Description
Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is a rich, decadent dessert combining fresh blackberry flavor with a moist, velvety chocolate cake. Featuring dramatic dark purple swirls and a smooth cream cheese frosting, this visually striking cake is perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Blackberry Puree
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (or dairy-free cream cheese)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or dairy-free butter)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients and Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans or line with parchment paper. Wash blackberries and measure all ingredients for easy baking.
- Make the Blackberry Puree: Blend 1 cup fresh blackberries until smooth, strain to remove seeds if desired. This puree creates vibrant berry flavor and gothic swirls.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder to ensure even distribution and a light crumb.
- Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes, building a tender texture.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each, then stir in vanilla extract for aromatic sweetness.
- Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually add dry mixture and buttermilk alternately, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently to keep batter light and avoid overbeating.
- Add Blackberry Puree and Create Swirls: Pour half the batter into prepared pans, spoon dollops of blackberry puree on top, and use a knife or skewer to swirl it into the batter artistically.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cakes completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy and creamy.
- Assemble Your Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake: Layer cooled cake rounds with frosting in between. Cover the entire cake with remaining frosting. Decorate with fresh blackberries or edible flowers for an extra gothic flair.
Notes
- Bring butter, eggs, and cream cheese to room temperature for smooth mixing and even texture.
- Mix batter just until combined after adding flour to keep cake tender and avoid dense crumb.
- Use fresh blackberries for the brightest flavor and most vibrant color.
- Create swirls gently with a knife to achieve the signature gothic marble effect.
- Test cake doneness with a toothpick; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: thirty-two grams
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: twenty grams
- Saturated Fat: twelve grams
- Unsaturated Fat: six grams
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Blackberry cake, chocolate cake, cream cheese frosting, berry swirl cake, gothic cake, gluten-free dessert
