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Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake Recipe

Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake Recipe

4.8 from 21 reviews

Indulge in the decadence of the Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake, a rich chocolate velvet cake infused with fresh blackberries and layered with a luscious blackberry cream cheese frosting. This cake combines the dark allure of cocoa with the tart sweetness of blackberries, making it a perfect dessert for gothic-themed celebrations or any occasion that calls for a dramatic, flavorful treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300 grams)
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (75 grams)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil (180 ml)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (240 ml)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup hot water (120 ml)

For the Blackberry Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh blackberries
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (226 grams)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113 grams)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (375 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup blackberry puree (strained from fresh blackberries)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. Finally, stir in the hot water carefully until the batter is well blended and smooth.
  2. Bake the Cake: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  3. Make the Blackberry Filling: In a small saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the berries start breaking down, about 5 minutes. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then add it to the blackberry mixture. Cook and stir until the filling thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely.
  4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to beat. Mix in vanilla extract and blackberry puree until the frosting turns a lovely light purple and is smooth and spreadable.
  5. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of blackberry filling on top. Add a layer of cream cheese frosting over the filling. Place the second cake layer on top, and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting. Decorate with fresh blackberries as desired.
  6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a delightful, velvety gothic treat.

Notes

  • Use fresh blackberries for the best flavor and vibrant color in both the filling and frosting.
  • You can substitute buttermilk with milk plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar left to sit for 5 minutes.
  • To make the cake vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use vegan butter and milk alternatives, but texture and taste will vary.
  • Store any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a deeper gothic look, consider adding edible black decorations or using black food coloring in the frosting.

Nutrition

Keywords: blackberry velvet cake, gothic cake, chocolate cake, cream cheese frosting, blackberry filling, dessert recipe