Blackberry Dream Cake Recipe
Blackberry Dream Cake is a luscious layered cake infused with fresh blackberries and blackberry puree, complemented by a rich and creamy blackberry buttercream frosting. Perfectly moist with a hint of tang from buttermilk and bursting with natural berry flavors, this cake is an ideal dessert for celebrations and berry lovers alike.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cake
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 0.5 cup blackberry puree
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3.5 cups powdered sugar
- 0.25 cup blackberry puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes. This incorporates air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition for full incorporation. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients alternated with buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently to maintain the batter’s light texture.
- Incorporate Blackberries: Gently fold in the blackberry puree and fresh blackberries, distributing them evenly without overmixing to keep bursts of fruit intact.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans and smooth the surfaces. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely to prevent sogginess under the frosting.
- Prepare the Buttercream: Beat unsalted butter in a large bowl until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then the blackberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and stiff peaks form for a stable frosting.
- Assemble the Cake: Level the cooled cake layers if necessary. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of the blackberry buttercream evenly on top. Repeat with the next layers.
- Frost the Cake: Cover the top and sides of the assembled cake with the remaining buttercream. Garnish with fresh blackberries for an attractive finish and added flavor.
Notes
- Make sure all ingredients, especially eggs, butter, and buttermilk, are at room temperature to ensure smooth batter and even baking.
- Use fresh blackberries for the best flavor; frozen can be used but may affect the texture slightly.
- If desired, soak the cake layers with a blackberry syrup before frosting for extra moisture and flavor.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: blackberry cake, berry cake, layered cake, fruit cake, buttercream frosting, berry dessert