Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake: A Dark, Lush Dessert Dream
Introduction
If you’re ready to indulge in a dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious, look no further than the Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake. This striking cake combines rich, velvety chocolate with the tartness of blackberries, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe will impress your family and friends while satisfying your sweet tooth. Let’s dive into this lush cake that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of chocolate and blackberries creates a unique flavor experience.
- Perfect for Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a treat for yourself, this cake steals the spotlight.
- Impresses Guests: Its stunning appearance and rich taste make it a standout dessert.
- Comforting and Satisfying: This cake is not just a treat; it brings warmth and joy to every bite.
Ingredients Needed
For the cake base:
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup hot water
For the blackberry filling:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the whipped cream topping:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For decoration:
- Fresh blackberries
- Edible flowers
- Dark chocolate shavings
- Cocoa powder for dusting
How to Make Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake
- Prepare the Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently. Then, pour in the hot water. Mix until the batter is smooth; it will be thin.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans on a wire rack.
- Make the Blackberry Filling: In a saucepan, combine the blackberries and sugar over medium heat. Cook until they become juicy. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and lemon juice, continuing to cook until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool fully.
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until it reaches stiff peaks.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are cool, spread the cooled blackberry filling between the layers. Top with the whipped cream, then decorate as desired with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, and edible flowers.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the assembled cake for at least one hour before slicing. Enjoy!
How to Serve Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake
Serve the cake chilled for the best taste. You can offer it on a fancy plate topped with extra blackberries and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of additional whipped cream on the side.
How to Store Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake
To keep the cake fresh, cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 3-4 days, as the texture and flavors are at their peak during this time.
Tips to Make Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake
- Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
- Don’t skip the cooling step for the cakes and blackberry filling; it improves the overall texture.
- Experiment with different toppings to personalize the cake even more.
Variation
For a fun twist, consider adding a layer of lemon curd between the cake layers or infuse the whipped cream with a hint of almond extract for an extra depth of flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen blackberries work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess juice before using them.
How thick should the blackberry filling be?
The filling should be thick enough to spread easily but still oozy. When it cools, it should hold its shape between the cake layers.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Just ensure that the remaining ingredients are also gluten-free.
Conclusion
The Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is a dessert worth making! Its rich chocolate flavor combined with the fresh taste of blackberries creates a truly memorable experience. Give it a try and wow your loved ones with this unique treat. If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating! What variations did you try? Let us know below, and don’t forget to share your delightful creation on social media!
Print
Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this luscious cake combining rich chocolate and tart blackberries for a striking dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for topping)
- Fresh blackberries (for decoration)
- Edible flowers (for decoration)
- Dark chocolate shavings (for decoration)
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently. Then, pour in the hot water and mix until the batter is smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans on a wire rack.
- In a saucepan, combine the blackberries and sugar over medium heat. Cook until they become juicy. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and lemon juice, continue to cook until thickened, and then let it cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Once the cakes are cool, spread the cooled blackberry filling between the layers. Top with the whipped cream and decorate as desired with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, and edible flowers.
- Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least one hour before slicing. Enjoy!
Notes
Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg