I had visions people. Visions of chocolate and raspberry and hearts galore.
Normally when I think of a cake I sketch it out… fine tune any weird ideas and thoughts… and go for it.
I totally went for it.
And it failed. Nothing turned out the way I had envisioned. But since I adore you and know that you will love the flavors of this cake, I am going to suck it up and show it to you anyway.
That is it though. Just flavors. As far as techniques and tutorials… well all that is going to have to wait until I can make this cake and not cry upon completion.
If you are going to make it I would I would maybe just use the raspberry filling in between the layers of the cake and for the crumb coat, then cover the entire exterior with the chocolate glaze. It will be pretty… but most of all delicious.
Now, are you ready for the inside? *cringe*
Lets just not discuss it and move on ok?
Ingredients
- 2 sticks room temperature butter
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- 2 tsp water
- 4 cups powder sugar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate (I used chips)
- 6 tbsp butter
Instructions
- For Raspberry Buttercream:
- Combine powder sugar, butter, jam and water in stand mixer. Start on low for 30 seconds, then turn to medium and mix until fully combined, about 2 minutes.
- For Chocolate Glaze:
- Place butter and chocolate into a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until chocolate is melted and butter is incorporated. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
The combination of chocolate and raspberry has been around forever and there is a good reason… its stinkin awesome. I especially love the flavors of the rich chocolate cake with the sweet raspberry frosting covered in the semi-sweet chocolate glaze. Its a party in your mouth. And I cant believe I just said that cause I detest that saying. But its late and I cant think of anything else.
I used this recipe for the chocolate cake. Its tried and true and fabulous and you will love it.
Gah. I cant stand it.
Lets ignore it and go look at this cake.
Now that is what a mini heart should look like. ( I made that cake almost a year ago… it was for my birthday!)
Gotta go. Must make something pretty immediately.
STOP! I love it- you are being way super hard on yourself. Go feed that little baby of yours a spoonful of frosting then take a nap
I’m sure your other kids would totally let you do that…er..ummm.
A girl can dream right?? Have a blessed day my friend!
Oh my goodness! I think you are being too hard on yourself. That is a beautiful cake! You are a very talented lady! I’m going to have to update my grocery list now. I can’t wait to try it out!
Thank you so much Jessica! You are too kind.
I love the cake and the hearts!! So cute!! Looks delicious too (which is the important part)!
I think it’s really pretty!! You can do some magical things with cake!
I know you think the mini hearts are imperfect, but hearts ARE imperfect, that’s what makes them so special. I love this cake and if I could achieve nothing her as gorgeous as this, it would make m day… Don’t be so hard on yourself… Truly, beautiful cake.
Well said! Thank you!
WHAT is supposed to be wrong with this cake?
I think it’s super-cute on the inside and verrrry original and pretty on the outside! I would do cartwheels on the roof if I could make something as beautiful as this!
And thank you for the recipe – it sounds darn yummy, as always!
You are right Nicki… I am being silly. Thanks for the reality check! Be blessed!
You are way too critical of yourself. I can absolutely tell those are hearts and they look adorable. And the cake, oh my goodness, that CAKE! It looks and sounds delicious.
This is a gorgeous cake! I love the way it looks! If you had made the hearts any more perfect, I think it would look like a machine did it. You want people to know that it’s homemade. I expect it to taste delicious when I look at your pictures. That’s what separates it from those “big box” stores’ selection.
Wow I love so much the way the cake turned out, I have no idea why you don’t that’s why I wanted to ask: how did you make those hearts inside? I’d love to make one like that for Valentine’s
Thanks!
This looks fantastic, it may not be what you envisaged but it still looks the part, which is more than I can say for some of my disasters!
Oh, you’re being way too hard on yourself, Amanda — it’s adorable!!!
Wow! I was seriously ooh-ing and ah-ing at your photo on FB, and then I come here and see that you aren’t happy with it? It’s amazing! The little hearts are adorable!
absolutely beautiful – even if you’re cringing
and i’m positive the flavors are amazing!
I don’t know what’s wrong with it?! This is amazing!!!
The way those hearts look on the inside makes the cake look like a work of art! And the way that chocolate slowly drips on the sides… heavenly!
this is one of the most amazing cakes i have seen. the hearts are clear and beautiful. so amazing!
The hearts look adorable! I like that they’re a bit bigger than the other surprise heart cake, and there are three of them
that’s thrice as cute! And the way the the chocolate frosting is made to look like it’s dripping is a nice touch too.
I’ve never made a surprise heart cake but I’m sure they’re not the easiest cakes to make, and I think this one turned out lovely. I would love to know how you made those hearts. If you believe this looks “bad”, I can’t wait to see you make a version that looks “good”
I’d eat it. It looks beautiful to me! I love the hearts!!
