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Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free flour used)
Description
The Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is a decadent and visually stunning dessert combining moist velvet cake layers with the tartness of fresh blackberries and a luscious cream cheese frosting. With deep dark purple hues and a gothic elegance, this cake offers a perfect balance of bold flavors and velvety textures, ideal for special occasions or luxurious everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups fresh blackberries
- 1 teaspoon black food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to ensure even mixing and a smooth cake texture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is essential for creating an airy cake base.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. This enriches the flavor and ensures a smooth, well-combined batter.
- Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Add Blackberries and Food Coloring: Gently fold in the fresh blackberries and black food coloring. The blackberries add tart flavor bursts while the food coloring deepens the gothic aesthetic.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly into greased and floured cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and spreadable. This frosting is silky and tangy, perfectly complementing the cake.
- Assemble the Cake: Layer the cooled cake with generous amounts of cream cheese frosting between each layer. Cover the entire cake, including sides and top, evenly with frosting. Decorate with extra fresh blackberries or edible gothic-themed decorations as desired.
Notes
- Choose ripe blackberries for the best tartness and vibrant color.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
- Use room temperature ingredients for even blending and smooth texture.
- Test cake doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking, maintaining moistness.
- Chill the frosting slightly before spreading for cleaner, more precise cake layers.
- Frozen blackberries can be used if fresh are unavailable; drain well to reduce excess moisture.
- For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg