Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake Recipe
This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is a decadent layered dessert featuring a moist, cocoa-rich velvet cake paired with a luscious blackberry filling and topped with whipped cream. The cake is beautifully adorned with fresh blackberries, dark chocolate shavings, edible flowers, and a dusting of cocoa powder, creating an elegant and striking presentation perfect for special occasions or a sophisticated treat.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300 grams)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (75 grams)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil (180 ml)
- 1 cup buttermilk (240 ml)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup hot water (120 ml)
Blackberry Filling
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries (225 grams)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (360 ml)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (30 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decorations
- Fresh blackberries
- Edible flowers
- Dark chocolate shavings
- Cocoa powder dusting
- Bake the Cakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated. Stir in the hot water slowly to create a smooth batter. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool the cakes completely in their pans on wire racks.
- Make the Filling: While the cakes cool, prepare the blackberry filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the blackberries and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries release their juices and the mixture becomes bubbly and juicy. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and lemon juice, and continue cooking until the filling thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool fully to room temperature.
- Whip the Cream: In a cold mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Continue until stiff peaks form, meaning the cream holds its shape firmly without collapsing.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes have completely cooled, level the tops if necessary to create flat surfaces. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread the blackberry filling evenly on top. Carefully place the second cake layer over the filling. Spread the whipped cream generously over the top and around the sides of the cake. Decorate the cake with fresh blackberries, edible flowers, dark chocolate shavings, and a light dusting of cocoa powder for that gothic velvet effect.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set. Slice with a sharp knife and serve chilled for the best texture and taste experience.
Notes
- Ensure the cakes are fully cooled before assembling to prevent the filling and cream from melting.
- If fresh blackberries are out of season, frozen berries can be used for the filling—just thaw and drain excess juice before cooking.
- For a more vivid color contrast, use dark cocoa powder in the cake batter.
- The cake can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- To keep the whipped cream stable for longer, you can add a teaspoon of gelatin dissolved in warm water before whipping.
Keywords: blackberry cake, velvet cake, gothic cake, layered dessert, chocolate cake, whipped cream topping, berry filling