send me the pic via Instagram 🙂
Hello,
Can’t wait to try this recipe was going to make it as a birthday cake, but I was just wondering could I leave out the sugar? Or can I substitute it for honey?
Hi Lianne, I would not use a liquid sweetener like honey.
The recipe is insane.😍🍰I was speechless, I understood that I didn’t need eggs to bake. I was so enthusiastic about the recipe that I ordered the book straight away. I think the recipe is really super explained. It’s a lot of fun to bake it. Thanks for the great recipe.🙏🤗
Hi Katrin, so glad you love my recipes! Thank you so much! Have fun with my cookbook! 🙂
This cake recipe was GREAT! Very easy to follow. I chose to do a two layer in 6” pans so baked for just under 30 minutes. Also, I had a problem with the mousse where I over mixed and the cream cheese separated and I had to start over. But, other than that, loved it. Follow my account @izzyfischersway for other re makes of plant based and vegan recipes.
So glad you love this recipe! Thank you 🙂
My daughter made this for me for my birthday — it was fantastic!! We eat 100% plant-based and it was nice not to have to guess on substitutions because this was already vegan! It looked and tasted great!
Such a cute daughter you have! 🙂 So glad you love this recipe! Hope you had a great birthday party 🙂
how many servings are in this
It should serve 8 people! 🙂
Absolutely amazing! It was my first vegan cake dessert. I made it gluten free. I was very concerned in the beginning about how the ingredients would work but it turned out great and very simple actually! Seems so complicated in the photo but it’s not! Every bit of it is delicious!
Everybody don’t hesitate to try it!
Thanks for sharing, your directions are very useful and the recipe excellent. I’ll make it tomorrow again for my friend’s birthday. Greetings from Athens, Greece.
Hi Evi, so glad you liked this chocolate cake so much, even in the gluten-free version! Thank you for your amazing feedback! Hope you’ll have a great birthday party tomorrow! Lots of love, Bianca <3
Hi,
I saw this recipe & it looks amazing! But I would be able to try a non-vegan recipe with this recipe? Substituting the non-dairy products for dairy or will it not work the same?
Hi Esther, feel free to use regular dairy products 🙂
We’re not vegan, but there’s an egg allergy in the family. So, I didn’t follow the full vegan recipe.
Very amazed at how well the cake toned out!
Moist, yummy, delish !
Thx ! This was my 3rd try for an eggless cake that turned out. So glad I found this one.
Also, it was a birthday cake,…49ers fan.
Hi Roland, Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! So glad you enjoyed this chocolate cake. I hope you had a great birthday party! 🙂 Lots of love, Bianca <3
Can you freeze this cake or at lease the base layer cake part and if so how long can it last in freezer?
Hi Rachel, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to one month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in foil to avoid freezer burn 😉
Yees!! Chocolate and raspberries are a match made in heaven and too few people know how well they go together – this makes my mouth water, can’t wait to try it myself!
Yes, I really love that combo too! Thank you so much! Hope you’ll like it 🙂
Heyy, may I do the cake on friday and eat it next day, or should it be eaten fresh?
This recipe is insane, I love it!🧡
Hi Kate, sure! You can make it ahead! Enjoy! 🙂
My friend Made this cake for my celebration and IT was awesome! My neighbour said She never ate a cake like this before and many of the guests didn’t even know it’s vegan. But I recommend using two portions of the filling.
So glad to hear that you liked it 🙂 And thank you for the recommendation <3
Made this cake for mothersday and everyone loved it! Definitely my new go to recipe for chocolate cake ? plus no one noticed that it’s vegan ?
So glad that you liked this cake! Thank you for your feedback! ? <3
This cake is AMAZING!! I made it for my mom’s birthday and everyone loved it. Even with all that chocolate you’re never tired of eating it 😍
So glad to hear that! Thank you 🙂
The cake is as tasteful as beautiful ! I am usually not a chocolate cake lover but this one worth it ! Thanks Bianca for making this recipe easy to follow and for being so inspiring !
Bon appétit from France !
Marie
So glad that you liked this cake! Thank you for your feedback! ? <3
I made this amazing chocolate raspberry cake for y husband‘s birthday. He is the biggest chocolate addict you’ve ever seen!! He said it was the best cake he has ever had in his life ??. And that definitely means something. The sponges are light and moist, the mousse is to die for and even the frosting isn’t overpowering. The recipe is easy to follow. I was able to make the cake in half a day even with a 5 month old baby. Can’t express more love for this cake!!!!!
Hi Manuela, so glad that your hubby loved this cake! Thank you so much! ?
Love this cake Bianca! Chocolate cake is my favourite and this one looks irresistible! Love the stop-motion too! I need to start making some 😉
So glad that you like it, Anna!
Thank you! Can’t wait to see yours 🙂
Lots of love,
Bianca <3
Your cake looks really amazing, Bianca! So many beautiful photos. ?
Much love, Ela
Thank you so much, Ela!
Lots of love,
Bianca <3
The step-by-step tutorial is so helpful and the photos are so gorgeous! I also am obsessed with the animation! What software did you use to create it? I could watch it over and over! Amazing blog post and recipe!
So glad that you like it! Thank you! It’s a GIF picture. ?
Look great ?
Thank you 🙂