Name: Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup pureed blackberries; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Fresh blackberries

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The Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is a stunning dessert that perfectly balances rich cocoa flavors with the juicy brightness of fresh blackberries, all wrapped in a luscious cream cheese frosting. Its deep, dark color and velvety texture make it an eye-catching centerpiece whether you’re celebrating a special moment or just craving an indulgent treat. This cake beautifully showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly unforgettable, making it a must-try for anyone who loves vibrant flavors and dramatic presentation.

Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is surprisingly straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the deep flavor and silky texture that define the Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake. The cocoa powder gives it that classic richness, the pureed blackberries add natural sweetness and moisture, and the cream cheese frosting brings a tangy smoothness that ties it all together perfectly.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the cake’s tender crumb, giving it structure without heaviness.
1 ½ cups sugar: Sweetens the batter just right and helps create a moist texture.
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and contributes to the gothic color theme.
1 ½ teaspoon baking soda: Ensures the cake rises beautifully and stays light.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
1 cup milk: Brings moisture and richness to the batter.
½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and tender.
3 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add body to the cake.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor depth.
1 cup pureed blackberries: Delivers fresh berry flavor and natural color enhancing the cake’s gothic charm.
8 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of the frosting, lending creaminess and tang.
½ cup butter, softened: Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to perfection and creates that smooth finish.
Fresh blackberries for garnish: Adds a fresh and pretty touch that’s both decorative and delicious.

How to Make Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

Step 1: Preparing Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly ensures the cakes release easily after baking, and lining them with parchment paper guarantees your beautiful Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake comes out perfectly shaped every time.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

Next, sift together all the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting not only eliminates lumps but also aerates the mixture, helping create a light, fluffy cake crumb that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Combining the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and pureed blackberries until they’re harmoniously blended. This wet mix brings moisture and flavor into the cake that will make each bite incredibly rich and fruity.

Step 4: Bringing Wet and Dry Together

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring carefully until the batter is just combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so stop as soon as the ingredients are blended for that soft, tender texture.

Step 5: Baking Your Cake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step locks in the perfect balance of moistness and structure.

Step 6: Cooling and Frosting

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, create the frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually adding powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Once your cake layers are completely cool, frost generously between layers, on top, and around the sides for that classic decadent finish.

How to Serve Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

Garnishes

Adding a handful of fresh blackberries on top not only complements the cake’s berry essence but also gives it a natural, elegant look that’s guaranteed to impress. If you want to add a little extra flair, a light dusting of cocoa powder or edible flowers can elevate the presentation beautifully.

Side Dishes

The Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake shines on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream introduces a creamy contrast that everyone will love. Fresh berry compote served on the side adds extra zing and color.

Creative Ways to Present

For a truly unforgettable dessert experience, serve your cake slices on rustic slate plates with a drizzle of warm berry coulis around the edges. Alternatively, stack mini versions as individual servings, garnished with mint leaves and tiny blackberry clusters to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your slice of Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting means it needs to be chilled, and this also helps the flavors develop even further over a day or two.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before frosting. This way, you can prepare ahead without compromising taste or texture.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t usually necessary for this cake since it’s delightful chilled, but if you prefer, warm a slice gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften the frosting and release the cake’s aromas.

FAQs

Can I substitute frozen blackberries for fresh in the recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen blackberries work well especially when pureed and strained if you want a smoother texture. Just make sure they’re thawed and drained so excess moisture doesn’t alter the batter consistency.

What’s the secret to getting the gothic color in the Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake?

The combination of rich cocoa powder and the deep purple-black hue of pureed blackberries is what makes this cake’s unique and dramatic color. Using ripe blackberries and good-quality cocoa powder really enhances this effect.

Can I use a different frosting if I don’t like cream cheese?

Of course! While cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully, a classic chocolate buttercream or even a blackberry-infused whipped cream frosting would be divine alternatives, maintaining the cake’s moistness and flavor balance.

Is this cake gluten-free friendly?

The recipe as is uses all-purpose flour which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, try substituting a high-quality gluten-free flour blend designed for baking and adjust moisture levels if needed for best results.

How long does the cake stay fresh?

Stored in the refrigerator, the Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake stays fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. If kept properly covered, it will maintain its moisture and rich flavor throughout.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake — the way its rich chocolate and fresh blackberry flavors come together in such a dramatically beautiful package makes it a joy to bake and share. If you’re looking to impress or simply indulge in something special, don’t hesitate to bring this cake into your kitchen. Trust me, every bite is a celebration!

Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 9 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is a rich, moist chocolate cake infused with pureed blackberries, layered with creamy cream cheese frosting and garnished with fresh blackberries. This visually striking dessert combines the deep flavors of cocoa and the tartness of blackberries for a decadent treat perfect for special occasions.

Instructions

Prepare pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper for easier removal.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to combine.
Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and pureed blackberries until fully blended.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring gently until just blended. Avoid over mixing to keep the cake tender.
Divide batter and bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool cakes: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes. Then remove from pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Stir in vanilla extract.
Assemble cake: Spread frosting evenly over one cake layer. Place second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Garnish and serve: Decorate cake with fresh blackberries. Slice, serve, and enjoy the rich, fruity flavor.

Notes

Using fresh blackberries for the puree yields the best flavor, but frozen blackberries can be used if thawed and well-pureed.
Lining cake pans with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cake removal easier.
Do not over mix the batter to keep the cake light and moist.
The frosting can be adjusted for sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar as desired.
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator; allow it to come to room temperature before serving for best taste.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American