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Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake: A Dark, Lush Dessert Dream Recipe

4.6 from 165 reviews

The Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is a decadent and visually striking dessert featuring rich chocolate cake layers, a luscious blackberry filling, and smooth whipped cream. This dark, lush cake combines the deep flavors of cocoa and fresh blackberries, enhanced with a velvety texture and elegant decorations of berries, edible flowers, and chocolate shavings, making it a perfect centerpiece for any special occasion or gothic-themed celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Layers

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300 grams)
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (75 grams)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil (180 ml)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (240 ml)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup hot water (120 ml)

Blackberry Filling

  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries (225 grams)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Whipped Cream Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (360 ml)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (30 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decorations

  • Fresh blackberries
  • Edible flowers
  • Dark chocolate shavings
  • Cocoa powder dusting

Instructions

  1. Bake the Cakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper. In one large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until smooth. Stir in the hot water carefully, adjusting to create a thin batter. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow cakes to cool completely in the pans, then transfer to a wire rack.
  2. Make the Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the blackberries and granulated sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the berries release their juices and the mixture becomes bubbly and juicy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and lemon juice, continue cooking and stirring until the filling thickens and becomes glossy, about 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely, then refrigerate to chill.
  3. Whip the Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, as the cream can become grainy or turn into butter.
  4. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Evenly spread the cooled blackberry filling over the first layer. Carefully top with the second cake layer. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the top and sides of the entire cake. Decorate with fresh blackberries, edible flowers, dark chocolate shavings, and lightly dust the surface with cocoa powder for a dramatic finishing touch.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set. Slice and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor experience.

Notes

  • This cake can be made a day ahead; just keep it refrigerated and covered tightly.
  • For a more intense chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
  • If fresh blackberries are not available, frozen ones can be used; just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.
  • Use cold heavy cream and chilled bowls for the best whipped cream results.
  • Edible flowers add a beautiful and safe decoration; ensure you use flowers that are intended for consumption.

Keywords: Blackberry velvet cake, chocolate cake, gothic dessert, blackberry filling, whipped cream cake, elegant cake, chocolate berry dessert