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Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake Recipe

Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake Recipe

4.7 from 20 reviews

Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is a decadent and visually striking dessert that combines rich chocolate cake layers with a luscious blackberry filling and silky whipped cream topping. Perfectly balanced with tart berry notes and sweet cream, this cake is both elegant and indulgent, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or a dramatic centerpiece for any dessert table.

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
  • Cocoa powder dusting

Instructions

  1. Bake the Cakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Stir in the hot water carefully until fully incorporated. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans, then turn them out onto wire racks.
  2. Make the Filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the blackberries and granulated sugar. Cook until the berries have released their juices and softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and lemon juice, then continue cooking while stirring until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely; this prevents it from melting the cream when assembling.
  3. Whip the Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the cream until stiff peaks form, being careful not to overwhip to avoid turning it into butter.
  4. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread the blackberry filling evenly over the top. Carefully place the second cake layer on top. Generously spread the whipped cream over the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with fresh blackberries, edible flowers, dark chocolate shavings, and a light dusting of cocoa powder to enhance the gothic aesthetic and add texture.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the whipped cream to firm up. This step also makes slicing easier. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture experience.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter and better cake texture.
  • Ensure cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the whipped cream from melting.
  • Whip the cream only until stiff peaks form to maintain a light, fluffy texture—overwhipping may cause it to become grainy.
  • You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk plus a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if needed.
  • For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream whipped with powdered sugar and vanilla, and a suitable egg replacer in the cake.

Nutrition

Keywords: blackberry cake, gothic cake, velvet cake, chocolate cake, blackberry filling, whipped cream topping, elegant dessert