Valentine's Day Chocolate Raspberry Layer Cake Recipe - Zest Plate

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tablespoons (22ml) water
• 1 1/2 tablespoons (12g) cornstarch
• 3 cups (340-375g) fresh or frozen raspberries
• 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (62g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
• 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 3/4 cup (180g) full-fat sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) hot coffee
• 1 cup (170g) mini chocolate chips tossed in 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 1/2 cups (420g) confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup (41g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) heavy cream
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces (226g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60ml) raspberry liqueur or heavy cream