Indulge your senses with a delightful fusion of decadence. This red wine chocolate cake recipe adds a unique touch to the classic chocolate cake, giving it a rich, vibrant taste that is both delightful and surprising. The sweet red wine merges seamlessly with the dark cocoa, creating a luxurious flavor profile that chocolate lovers will adore.
Photos of Red Wine Chocolate Cake Recipe
The use of sweet red wine in this recipe might be a new concept to some. It's commonly available in any wine section of a supermarket. Opt for a sweeter variety like merlot or shiraz for a robust flavor. Dark cocoa powder is also used instead of the regular one for a richer chocolate taste. It's usually found in the baking aisle.
Ingredients for Red Wine Chocolate Cake
All-purpose flour: A common baking ingredient that serves as the base of this cake.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the bitterness of the cocoa.
Dark cocoa powder: Provides a rich chocolate flavor, darker than regular cocoa powder.
Baking soda: Leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
Salt: Enhances the flavors.
Sweet red wine: Gives a unique touch and depth of flavor.
Milk: Adds moisture to the cake.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and helps it last longer.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate and wine flavors.
Eggs: Binds the ingredients together.
Raspberries: Adds a fruity touch to the frosting.
Salted butter: Gives richness to the frosting.
Vegetable shortening: Adds stability to the frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth texture.
Pink gel icing color: Adds a touch of color to the frosting.
Sprinkles: For decoration and added texture.
Chocolate bar: Used for making chocolate shavings for the topping.
One reader, Kean Orr says:
This red wine chocolate cake recipe is a game-changer! The rich, velvety texture combined with the subtle hint of red wine creates a decadent and indulgent treat. The raspberry frosting adds a delightful fruity twist, making it a showstopper at any gathering. A must-try for all chocolate and wine lovers!
Mastering the Techniques for a Perfect Red Wine Chocolate Cake
How to prepare the chocolate cake batter: Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and the wet ingredients in a separate bowl, then mix them together until smooth.
How to make raspberry puree: Add the raspberries to a food processor and puree them. Strain the puree through a mesh sieve to remove the seeds, then set the puree aside.
How to make raspberry frosting: Beat the butter and shortening until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and raspberry puree, mixing until smooth.
How to decorate the cake: Pipe the frosting onto the cake in vertical rows, offsetting the dollops to fill in the gaps. Top with sprinkles and chocolate shavings.
How To Make Red Wine Chocolate Cake
Indulge yourself with a slice of this rich and luscious red wine chocolate cake! It’s topped with a sweet raspberry frosting, and is made in under 2 hours.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Chocolate Cake:
- 2cupsall-purpose flour
- 2cupssugar
- ¾cupdark cocoa powder,blend, like Hershey’s Special Dark
- 1tbspbaking soda
- 1tspsalt
- 1cupsweet red wine
- ¾cupmilk,room temperature
- ¾cupvegetable oil
- 1½tspvanilla extract
- 3large eggs,room temperature
For Raspberry Frosting:
- 1¼cupsraspberries,fresh
- 1cupsalted butter,room temperature
- ¾cupvegetable shortening
- 6cupspowdered sugar,divided
- pink gel icing color,as needed
- sprinkles,as needed
- chocolate bar,shaved, optional
Instructions
Chocolate Cake:
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Grease a 9 x 13-inch cake pan.
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (176 degrees C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.
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In a medium bowl, combine the wine, milk, oil, vanilla extract and eggs.
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Pour the wine mixture into the flour mixture, then mix until smooth. The batter will be thin.
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Pour into the prepared pan, then bake for 34 to 36 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs.
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Remove the cake from the oven, then allow to cool completely.
Raspberry Frosting:
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Add the raspberries to a food processor, then puree.
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Strain the puree through a mesh sieve to remove the seeds, and then set the puree aside. This produces 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) of puree after straining it.
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Beat the butter and shortening until smooth.
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Add 3 cups (345 grams) of powdered sugar, then mix until smooth.
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Add raspberry puree, then mix until smooth.
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Add the remaining 3 cups (345 grams) of powdered sugar, then mix until smooth.
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With the cake horizontal, pipe one vertical row at a time. For the second row, the dollops should be off set to fill in the gaps.
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Once the whole cake is covered, top with some sprinkles and chocolate shavings.
