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Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake Recipe

Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake Recipe

4.8 from 16 reviews

Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is a rich, moist chocolate cake layered with a luscious homemade blackberry filling and topped with lightly sweetened whipped cream. This elegant dessert combines intense cocoa flavor with the tartness of fresh blackberries, beautifully garnished with edible flowers and dark chocolate shavings for a gothic-inspired presentation. Perfect for special occasions or a decadent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 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)

For the 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
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Cream Topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (360 ml)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (30 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh blackberries
  • Edible flowers
  • Dark chocolate shavings
  • Cocoa powder dusting

Instructions

  1. Bake the Cakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry, stirring gently until just incorporated. Carefully add the hot water, mixing until smooth. 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. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans before removing.
  2. Make the Filling: In a small saucepan, combine the blackberries and granulated sugar, cooking over medium heat until the berries release their juices and start to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and lemon juice. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and let it cool completely, allowing the filling to set.
  3. Whip the Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat to avoid turning the cream into butter.
  4. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the blackberry filling over the top. Place the second cake layer over the filling. Spread the whipped cream evenly across the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with fresh blackberries, edible flowers, dark chocolate shavings, and a light dusting of cocoa powder as desired for a stunning gothic effect.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to firm up. Serve chilled, slicing with a sharp knife for clean pieces.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh blackberries when available, but frozen berries work well too; just thaw them before cooking.
  • If buttermilk is unavailable, mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 cup milk and let sit for 5 minutes as a substitute.
  • Ensure cake layers are completely cooled before assembling to prevent whipped cream from melting.
  • The cake can be made a day ahead to allow flavors to develop, storing covered in the refrigerator.
  • To make this cake vegan or dairy-free, substitute plant-based milk and cream alternatives and use egg replacers.
  • Use parchment paper to line pans for easy removal of cake layers.

Nutrition

Keywords: blackberry cake, chocolate cake, velvet cake, gothic cake, whipped cream topping, berry filling, layered cake, dessert recipe