almond raspberry layer cake

INGREDIENTS

• 4 1/2 cups cake flour
• 4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup prepared almond paste (7 ounces)
• 2 2/3 cups sugar
• 2 1/2 sticks (10 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon almond extract
• 10 egg whites
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup simple syrup (to keep cake moist)(optional)
• 1 cup seedless raspberry preserves
• 7 ounces bittersweet chocolate
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature