Pink Velvet Raspberry Chocolate Cake

Preheat the oven to 160°C

To make the cake batter: 

In a large bowl, whisk together the butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla bean paste. Alternately add in some buttermilk and then flour to the mixture. Mix well after each addition. Fold in the pink food paste and mix until the colour is even. Pour the vinegar over the bicarbonate of soda in a small bowl. It will fizz up. Quickly mix this into the cake batter.

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake tins. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a cocktail stick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Avoid opening the oven door too often, as this can cause the cakes to sink. Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the filling:

Chop the white chocolate into small pieces and place in a heatproof bowl. Heat the double cream until it just comes to a boil, then pour it over the white chocolate. Let it stand for a minute, then whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Chill in the fridge for 4-5 hours or overnight.

Prepare the Raspberry Soak

In a small saucepan, combine the frozen raspberries and sugar. Heat until the mixture comes to a boil, breaking up the raspberries to release their juices. Strain the mixture to obtain the raspberry juice. Once cool, lightly drizzle the juice over each cake layer to add moisture and flavour. Do this step while the cakes are still warm to allow better absorption.

Assemble the Cake:

Level the tops of the cooled cakes with a serrated knife. Whisk the chilled white chocolate cream until thick. Spread half of the filling over the top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining filling over the top and sides of the cake.

Decorate (optional)

Grate white chocolate and sprinkle on the side of the cake then add fresh raspberries on top as desired.