Decadent Chocolate Bliss Cake with Homemade Raspberry Sauce & Mock Devonshire Cream: A Valentine’s Day Dream Dessert
Prepare to fall in love with the ultimate chocolate experience: the Chocolate Bliss Cake, crowned with a vibrant Raspberry Sauce and a dollop of luscious Devonshire Cream. This isn’t just any dessert; it’s a celebration of rich flavors and cherished memories, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special gathering. If you’re a chocolate aficionado, this cake is, without a doubt, a dream come true, offering unparalleled moisture and a depth of flavor that will leave you utterly blissful.
This exquisite creation has a special place in our hearts, stemming from a beloved tradition. For the past two years, I’ve had the immense pleasure of hosting a Valentine’s Brunch for my dearest girlfriends. These gatherings are always filled with laughter, warmth, and, of course, delicious food. In 2011, we even had a memorable Pajama Brunch, which was an absolute blast! Amidst all the fun and festivity, this Chocolate Bliss Cake stood out as the undisputed star of the dessert table.
It’s almost unbelievable that I neglected to post this phenomenal recipe until now! I recently searched for it, only to realize its absence from my blog. A cake this spectacular deserves to be shared with the world. Its deep chocolate flavor, incredibly moist texture, and the harmonious balance brought by the accompanying raspberry sauce and creamy topping make it truly unforgettable. It’s the kind of dessert that makes an impression, and its return to the spotlight is long overdue.
The Chocolate Bliss Cake: A Symphony of Richness
This Chocolate Bliss Cake lives up to its name. It’s a supremely moist and intensely chocolatey cake that manages to be both impressive and surprisingly approachable to make. The secret to its incredible tenderness and rich flavor lies in a clever combination of ingredients: a chocolate cake mix, instant chocolate pudding, and, perhaps most importantly, sour cream. The sour cream doesn’t just add moisture; it contributes a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the chocolate, resulting in a cake that is exceptionally flavorful and never dry. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking for an easy yet elegant chocolate dessert.
The Inspiration Behind the Devonshire Cream
As I mentioned in a previous post about Almond Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies, my dear friend Andi used to host the most charming tea parties years ago. It was at one of these lovely gatherings that I first encountered “Devonshire Cream.” I can’t quite recall what she served it with that day – perhaps fresh fruit or scones – but the memory of its unique, creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor stuck with me. When planning the accompaniments for this Chocolate Bliss Cake, the idea of incorporating a sour cream-based cream immediately came to mind. I had a hunch that the sour cream in both the cake and the topping would create a beautiful synergy, and I was absolutely right – the flavors truly complement each other magnificently.
While my friend Andi’s version is more of a “mock” Devonshire Cream, offering a delightful shortcut to achieve a similar taste profile without the lengthy traditional process, it’s nonetheless incredibly delicious and pairs wonderfully with a variety of desserts. For my English foodie friends out there, I’d love for you to chime in with your thoughts on this simplified take! It’s an accessible way to enjoy a taste reminiscent of classic clotted cream, providing that perfect creamy counterpoint to a rich cake or tart fruit.
Andi’s Mock Devonshire Cream Recipe
This quick and easy cream is perfect for elevating any dessert:
- 8 ounces heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 3-6 Tablespoons of Powdered Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To prepare: Whip the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until thick and fluffy. Once it reaches a firm consistency, gently fold in the sour cream until just combined. Be careful not to overmix after adding the sour cream to maintain its creamy texture.
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Print Recipe
Chocolate Bliss Cake with Raspberry Sauce and Devonshire Cream
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Bliss Cake:
- 1 18.25 ounce package chocolate cake mix (choose your favorite brand for a reliable base)
- 1 cup Reduced Fat Sour Cream (key for moisture and tender crumb)
- 1 pkg. 4 serving size JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding (enhances chocolate flavor and moisture)
- 4 large eggs (binds ingredients and adds richness)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for a moist texture)
- 1/2 cup cold water (to hydrate the mix)
- 3 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping (for the chocolate drizzle)
- 1 8 ounce package BAKER’S Semi-Sweet Chocolate (for melting and mixing with Cool Whip)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries (for garnishing the cake)
For the Homemade Raspberry Sauce:
- 1 pint fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 1/4 cup white sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (adds a bright, citrusy note)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
- 1 cup cold water (to mix with cornstarch)
For Andi’s Mock Devonshire Cream:
- 8 ounces heavy whipping cream (for a rich, airy base)
- 1 cup sour cream (adds the signature tang and creaminess)
- 3-6 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar (sweetens the cream; adjust to your preference)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances overall flavor)
Instructions
For the Chocolate Bliss Cake:
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
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Lightly grease and flour a 12-cup fluted tube pan (Bundt pan) or a 10-inch tube pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, reduced-fat sour cream, JELL-O chocolate instant pudding mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and cold water. Beat all these ingredients together with an electric mixer on low speed, just until they are moistened and combined.
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Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is well incorporated. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan.
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Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it’s fully cooked.
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Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This helps the cake firm up slightly before unmolding.
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Carefully loosen the cake from the sides of the pan using a knife or a metal spatula. Gently invert the cake onto a wire rack to remove it from the pan.
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Let the cake cool completely on the wire rack. Once fully cooled, carefully transfer it to your chosen serving plate.
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For the chocolate drizzle: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping and the BAKER’S Semi-Sweet Chocolate. Microwave on HIGH for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, stirring after each minute, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and well blended.
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Generously drizzle the warm chocolate mixture over the cooled cake.
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Spoon the fresh raspberries into the center opening of the cake, creating a beautiful and delicious garnish.
For the Homemade Raspberry Sauce:
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In a saucepan, combine the fresh raspberries, white sugar, and orange juice.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the cold water until it forms a smooth slurry. Add this cornstarch mixture to the saucepan with the raspberries. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
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Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Remember, the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
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For a smooth sauce, puree it in a blender or with a handheld immersion blender. Then, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds, ensuring a perfectly silky finish. Serve the raspberry sauce warm or cold alongside your cake. This delicious sauce will keep well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
For Andi’s Mock Devonshire Cream:
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In a cold bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar (start with 3 tablespoons and add more to taste), and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until firm peaks form. Gently fold in the sour cream until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can deflate the cream. Serve immediately or refrigerate until needed.
Nutrition
Tips for Achieving Perfection
While this recipe is designed to be straightforward, a few tips can help ensure your Chocolate Bliss Cake, Raspberry Sauce, and Devonshire Cream turn out perfectly every time:
- **Do Not Overmix the Cake Batter:** Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tougher cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined, then beat for the recommended two minutes.
- **Room Temperature Ingredients:** For the cake, ensure eggs and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more smoothly into the batter, resulting in a more uniform and tender crumb.
- **Proper Pan Preparation:** Greasing and flouring your Bundt or tube pan thoroughly is crucial. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures a clean release, preserving its beautiful shape.
- **Cooling is Key:** Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before drizzling the chocolate topping. Applying a warm topping to a warm cake can cause it to melt or slide off.
- **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** The amount of powdered sugar in the Devonshire Cream and white sugar in the Raspberry Sauce can be adjusted based on your personal preference and the sweetness of your raspberries. Taste as you go!
- **Make Ahead Components:** Both the Raspberry Sauce and the Mock Devonshire Cream can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes assembly on the day of serving quick and easy, especially when entertaining.
- **Serving Presentation:** For an extra touch of elegance, consider garnishing individual slices with a few extra fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint.
More Than Just a Valentine’s Treat
While this Chocolate Bliss Cake with Raspberry Sauce and Devonshire Cream is undoubtedly an exquisite choice for Valentine’s Day, its elegance and irresistible flavor make it suitable for a myriad of other occasions. Imagine serving this show-stopping dessert at a birthday celebration, an anniversary dinner, a holiday feast, or simply as a luxurious treat to brighten an ordinary weekend. The combination of rich chocolate, tart berries, and creamy indulgence makes it a universally loved dessert.
Whether you’re celebrating love, friendship, or simply the joy of baking, this recipe offers a delightful experience. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when thoughtfully combined, can create something truly extraordinary. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe for your next special occasion. It’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Don’t forget to rate this recipe and leave your comments below once you’ve tried it. Your feedback helps others discover the joy of this incredible Chocolate Bliss Cake!