Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake: A Dark Dessert Delight

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Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

Introduction

Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is an enchanting and dramatic dessert that brings together the rich flavors of dark cocoa and the sweet tang of blackberries. This cake features deep, dark cocoa layers that are tender and moist, combined with a luscious blackberry compote filling and a dreamy cream cheese frosting. It’s a true showstopper for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday or hosting a dinner party.

Why You’ll Love This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

This cake isn’t just about looks; it’s packed with flavor and texture that will delight your senses. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:

  • Moist and rich layers make every bite a treat.
  • The blackberry compote adds a fruity twist that complements the cocoa perfectly.
  • It features a stunning black and purple color scheme, perfect for Gothic themes.
  • Easy to decorate, making it ideal for elegant parties.
  • Vegan options available for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Perfect for special occasions or just because you deserve a treat.

With its unique flavors, this Blackberry Velvet Dessert is sure to impress and satisfy anyone looking for something different.

Ingredients for Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

Gather these items:

  • 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar (for cake)
  • 3/4 cup (75 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for cake)
  • 1-2 teaspoons black gel food coloring (optional, for cake)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) hot water
  • 1 1/2 cups (225 grams) fresh or frozen blackberries
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar (for compote)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for compote slurry)
  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 16 oz (450g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 6-8 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream (if needed, for frosting)
  • Fresh blackberries (for garnish)
  • Edible silver or black sprinkles or glitter (optional, for garnish)
  • Dark chocolate shavings or curls (optional, for garnish)
  • Sprigs of fresh mint or edible dark flowers (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake Step-by-Step

  1. Step 1: Combine 1 1/2 cups blackberries, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring, until berries soften. Whisk 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water; stir slurry into compote and cook 1-2 minutes until thickened. Cool completely, then chill for at least 1-2 hours.
  2. Step 2: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. Sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Whisk well.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, 3/4 cup vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and optional 1-2 teaspoons black gel food coloring.
  4. Step 4: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup hot water, mixing gently until the batter is smooth and lump-free. The batter will be thin.
  5. Step 5: Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10-15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Step 6: In a stand mixer, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 16 oz softened cream cheese on medium-high for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Gradually add 6-8 cups sifted powdered sugar on low speed, then beat on medium-high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla and a pinch of salt. Adjust consistency with milk/cream if needed.
  7. Step 7: Level cooled cake layers. Place the first layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of frosting, leaving a 1/2-inch border, then pipe a frosting dam around the edge. Fill dam with 1/2 to 3/4 cup chilled blackberry compote. Top with the second cake layer, repeat frosting and compote. Place the final cake layer on top.
  8. Step 8: Apply a thin layer of frosting all over the cake (crumb coat) to trap loose crumbs. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes until the crumb coat is firm.
  9. Step 9: Apply the remaining frosting generously to the top and sides of the cake, smoothing for a sleek finish. Decorate with fresh blackberries, edible sprinkles/glitter, chocolate shavings, or fresh mint/edible flowers. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
  10. Step 10: Allow cake to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for best texture. Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

Keep these in mind:

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
  • For extra moistness, consider adding a bit of sour cream or yogurt.
  • Don’t skip the chilling step for the compote; it enhances the flavors.
  • For a visually stunning finish, use a mix of fresh berries and edible flowers for decoration.
  • Method: Baking; this cake requires careful monitoring during baking to prevent overcooking.

Best Ways to Serve Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

Here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:

  • Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
  • Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings.
  • Consider offering a side of fresh blackberries for extra flavor and garnish.

How to Store and Reheat Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

To maintain the cake’s moistness, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to serve it warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

What’s the secret to perfect Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake?

The secret lies in using high-quality ingredients and ensuring that your cake layers are baked just right. A moist batter, along with the fresh blackberry compote, creates a flavor explosion in every bite.

Can I make Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and freeze them. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Frost the cake the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and flavor.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake?

Measure your ingredients accurately and avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake. Also, ensure that your oven is properly preheated to achieve even baking.

Variations of Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

  • Substitute blackberries with raspberries for a different berry flavor.
  • Try a Blackberry Cream Cake by using whipped cream instead of cream cheese frosting.
  • For a richer taste, add dark chocolate chips to the batter for a Dark Velvet Blackberry Cake.
  • Make a Vegan Blackberry Velvet Cake by using flax eggs and non-dairy milk.

Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake: A Dark Dessert Delight - Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out Cranberry Orange Pancakes, Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze, Sweet Potato Biscuits for Thanksgiving, Last Recipes, and Creamy Potato Soup Recipe.

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Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake: A Dark Dessert Delight


  • Author: basmer
  • Total Time: 6 hours
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

An enchanting and dramatic dessert, this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake features deep, dark cocoa cake layers with a tender, moist crumb, luscious blackberry compote filling, and a dreamy cream cheese frosting. A true showstopper for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar (for cake)
  • 3/4 cup (75 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for cake)
  • 12 teaspoons black gel food coloring (optional, for cake)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) hot water
  • 1 1/2 cups (225 grams) fresh or frozen blackberries
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar (for compote)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for compote slurry)
  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 16 oz (450g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 68 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)
  • 12 tablespoons milk or cream (if needed, for frosting)
  • Fresh blackberries (for garnish)
  • Edible silver or black sprinkles or glitter (optional, for garnish)
  • Dark chocolate shavings or curls (optional, for garnish)
  • Sprigs of fresh mint or edible dark flowers (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Combine 1 1/2 cups blackberries, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring, until berries soften. Whisk 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water; stir slurry into compote and cook 1-2 minutes until thickened. Cool completely, then chill for at least 1-2 hours.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. Sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt in a large bowl. Whisk well.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, 3/4 cup vegetable oil, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and optional 1-2 tsp black gel food coloring.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup hot water, mixing gently until the batter is smooth and lump-free. The batter will be thin.
  5. Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10-15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. In a stand mixer, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 16 oz softened cream cheese on medium-high for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Gradually add 6-8 cups sifted powdered sugar on low speed, then beat on medium-high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy. Stir in 2 tsp vanilla and a pinch of salt. Adjust consistency with milk/cream if needed. Optionally, add black gel food coloring for a darker hue.
  7. Level cooled cake layers. Place the first layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of frosting, leaving a 1/2-inch border, then pipe a frosting dam around the edge. Fill dam with 1/2 to 3/4 cup chilled blackberry compote. Top with the second cake layer, repeat frosting and compote. Place the final cake layer on top.
  8. Apply a thin layer of frosting all over the cake (crumb coat) to trap loose crumbs. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes until the crumb coat is firm.
  9. Apply the remaining frosting generously to the top and sides of the cake, smoothing for a sleek finish. Decorate with fresh blackberries, edible sprinkles/glitter, chocolate shavings, or fresh mint/edible flowers. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
  10. Allow cake to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for best texture. Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Notes

    • Prep Time: 3 hours
    • Cook Time: 1 hour
    • Category: Dessert
    • Method: Baking
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 slice
    • Calories: 450
    • Sugar: 35g
    • Sodium: 300mg
    • Fat: 25g
    • Saturated Fat: 15g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
    • Carbohydrates: 50g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Protein: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 80mg

    Keywords: Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake, Cake, Dessert, Blackberry, Cocoa

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