Hey, fellow food lovers! Welcome to my delicious corner of the internet, where bold flavors meet cozy comfort food. I’m Nyla, and I’m beyond excited to share one of my latest obsessions: Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake. Trust me, this isn’t your grandma’s cake (unless your grandma is seriously cool!).
This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake turns any meal into something special, whether you’re serving up a spooky snack or a daring dessert. What I love about this cake is it’s packed with flavor, gorgeous to look at, and bound to steal the show.
I’ve always loved baking, but I crave something different. Something that makes people say, “WOW!” The Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake definitely delivers.
Join me as we whip up this show-stopping dessert together. Are you ready for a flavor adventure? Let’s go!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! Here’s everything you’ll need to create this masterpiece:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation of our cake.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: For sweetness, of course!
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This adds that rich, dark chocolate flavor that’s essential for a gothic cake.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda: More rising power!
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 cup buttermilk: This adds moisture and a slight tang, creating that signature velvet texture.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 2 large eggs: Binds everything together.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 cup hot coffee: This intensifies the chocolate flavor. Don’t worry, you won’t taste the coffee!
- 1 cup blackberry puree: The star of the show! Use fresh or frozen blackberries, pureed until smooth.
- 1 bottle (1 ounce) black food coloring: For that dramatic gothic look. You can grab this during your normal shopping trip.
- For the Blackberry Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s softened, not melted!
- 4 cups powdered sugar: For sweetness and structure.
- ½ cup blackberry puree: Adds that delicious blackberry flavor to the frosting.
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream: To adjust the consistency of the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
No worries if you don’t have buttermilk – I use a mixture of milk and vinegar all the time in my Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake. Just add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to a measuring cup, then fill the rest with milk to equal 1 cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’re good to go!
This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake gets its amazing taste from the combination of dark chocolate, tangy buttermilk, and sweet blackberries. It’s a flavor explosion!
I love adding extra vanilla extract to my Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake for that extra kick! It just rounds out the flavors and makes it even more delicious.
Let’s Make Some!
Alright, fellow food lovers, let’s get our aprons on and create some delicious magic! I’m so excited to guide you through making this amazing Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures your cake won’t stick!
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This is the dry ingredient base for our Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake.
- In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Stir in the hot coffee and blackberry puree. The batter will be thin, but don’t worry!
- Add the black food coloring and mix until you achieve your desired shade of gothic darkness. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. In my kitchen, this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake usually takes about 32 minutes.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. While your Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the blackberry buttercream frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
- Stir in the blackberry puree and vanilla extract. Add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, level them with a serrated knife. This will make stacking and frosting easier.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Frost the top with a generous layer of blackberry buttercream frosting.
- Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting. Frost the entire cake with the remaining blackberry buttercream frosting.
- Decorate as desired. I like to use fresh blackberries, chocolate shavings, or even edible glitter for an extra touch of gothic glam.
Your Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake should smell absolutely incredible right now – that rich chocolate and sweet blackberry combination is irresistible!
Don’t worry if your Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake looks a little rustic – that just adds to the gothic charm! This is my favorite part of making Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake – watch the magic happen!
For a fun twist, try making mini Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cakes in cupcake form! Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake hits the table. I love to enjoy this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cool creaminess complements the rich cake perfectly.
This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is perfect for Halloween parties, gothic-themed events, or just a special treat on a dark and stormy night.
For a bold flavor pairing, try serving this cake with a glass of blackberry liqueur or a strong cup of coffee.
When it comes to presentation, think dramatic! Dust the cake with cocoa powder for a velvety finish, or arrange fresh blackberries around the base. Edible glitter adds a touch of sparkle.
Got leftovers? (If you do, you’re lucky!) Crumble the cake into parfaits with layers of whipped cream and fresh berries, or use it to make a decadent bread pudding.
For a fusion variation, try adding a layer of cream cheese frosting between the cake layers for a tangy twist.
This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! I often serve this at game nights – it’s a real crowd pleaser.
FAQs:
I get so many questions about this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake, so I thought I’d answer a few of the most common ones here.
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake?
Absolutely! This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. Just take your time and follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll be amazed at what you can create.
What if I mess up my Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
Hey, we all make mistakes in the kitchen! If your cake is a little dry, try brushing it with a simple syrup before frosting. If your frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
How can I prep this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake for busy weeknights?
You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them in the freezer, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. Just thaw them completely before frosting. You can also make the blackberry puree a day or two in advance.
Can I use a different type of berry?
Of course! Raspberries, blueberries, or even mixed berries would all work well in this recipe. Just adjust the amount of sugar as needed, depending on the sweetness of the berries.
What kind of cocoa powder should I use?
I prefer using Dutch-processed cocoa powder for its rich, dark flavor and smooth texture. However, regular unsweetened cocoa powder will also work.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
You can reduce the amount of sugar by up to ¼ cup without significantly affecting the texture of the cake. However, keep in mind that sugar does contribute to the cake’s moisture and tenderness.
Why is hot coffee added to the batter?
The hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor of the cake. Don’t worry, you won’t taste the coffee in the final product.
I tested a version of this cake with a little bit of espresso powder and the results were amazing! My family couldn’t stop raving about it.
I once had a reader ask if they could substitute the coffee for tea, and I hadn’t tried this yet. But after experimenting, green tea tastes particularly good!
This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is a flavor adventure, so don’t be afraid to play around with the recipe and make it your own!
CONCLUSION:
This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake brings me so much joy because it’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience. The rich, dark chocolate, the sweet and tangy blackberries, and the dramatic gothic look all come together to create something truly special.
Here are my Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake Flavor Secrets:
- Don’t skimp on the cocoa powder! Use a good quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
- Use fresh or frozen blackberries for the puree. Frozen blackberries are often more affordable and just as flavorful.
- Add a pinch of salt to the frosting. This balances the sweetness and enhances the blackberry flavor.
Here are some delicious Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake variations I’ve tested:
- Blackberry White Chocolate Gothic Cake: Substitute white chocolate chips for the cocoa powder and use a white chocolate buttercream frosting.
- Spiced Blackberry Gothic Cake: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to the batter for a warm and cozy twist.
- Blackberry Lemon Gothic Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter and use a lemon-flavored buttercream frosting.
The Blackberry White Chocolate Gothic Cake is perfect for birthday parties, while the Spiced Blackberry Gothic Cake is ideal for holiday gatherings.
I’m so excited for you to try this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake! Remember, trust your taste buds, get creative in the kitchen, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Every happy accident can be a delicious discovery. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear about your Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake creations!
If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for my Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake. It’s another bold flavor combination that’s surprisingly delicious.
This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake reminds me of the Blackberry Crown Royal Poundcake Recipe and Baking Experience. Give it a try for an adult oriented blackberry cake.
Don’t forget to checkout my Spooky Black Velvet Cake Recipe (Dye-Free!)
For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out my Butternut Squash Pancakes.
My daughter’s gift to me Four layer red velvet with cream cheese, sounds a bit like a gothic chocolate cake, so give that a look too.
Also, for a different cake completely, you might like my Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake!
Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake
Indulge in the dark allure of our Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake, a moist and decadent dessert featuring rich blackberry flavor and a stunningly elegant presentation. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a touch of gothic charm.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup blackberry puree (fresh or frozen blackberries)
- 2 tablespoons black cocoa powder
- Black food coloring (optional, for deeper color)
- For the Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup blackberry puree
- For Decoration:
- Fresh blackberries
- Edible silver leaf (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Add Blackberry and Cocoa: Stir in the blackberry puree, black cocoa powder, and black food coloring (if using).
- Bake: Pour batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and blackberry puree.
- Assemble: Once the cakes are completely cool, level them if necessary. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake.
- Decorate: Decorate with fresh blackberries and edible silver leaf (if using).
- Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.
Notes
For a more intense blackberry flavor, use blackberry extract in the frosting. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.