I’ve been following your blog for a while (I made your chocolate covered cherry cake a few years ago) but haven’t yet commented. Today, however, I have to speak up. This cake is aMAzing! I know it can be very disappointing when the end result doesn’t match the image in your head, but I love love love this cake! If you could do a quick tutorial on how to make the cute mini hearts, I would be very grateful. (Or, if you’ve already done a tutorial, point me in the right direction? Thanks!)
I don’t see anything wrong with those hearts! I love them!! Beautiful, amazing cake!
I think it’s beautiful! And the hearts are perfectly twee. I will be making this for Valentine’s Day!
Uh, I thought this was an example of how to prepare a brilliantly beautiful, perfect-looking cake. It’s not?
You’re way too hard on yourself, lady!
This is amazing, Amanda!
Ahh! I love it! Way sweet and perfect for Valentines day
It’s super cute!!! and if you share it with me I’m sure I’d be telling you just how super delicious it is too. It’s really a pretty cake outside and in….just like you!
I thought it looked totally pretty and completely scrumptious. I didn’t see anything wrong with it at all. You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself. Thanks for sharing.
Did I read that correctly? You are saying that this cake did not turn out well. OMG, you are definitely way too hard on yourself. I LOVE LOVE this cake. Those Pink hearts are amazing. Raspberry is my fav and will definitely try it. You have an amazing talent and all your cakes are FANTABULOUS! Thank you for sharing with us.
P.S.
Can’t wait to see the tutorial.
If I was presented this cake for some occasion I would probably cry too. I would be crying because never in my life not even my wedding day would I had a cake as beautiful as this! I’m not tring to make you feel better that is the truth.
I feel bad for being such a silly nilly. Thanks for your sweet perspective!
you make the most tempting cakes amanda! hehe
this one is SUPER DUPER cute and perfect for Valentine’s day
This is an absolutely stunning cake, Amanda! Every post of yours just leaves me in awe!
One of my friends pinned this and I have to say I was really looking forward to finding out how to recreate it. I read the other comments and I have to echo what everyone else said, I love this cake it’s lovely and in fact I like it even more than the white one, its easier to see the hearts
. I really hope you put the instructions for the hearts soon!
You’re crazy–It’s beautiful!
I think it looks beautiful! I’d love to know how to make the hearts.
Ok so when I first saw this on Pinterest I totally pinned it right away, then I looked some more and decided that I would have to click to figure out just HOW you made such a super cute cake. Then as the page was loading I decided that what I really needed to do was find out if you sell said delishcious looking concoction. I am just in awe at the glorious-ness of your creation. Oh and BTW I totally agree that the choco raspberry combination is to die for. Still can’t believe that you are less than ecstatic about this cake. It is beautiful!
There is only one explanation for your temp insanity related to your dislike of this truly beautiful cake – This pregnancy has effected your brain and you are not seeing the same things as everyone else because this might be among my most favorite “surprise inside cakes”. It is sweet and whimiscal and unexpected. I love the three hearts – four would have been too many and two not enough. The only cure for pregnancy brain (besides actually giving birth) is to sit down and eat large quanities of the “offending” cake. Surely, the sugar rush will fix everything – it generally does – pregnant or not!
Best comment ever. I am totally claiming temporary insanity!!!
I cannot believe a person of such talent and skill would believe that this cake is not worthy of leaving in-structions for creating the cake so that we could make one for our sweethearts on Valentines Day!
One of the things I believe God gave me was good taste……this cake is both beautiful and fun….that in addition to the best combination of flavours one can have makes this cake one of the most wonderful creations I have ever see.
Keep on making these glorious cakes…..you are gifted!
I saw the pic and clicked looking for the recipe – I wanna make that cake w the 3 hearts inside! I wish youd explain to us what you *thought* it was gonna look like, cos if its 3 teeny meany little hearts forget it! Thank you so much for sharing I wanted a heart inside cake but the hero one we all know is too much for me to attempt just now. 3 raspberry hearts is juuuuuuuuuuuust right
The cake is GEORGEOUS and I was quite surprised that you thought it was such a disaster! Just be sure we get to see the tutorial before Valentine’s Day!
As I always tell my 27 year old daughter (especially during bathing suit season), YOU are the only one noticing all those “flaws.” Everyone else takes a quick look, notices you’re (very!) pretty, and gets on with their day !
I am really excited because yesterday I made 36 chocolate favors for a fundraiser tomorrow night (haven’t had time to make any in years), and I think people are going to be amazed! I used molds I’ve had tucked away to make chocolate tickets (it’s a theater outing) and comedy masks, then brushed them with edible gold to show the details. They really turned out beautiful, which always makes me feel great!
Sounds beautiful! Way to go!!
I can understand bemoaning it when it didn’t turn out like you had planned but us, we just see it in all it’s glory. Those hearts are wonderful! I actually thought you didn’t like the chocolate on the outside, that part seemed a little weird, but the hearts are perfect!
I was reading your post, and yet the pictures were not matching the post!! Are you kidding me??! That cakes looks awesome especially with those hearts!! I guess when one’s a perfectionist, it’s expected. But geez, girl! that cake is gorgeous!
Please share how to make the hearts!?
I hate when my visions don’t translate too! But I still this this cake is totally adorable!
what the WHAT?!?! if i made a cake like this, i would cry from HAPPINESS!!! then put it up on a billboard. heehee
Amanda,
Please for the love of God make a tutorial for this cake!
Chocolate and raspberry??
Teeny hearts inside?
Yes yes please!!!
I made your heart cake for Valentine’s Day last year and it was a hit!
I would love to follow up that wonderful heart cake with this lovely cake!
Maybe if I ask the way my two year old does when he reaaallyy wants something? Puhweeeeaaaseeeee?
I love this cake! In my world when I make a misstep I just call it rustic:)
I would like to know how you did the frosting on the mini heart cake you did for your birthday
Wow!! Your cake turned out amazing!! I love your creativity and you are so talented!! Love the mini heart cake too!!
XO Colette
I must be blind. I cannot see how to make the hearts inside this BEAUTIFUL cake. What am I missing?
I think you need a vacation. Just take some time off and quit stressing. Or come to my house and look at the cakes that I make.
You are right. Cabo or bust!!!
But I don’t live in Cabo.
Oh my gosh, I adore these little hearts! They remind me of bokeh pictures or falling hearts! SWOON!!
Mmm I’m sorry but I don’t get what’s wrong with this cake. It looks absolutely amazing! Especially those cute little hearts
I’d love to know how you made them.
please post how you made the hearts inside the cake. I want to make this for my wedding! OMG!
If you look at the link at the bottom, for the mini heart cake, I have a tutorial for that. Just modify for three hearts. (I am totally over simplifying it… sorry!)
Help… the ‘link’ for the hearts tutorial is no where to be found. Is it possible to send me the ‘link’ to the tutorial? Beautiful creation… lusicious flavors… just need the heart tutorial!
There is no tutorial. Sorry.
I think your cake looks gorgeous and you are being way too hard on yourself. Send me up a slice lol
Please Please tell me how you made the hearts for the cake ????
Oh my goodness…I can’t believe you are not happy with this cake. It GORGEOUS! and looks delicious, you can actually taste the cake through the amazing pics. dont’ be too hard on yourself girl!
I’m not sure why you don’t like this cake because there are MINI HEARTS IN IT. Like, even one mini heart is impressive. When I saw this cake, I immediately thought it was fantastic. Just so cute! And the flavors on top of that? It just all sounds so good.
This cake looks absolutely beautiful and delicious! If I could make a cake that looked like that I would be so proud!! You did great on it!!! I could just about eat it right off the computer!! Lol!
We are our own worst critics! I would totally eat this! It looks delicious
Oh my goodness, Amanda – what’s not to be proud of here?! It’s great!! And I’d help you eat it in a {heart}beat!
That cake looks GORGEOUS to me! I dont know why you think it doesnt
it is so cute! I love the little hearts in it. But the flavors really are the perfect combo!!! I love chocolate and raspberry!
Quite frankly, I love this cake and if I managed to turn that out I’d be dancing around the room super proud of myself. And that’s what I think you should do. Those hearts are awesome — they don’t get lost and I bet the flavor is super when you take a bite!
I think you should post on how to make those hearts inside a cake. I’m not a baker really, but I’d like to give this cake a shot for Valentine’s Day. And as a newbie, bigger hearts (which hold more love) are probably easier to pull off!
I was wondering what did you use to make the hearts inside the cake, it looks like frosting, not fondant. Also, is there a tutorial for the hearts?
Thank you, the cake is beautiful!
I used the raspberry buttercream! It was just very chilled when I cut into the cake. Be blessed!
Love this cake!
I’m sorry but um, I don’t exactly see a problem with this cake? It looks great!
Thank you!
My girls let out a loud “OOOOHH!!!” We love it
First of all chocolate and raspberry is a stellar combination and secondly those hearts are adorable!! I’m always blown away by how you do those surprise cakes.
Thank you so much Sylvie!
I came here via Pinterest because I thought the cake was way too cute and pretty! I was shocked to read that you were embarrassed! There is nothing to be embarrassed about here girl!! Will you please share how in the world you got those gorgeous little hearts of frosting in there?
I’m dying to try this raspberry buttercream on my favorite gluten-free chocolate cake! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
This looks delicious. I have to admit I always look at the pictures before I read the recipe and I thought it looked great, so I couldn’t believe you thought it was a failure! Chocolate and raspberry is my favourite combination, so looks very good to me (and the hearts are sweet!)
I can’t be the only one who thinks that the three hearts inside look like a super cute smiley face, right?
This cake is beautiful and I feel like it should be on the cover of a magazine!
Love the combination, and the pink hearts are so cute
I think you’re being too hard on yourself too! But I get it, I’m the queen of beating myself up. Lol! We’re always out own worst enemies, right?! Anyway, I think it’s a BEAUTIFUL cake! No worries if the hearts aren’t cookie cutter perfect! Honestly, would anyone who was about to bite into that yummy yummy cake (other than you) even notice they weren’t your idea of perfect? They’d all probably be in awe of how cool it looks! Now I need to go try this!
if this beautiful cake is the “failure” please tell me what the “success” could possibly look like? i think it’s amazing!
One of the most adorable and lovely cakes I’ve seen, sweet and silly girl! But I will say it’s amazing how we’re so hard on ourselves sometimes. I do this often, and I totally understand, but your cake is fabulous. xo
Thank you, my friend.
I love the flavor combination, and it turned out better than I could do.
how do you make the hearts in the cake ?
I love this!!!! SO cute! Can you please share how you made the hearts in the inside of the cake? What a cute and clever idea! Did you explain that process and I passed over it?
oh, I wish I could make such lovely cakes even if you think that they are failures which are ABSOLUTELY NOT!
Lovely website, fantastic ideas which I am trying to follow….
my daughter loves to look at your cakes and cookies and tells me which one she wants. guess what? All of them. And I am trying so hard. And I wish i could make such lovely tasty things…
cheer up! Love your website and you
It’s lovely, Amanda! It looks perfect to me.
I think it looks amazing, and I’m going to make this and eat the whole thing for Single Person’s Awareness Day–I mean Valentine’s Day… (at least I’m not bitter–much)
Best Comment of the Day. Love it!
(((Hope your day is amazing)))
So you’ve basically convinced me that I NEED to make this cake. And very soon too or else my life will not be complete. Thank you for sharing this. Also the hearts look amazing and so cute!
Looks so pretty to me!!
My goodness, that cake is gorgeous! Isn’t it silly how we see our own imperfections and feel obligated to point them out to everyone else?! My husband scolds me about that after I’ve shown him a cake I’ve decorated and have pointed out every little flaw that I see.
So beautiful, and I’m certain, SO delicious!
Well said Dawn!
OMG, this cake is absolutely darling and if it tastes good then it’s a real winner. To be honest, I kept looking for what made you so upset about it but couldn’t find it.
It’s perfectly adorable and Valentinesy and your work is so gorgeous, Amanda. Don’t be so hard on yourself – YOU ARE BRILLIANT!
If I could bake half as pretty as you I’d shout it from the hills!
I have no idea how you got the hearts in there but those hands of your sure have sweet magic in them.
Why oh why would you not LOVE this cake?!? Those little hearts!!! Oh my goodness! They are totally adorable! Man, if this is a fail, you are going to be SO disappointed when you see me attempt a cake from your upcoming book!!! Haha! Seriously. This is darling!
Okay, I’ve been trying to figure out how you made that heart inside?
This cake looks amazing!! I love the little hearts inside!
I think you did an amazing job! The cake looks so cute inside. How did you make the buttercream hearts in the middle? I went to your tutorial for your mini heart cake but it appeared as if you were using fondant, I was just wondering because I would love to attempt your cake for valentines day.
Love the heart inserts! How do you do that?
Made it! Loved it! My boys thought I was the best baker ever! Thank you. You have talent
)
My only question to you is, how in the world do you make the adorable little hearts? My version…heartless.
woow this cake is awesome. would you be so kind to send me a tutorial of how you did it … i have to try it for my anniversary
I think you’re crazy to be embarrassed by this! It is a beautiful cake and I would looove a tutorial to learn how to make the hearts inside of the cake! If I tried they would just be blobs!
Please tell us how to get the little hearts into the cake!
This is beautiful! Thank you for posting, I now need to try this!!
ummm…what the crap are you talking about?? That cake is PERFECT! Delightful, delicious looking, and completely adorable.
Now…tell me…HOW do you do that??
I looked up the link and there is no tutorial for the mini heart in the cake. Am I missing something?
I didnt do a tutorial for this cake.