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)
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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