Chocolate Raspberry Cake

This cake is one of those bakes that looks impressive but comes together with ease. Rich chocolate layers are swirled with raspberry jam and fresh berries for a dessert that’s both light and indulgent. Perfect for summer gatherings, lazy entertaining, or even a low-stress birthday cake, it’s simple, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Serves: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

·         1 cup sunflower or vegetable oil

·         Dab of butter for the cake tin

·         3 large eggs

·         1¼ cups sugar

·         1 cup milk

·         2 cups self-raising flour (or plain flour with 2 tsp baking powder mixed in)

·         4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

·         1½ tsp baking soda

·         1 cup New Canaan Farms Raspberry Jam

·         1 cup fresh or thawed frozen raspberries

·         2 tbsp icing sugar

Serve With: More fresh raspberries

Directions

1.    Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9" round springform tin with butter and line the base with parchment.

2.    In a bowl, whisk oil, sugar, eggs, and milk until smooth.

3.    In another bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda. Gradually mix in the wet ingredients until combined.

4.    Pour batter into the prepared tin and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the cake is risen and springs back when lightly pressed. Avoid opening the oven while baking, as the center may sink if not fully set.

5.    Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

6.    Crush fresh raspberries (if using) and combine with raspberry jam. In a separate bowl, whip cream with icing sugar until soft peaks form, then gently fold in most of the raspberry mixture to create a ripple effect.

7.    Spread the cream over the cooled cake and swirl in the remaining raspberry mixture. For a layer cake, slice the cake horizontally and spread half of the cream between the layers and the rest on top.

8.    Garnish with fresh raspberries and serve.

Other Flavors to Try: Peach Jam for a light, summery twist. Cherry Preserves for a timeless chocolate-cherry combination. Brazos River Blackberry Jam for a rich, comforting variation.