Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake Recipe
Introduction
The Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is a rich, moist chocolate cake infused with the tartness of blackberry jam, creating a unique and elegant dessert. Topped with a creamy blackberry frosting and fresh blackberries, it’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave something decadent and fruity.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup blackberry jam
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup fresh blackberries (optional, for garnish)
For the Blackberry Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup seedless blackberry jam
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Combine the buttermilk and blackberry jam in a separate bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Step 5: Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin.
- Step 6: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Step 8: For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar until combined and smooth.
- Step 9: Beat in the blackberry jam, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Step 10: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Step 11: Garnish with fresh blackberries if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure the batter mixes evenly and results in a tender crumb.
- For a more intense blackberry flavor, gently fold fresh blackberries into the batter before baking.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for buttermilk if you don’t have buttermilk on hand, using the same quantity.
- To make the frosting more colorful, add a small amount of natural purple or red food coloring.
Storage
Store the cake covered in an airtight container or cake dome at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. The frosting may firm up in the fridge, so let the cake sit out for about 30 minutes before slicing.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze the Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and assembling.
What can I use instead of blackberry jam?
If blackberry jam is not available, raspberry or mixed berry jam works well and will still complement the chocolate flavors beautifully.
Print
Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is a moist and richly flavored chocolate cake infused with blackberry jam, layered and frosted with a luscious blackberry buttercream. This striking cake combines the deep flavors of cocoa and blackberry, delivering a decadent dessert perfect for special occasions or gothic-themed celebrations.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup blackberry jam
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup fresh blackberries (optional, for garnish)
Blackberry Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup seedless blackberry jam
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps to incorporate air for a tender cake.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to add depth to the flavor.
- Combine Buttermilk and Blackberry Jam: In a separate bowl, mix together the buttermilk and blackberry jam until well blended. This combination will add moisture and a fruity note to the cake.
- Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk Mixture: Add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk and jam mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to prevent overmixing.
- Incorporate Hot Water: Stir in the hot water carefully; the batter will be thin but smooth. This step helps to bloom the cocoa, enhancing the cake’s chocolaty richness.
- Divide and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely, ensuring they don’t become soggy.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
- Add Jam and Flavorings to Frosting: Beat in the seedless blackberry jam, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing the sides and top evenly.
- Garnish: Optionally, decorate with fresh blackberries on the top of the cake to add a beautiful and fresh finishing touch.
Notes
- Make sure ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Use fresh blackberries for garnish to enhance the cake’s presentation and flavor.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk; let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake, chocolate cake with blackberry jam, blackberry velvet cake, gothic themed cake, chocolate velvet cake, berry buttercream frosting

