Description
Indulge in the rich and dramatic flavors of the Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake, a perfect decadent dessert that features vibrant blackberry purée and a smooth cream cheese frosting, ideal for spooky Halloween celebrations or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or yogurt or milk with lemon juice)
- 1 cup blackberry purée (fresh blackberries preferred)
- 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 (optional, as needed)
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (or mascarpone)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (or margarine)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Blackberry purée, vanilla, and salt (quantities incorporated into frosting preparation)
For Decoration
- Fresh blackberries, as needed
- Edible flowers, as desired
- Blackberry glaze or dark chocolate shards, as desired
Instructions
- Preparation: 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 prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened dark cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside to keep well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, blackberry purée, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Cream Sugar and Oil: In another large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for a smooth texture.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cake’s tender crumb. Add gel food coloring if desired for enhanced color.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared springform pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cakes are fully baked.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cake cools, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until creamy. Add blackberry purée, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting reaches your preferred sweetness and smooth texture.
- Assemble Cake: Once the cakes have cooled completely, level the tops with a serrated knife if necessary for even layering. Place one cake layer on a serving platter, spread a generous layer of frosting on top, then add the second cake layer. Cover the top and sides evenly with the remaining frosting.
- Decorate: Garnish the cake with fresh blackberries, edible flowers, and drizzle with blackberry glaze or scatter dark chocolate shards for an elegant gothic presentation. Chill briefly to set the frosting before slicing.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake carefully and serve on elegant dark plates to enhance the dramatic effect of this decadent dessert. Enjoy your spooky celebration treat!
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
- Use fresh blackberries for the best flavor and vibrant color in the purée.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a smooth finish.
- Gel food coloring is optional but can intensify the gothic aesthetic of the cake.
- Chill the cake briefly after decorating to help the frosting set, making slicing easier.