Description

This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is a stunning dessert featuring a moist blackberry-infused velvet cake layered with luscious blackberry cream cheese frosting. The cake’s deep, dramatic colors and rich flavors make it perfect for special occasions or gothic-themed celebrations. Garnished with fresh blackberries, edible flowers, or chocolate shards, this cake is both visually striking and decadently delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

For the blackberry velvet cake:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup blackberry purée (strained)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
A few drops of black or deep purple gel food coloring (optional, for gothic effect)

For the blackberry cream cheese frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3–3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup blackberry purée (strained)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For garnish (optional):

Fresh blackberries
Edible flowers
Chocolate shards
Dark berry jam for a dripped effect

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Instructions

Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cakes after baking.
Cream butter, oil, and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This helps create a tender and moist cake.
Add eggs and flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for proper incorporation. Mix in the vanilla extract followed by the blackberry purée for vibrant color and flavor.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
Alternate adding dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir gently to combine without overmixing, ensuring a tender crumb. Then stir in the lemon juice or vinegar to react with the baking soda, giving lift to the cake batter. Add food coloring if using for the gothic effect.
Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake in the preheated oven for 28–32 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Remove from oven and cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring cakes to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, blackberry purée, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. Chill if needed to firm up before assembling the cake.
Assemble and garnish: Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost them generously with the blackberry cream cheese frosting. Garnish with fresh blackberries, chocolate shards, edible flowers, or a drizzle of dark berry jam to enhance the gothic aesthetic and add extra flavor.

Notes

For a stronger blackberry flavor, gently reduce the blackberry purée over low heat to concentrate its taste before using it in the batter and frosting.
For an adult twist, add a splash of crème de cassis or blackberry liqueur to the frosting to deepen the flavor palette.
The optional food coloring adds visual depth but does not affect the flavor; use as desired for a more dramatic appearance.
Be sure not to overmix the batter after adding the flour to maintain cake tenderness.