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Dark & Lush Blackberry Velvet Cake

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4.2 from 66 reviews

Indulge in the rich and dramatic flavors of the Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake, a perfect dessert that combines the deep cocoa notes with vibrant blackberry purée for a spooky yet elegant Halloween celebration treat. This moist, velvety cake is layered and frosted with luscious cream cheese frosting infused with blackberry, and decorated with fresh blackberries, edible flowers, and dark chocolate shards for a stunning gothic presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or yogurt/milk with lemon juice)
  • 1 cup blackberry purée (fresh blackberries recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or vinegar)
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract)
  • Gel food coloring as needed (optional)

For the Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (or mascarpone)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (or margarine)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • Blackberry purée as needed
  • Vanilla extract, a pinch of salt

For Decoration

  • Fresh blackberries as needed
  • Edible flowers (optional)
  • Blackberry glaze or dark chocolate shards (alternatively berry compote)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch springform pans with butter or oil and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cakes after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to combine and aerate the dry ingredients for a light crumb.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients (Part 1): In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, fresh blackberry purée, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth, creating a vibrant and flavorful wet mixture.
  4. Cream Sugar and Oil: In another large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream granulated sugar and vegetable oil together until light and fluffy. This aeration helps with cake texture. Then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain an emulsion.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture while mixing on low speed just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
  6. Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
  7. Prepare Frosting: While the cakes cool, beat cream cheese and unsalted butter together until creamy and smooth. Mix in blackberry purée, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and powdered sugar adjusting sweetness to taste.
  8. Assemble Cake: Once cakes are completely cool, level the tops if necessary using a serrated knife. Place one cake layer on serving platter, spread a generous layer of frosting over the top, then place the second cake layer on top.
  9. Frost Entire Cake: Spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the assembled cake evenly for a smooth finish.
  10. Decorate: Garnish with fresh blackberries, drizzle with blackberry glaze or sprinkle dark chocolate shards, and add edible flowers to complement the gothic aesthetic.
  11. Chill and Serve: Chill the cake briefly in the refrigerator to set the frosting before slicing for clean servings. Serve on dark plates to enhance the dramatic presentation and enjoy your decadent Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake!

Notes

  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
  • Use fresh blackberries for the purée and decoration to maximize flavor and freshness.
  • Allow cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of frosting.
  • Chilling the cake briefly after decorating helps the frosting set for neater slicing.
  • Gel food coloring is optional and can enhance the gothic theme if desired.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/dark-and-lush-blackberry-velvet-cake/