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Serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 907.28kcal
- Fat: 48.19g
- Saturated Fat: 19.26g
- Trans Fat: 1.94g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 20.23g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.99g
- Carbohydrates: 120.99g
- Fiber: 5.13g
- Sugar: 99.96g
- Protein: 6.19g
- Cholesterol: 70.96mg
- Sodium: 524.08mg
- Calcium: 48.97mg
- Potassium: 304.14mg
- Iron: 3.03mg
- Vitamin A: 125.33µg
- Vitamin C: 2.69mg
Key Technique for Enhancing the Flavor of Red Wine Chocolate Cake
When making the raspberry frosting, ensure that the butter and shortening are at room temperature before you start. This will make them easier to beat and will result in a smoother, creamier frosting. Also, when adding the powdered sugar, do it gradually. Adding it all at once may cause the frosting to become too thick and difficult to spread. If the frosting does become too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more raspberry puree or a splash of milk. Remember, it's easier to add more liquid than to try and thicken a frosting that's too thin.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Red Wine Chocolate Cake
Prep ahead: Measure and prepare all your ingredients before starting to make the cake. This will help you work more efficiently and avoid any last-minute scrambling.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly puree the raspberries for the frosting, saving time and effort compared to manual mashing.
Opt for pre-sifted flour: Using pre-sifted flour can save time and ensure a smoother texture in your cake without the need for additional sifting.
Bake in advance: If possible, bake the cake a day ahead and store it in an airtight container. This can help the flavors meld and develop, resulting in a richer taste.
Chill the frosting: After preparing the frosting, chill it in the refrigerator for a short while to help it set and make it easier to spread on the cake.
Multi-task: While the cake is baking, you can prepare the raspberry puree and frosting to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Invest in piping tools: Using piping tools for frosting can help you achieve a more uniform and professional look without spending too much time on intricate decoration.
Substitute Ingredients For Red Wine Chocolate Cake Recipe
red wine - Substitute with pomegranate juice: Pomegranate juice has a similar tartness and depth of flavor that can complement the chocolate in the cake. It also adds a fruity undertone that pairs well with chocolate.
sweet red wine - Substitute with cranberry juice: Cranberry juice can provide a sweet and slightly tart flavor similar to sweet red wine, adding a fruity note to the cake.
How to Beautifully Present a Red Wine Chocolate Cake
Elevate the cake with a wine reduction drizzle: Create a luxurious red wine reduction by simmering a rich red wine with a touch of sugar until it thickens into a glossy, flavorful drizzle. This will add a sophisticated touch to the cake and enhance the overall presentation.
Garnish with fresh raspberries: Place a few plump, vibrant raspberries strategically around the cake to add a pop of color and a burst of freshness. This simple yet elegant garnish will complement the flavors of the cake and create a visually stunning presentation.
Dust with cocoa powder and powdered sugar: Lightly dust the top of the cake with a mixture of cocoa powder and powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve. This delicate touch will add a hint of elegance and a beautiful contrast to the deep chocolate color of the cake.
Create a chocolate shard garnish: Temper a high-quality chocolate bar and spread it thinly on a baking sheet. Once set, break it into irregular shards and arrange them artistically on top of the cake for a sophisticated and visually striking element.
Serve on individual dessert plates: Present each slice of the cake on a pristine, chilled dessert plate to create a sense of refinement and attention to detail. This will elevate the dining experience and showcase the cake as a standout dessert.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a touch of opulence, delicately place edible gold leaf on the cake. The shimmering gold accents will add a luxurious and extravagant element to the presentation, perfect for a special occasion.
Essential Tools for Baking a Delectable Chocolate Cake
- Mixing bowl: A large container used for mixing ingredients together.
- 9 x 13-inch cake pan: A rectangular baking pan used for baking cakes and other desserts.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for pureeing and processing food, such as the raspberries in this recipe.
- Mesh sieve: A fine mesh strainer used for separating seeds and solids from liquids.
- Piping bag: A cone-shaped bag used to pipe frosting or icing onto cakes and other baked goods.
- Cake spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for spreading and smoothing frosting on cakes.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and cooking food by exposing it to heat.
Storing and Freezing Red Wine Chocolate Cake for Later
- Allow the red wine chocolate cake to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Make sure it's well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors from the fridge.
