Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is a dark, decadent dessert that combines the richness of a velvety chocolate cake with the deep, tart notes of blackberries. With its striking dark aesthetic and luscious berry-infused layers, this cake is perfect for gothic-themed gatherings, Halloween parties, or anyone who loves a dramatic and indulgent dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and Decadent – A moist, chocolate velvet cake with a luscious blackberry filling.
  • Visually Stunning – A deep, gothic-inspired appearance with dark berries and moody frosting.
  • Perfect for Special Occasions – Ideal for Halloween, gothic weddings, or elegant dinner parties.
  • Balanced Flavors – The slight tartness of blackberries cuts through the rich chocolate for a perfect bite.
  • Customizable – Can be made with different berries, flavored frostings, or decorative styles.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder (Dutch-processed for deep color)
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract
  • Strong brewed coffee (enhances the chocolate flavor)

For the Blackberry Filling:

  • Fresh or frozen blackberries
  • Sugar
  • Lemon juice
  • Cornstarch (to thicken)

For the Frosting:

  • Butter (softened)
  • Powdered sugar
  • Blackberry purée
  • Heavy cream
  • Black food coloring (optional for a gothic effect)

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh blackberries
  • Edible black roses or dark florals
  • Drizzle of dark chocolate ganache

Directions

Make the Cake:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch cake pans.
  2. Mix dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Mix wet ingredients – In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Stir in the brewed coffee.
  4. Combine – Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until smooth.
  5. Bake – Divide batter between the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cakes cool completely.

Make the Blackberry Filling:

  1. Cook blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat until softened.
  2. Thicken with cornstarch (dissolved in a little water), then let cool.

Make the Frosting:

  1. Beat butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar.
  2. Mix in blackberry purée and heavy cream until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.

Assemble the Cake:

  1. Layer the cakes with the blackberry filling in between.
  2. Frost the cake with the blackberry buttercream.
  3. Decorate with fresh blackberries, edible flowers, or a chocolate drizzle for a gothic touch.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 10-12
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

  • Boozy Version – Add blackberry liqueur to the filling for an adult twist.
  • Extra Chocolatey – Drizzle with dark chocolate ganache.
  • Vegan Option – Use plant-based milk, flax eggs, and dairy-free butter.
  • Deep Red Velvet – Add black gel food coloring for a dark red gothic effect.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap cake layers separately and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before assembling.
  • Serving Tip: Let the cake sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh or frozen blackberries?

Both work! If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.

How do I get the cake to be extra dark?

Use Dutch-processed cocoa and a touch of black food coloring.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them wrapped at room temperature.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

Use regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

Can I make cupcakes instead of a full cake?

Yes! Reduce the baking time to 18-20 minutes.

How do I keep my cake moist?

Don’t overbake, and brush the layers with simple syrup for extra moisture.

Can I add cream cheese to the frosting?

Yes! Substitute half the butter for cream cheese for a tangier frosting.

How do I make this more gothic in appearance?

Use black or dark purple food coloring and dramatic decorations like edible flowers.

What pairs well with this cake?

A glass of red wine, blackberry tea, or a dark espresso.

How do I get smooth frosting?

Use a cake scraper and chill between layers for a polished look.

Conclusion

Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is the perfect blend of dark elegance and rich flavor. Whether you’re making it for a gothic-themed event, Halloween, or just because you love bold desserts, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Try it out, and let each bite transport you into a world of decadence!

Print
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Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Gothic, Dark Aesthetic, Halloween

Description

This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is a dark, decadent dessert with a rich black velvet sponge, luscious blackberry compote, and silky blackberry buttercream. Perfect for Halloween, gothic-themed parties, or anyone who loves a dramatic, moody cake. The deep cocoa flavor pairs beautifully with the tart blackberries, creating a mysterious and indulgent treat.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Black Velvet Cake:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder (or black cocoa for a deeper color)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup hot coffee (enhances the chocolate flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon black gel food coloring (optional, for extra darkness)

For the Blackberry Compote:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

For the Blackberry Buttercream:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup blackberry compote (strained for a smooth texture)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
  • A few drops of black or deep purple food coloring (optional)

For Decoration (Optional):

  • Fresh blackberries
  • Edible gold leaf or silver dust for a gothic touch
  • Dark chocolate shavings or drips

Instructions

1. Make the Black Velvet Cake:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
  5. Stir in hot coffee and black food coloring (if using). The batter will be thin—this is normal!
  6. Divide the batter between the cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Blackberry Compote:

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes until berries soften.
  2. Add cornstarch slurry and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain if you prefer a smoother filling.

3. Make the Blackberry Buttercream:

  1. Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar.
  2. Mix in strained blackberry compote, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Beat until smooth.
  3. Add food coloring for a more dramatic effect.

4. Assemble the Cake:

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of buttercream and a generous layer of blackberry compote on top.
  2. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the blackberry buttercream.
  3. Smooth the frosting or create textured swirls for a gothic look.

5. Decorate & Serve:

  1. Garnish with fresh blackberries, gold leaf, or dark chocolate shavings.
  2. Serve and enjoy this hauntingly beautiful dessert!

 



Notes

  • For an ultra-dark cake, use black cocoa and black food coloring.
  • Make it extra spooky: Drizzle with blackberry syrup or add dark chocolate ganache drips.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

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