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Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake: A Dark, Lush Dessert Dream Recipe

Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake: A Dark, Lush Dessert Dream Recipe

5 from 21 reviews

Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is a rich, dark chocolate cake layered with a luscious blackberry filling and topped with a silky whipped cream frosting. This dessert combines the deep flavors of cocoa with the tart sweetness of fresh blackberries, creating a visually stunning and deliciously moist cake perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a dramatic, elegant 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:

  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries (225 grams)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Cream Topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (360 ml)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (30 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh blackberries
  • Edible flowers
  • Dark chocolate shavings
  • Dusting of cocoa powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
  4. Make Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, gently mixing until just combined. Stir in the hot water slowly; the batter will be thin, which is essential for achieving a moist and tender crumb.
  5. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven 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 transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Prepare Blackberry Filling: While the cakes are baking, combine blackberries and granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the berries release their juices, then stir in the cornstarch slurry and lemon juice. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
  7. Make Cream Topping: Using an electric mixer, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip to avoid curdling.
  8. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the cooled blackberry filling evenly over the layer. Top with the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with the whipped cream topping using an offset spatula for smoothness.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Decorate the top of the cake with fresh blackberries, edible flowers, dark chocolate shavings, and a light dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant finish. Chill briefly before serving for best flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh, ripe blackberries for the best flavor in the filling; frozen can be used if fresh are unavailable.
  • The batter is intentionally thin—this helps create a moist and tender cake texture.
  • Make sure the blackberry filling is fully cooled before layering to prevent melting the whipped cream topping.
  • Chilling the assembled cake for an hour or two before serving helps the flavors meld and the structure set.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with vinegar.

Nutrition

Keywords: Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake, chocolate cake, blackberry filling, whipped cream topping, dark chocolate cake, elegant dessert, gothic dessert