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Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

Decadent Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake for Spooky Celebrations

Indulge in the rich flavors of Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake, a perfect dessert for your Halloween celebrations.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Substitute with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder No direct substitute recommended.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Ensure freshness for proper leavening.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Kosher salt works well if preferred.
  • 1 cup buttermilk Yogurt or milk with lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 cup blackberry purée Use fresh blackberries for best results.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Can be used interchangeably with vinegar.
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar Reduce slightly for a less sweet version.
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil Melted coconut oil makes a good substitute.
  • 3 large eggs No substitutes recommended unless making vegan.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Almond extract can provide a different nuance.
  • as needed gel food coloring Omit for a naturally colored cake.
For the Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese Softened mascarpone can be used for a different flavor.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter Margarine can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 cup powdered sugar Adjust based on desired sweetness.
For Decoration
  • as needed fresh blackberries Use only fresh for best presentation.
  • as needed edible flowers Optional but fits the gothic theme.
  • as needed blackberry glaze or dark chocolate shards Berry compote can work as an alternative.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
  • 8-inch springform pans
  • spatula
  • Serrated Knife

Method
 

Preparation
  1. 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.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, blackberry purée, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. In another large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. While the cake cools, prepare the frosting by beating together the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Mix in the blackberry purée, vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar until desired sweetness is achieved.
  8. Once cakes are cool, level the tops if necessary. Layer one cake on a platter, spread frosting over the top, and add the second layer. Frost the top and sides.
  9. Decorate with fresh blackberries, drizzle with glaze, and add any edible flowers or chocolate shards as desired. Chill briefly before slicing.
  10. Serve and enjoy on elegant dark plates for a dramatic presentation.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 5gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, avoid overmixing the batter and use fresh blackberries. Allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting is essential for a beautiful presentation.

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