- To freeze the chocolate cake:
- Cut the cake into individual slices or leave it whole, depending on your preference.
- Wrap each slice or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, making sure there are no air pockets.
- Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Freeze the cake for up to 2-3 months.
- When you're ready to enjoy the frozen cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
- If the cake was frozen in slices, you can thaw individual portions as needed.
- Once thawed, the cake can be served as is or gently warmed in the microwave for a few seconds to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Note that the texture of the cake may slightly change after freezing and thawing, but it will still taste delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Red Wine Chocolate Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover red wine chocolate cake on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cake is heated through. The foil will help prevent the cake from drying out while reheating.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place a single slice of the red wine chocolate cake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 15-20 seconds. If the cake isn't warm enough, heat it for an additional 5-10 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as the cake can become rubbery.
If you want to reheat a larger portion of the cake, you can use the steaming method. Place the cake in a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water. Cover the steamer and let the cake heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until it's warmed through. This method will help keep the cake moist and prevent it from drying out.
For a crispy exterior, you can reheat the red wine chocolate cake in a skillet. Melt a small amount of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a slice of the cake and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it's heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the cake. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place a slice of the cake in the basket. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cake is heated through and the top is slightly crispy. This method works best for individual slices rather than larger portions.
Fascinating Fact About Red Wine in Chocolate Cake
The red wine chocolate cake recipe is a delightful combination of rich flavors. The addition of red wine in the cake batter not only adds a unique depth of flavor but also helps to keep the cake moist. Additionally, the raspberry frosting provides a burst of fruity sweetness that complements the rich chocolate cake. This cake is perfect for special occasions or as a decadent treat for chocolate lovers.
Is Making Red Wine Chocolate Cake at Home Cost-Effective?
The red wine chocolate cake recipe can be cost-effective for a household. The main cost lies in the red wine and raspberries, but the other ingredients are commonly found in a kitchen. The cake's rich flavor and luxurious texture make it a delightful treat for special occasions. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, depending on the quality of the red wine and raspberries. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, considering its taste, presentation, and the value it adds to a gathering or celebration.
Is Red Wine Chocolate Cake Healthy or Unhealthy?
This red wine chocolate cake recipe, while indulgent and delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- High sugar content from the cake and frosting
- Significant amount of fat from butter, oil, and shortening
- Refined all-purpose flour lacks fiber and nutrients
- Limited nutritional value from the ingredients
However, there are a few redeeming qualities, such as the antioxidants in the red wine and dark cocoa powder, and the presence of raspberries in the frosting.
To make this recipe healthier without compromising taste and texture, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the sugar in the cake by 1/4 to 1/2 cup and in the frosting by 1-2 cups, depending on your preference for sweetness
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients
- Swap the vegetable oil with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat content
- Use a combination of butter and avocado in the frosting to maintain creaminess while increasing healthy fats
- Incorporate more raspberries or other fresh fruits into the frosting or as a topping to boost vitamins and antioxidants
- Opt for a dark chocolate bar with at least 70% cocoa solids for the chocolate shavings to increase the flavonoid content
Editor's Opinion: Why Red Wine Chocolate Cake is a Must-Try
The red wine chocolate cake recipe is a delightful combination of rich flavors and luxurious textures. The addition of sweet red wine adds depth to the chocolate cake, while the raspberry frosting provides a refreshing and fruity contrast. The cake's moist and tender crumb, paired with the creamy frosting, creates a harmonious balance of sweetness. The use of wine in the cake batter adds a unique twist, making this dessert a sophisticated and indulgent treat. The finishing touch of sprinkles and chocolate shavings adds a playful and elegant touch, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or a decadent dessert.
Enhance Your Red Wine Chocolate Cake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delightful Alternatives to Red Wine Chocolate Cake
Appetizer and Main Course Combinations for Red Wine Chocolate Cake
Why trust this Red Wine Chocolate Cake Recipe:
This recipe offers a decadent and indulgent treat, combining the rich flavors of red wine and dark cocoa powder to create a luscious chocolate cake. The addition of sweet red wine infuses a unique depth of flavor, while the raspberry frosting adds a delightful fruity contrast. The careful balance of ingredients and detailed instructions ensure a moist and flavorful cake that will impress any dessert enthusiast. Trust the expertise behind this recipe to elevate your baking experience and indulge in a delightful culinary creation.
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