Description
A rich, dark, and decadent blackberry velvet gothic cake layered with blackberry buttercream and adorned in a dramatic aesthetic. Perfect for special occasions or those who love bold flavors and striking presentation.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup blackberry puree (strained, seeds removed)
- Black food coloring (optional)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (for buttercream)
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar (for buttercream)
- 1/2 cup blackberry puree (for buttercream)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for buttercream)
- Pinch of salt (for buttercream)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract, buttermilk, sour cream, and blackberry puree. Add black food coloring if using.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- To make the buttercream, beat butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, blackberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and spreadable.
- Assemble the cake by layering the cake rounds with buttercream in between. Frost the top and sides of the cake, decorating as desired.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen blackberries for the puree, but make sure to strain the seeds.
- Chill the cake before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Black food coloring enhances the gothic look but is optional.
- Cake layers can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
