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
Scale
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
