Description
A dark, dramatic twist on classic red velvet this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake combines deep cocoa richness with tart blackberries and a luscious cream cheese frosting for a hauntingly beautiful dessert.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp white vinegar
1/2 cup blackberry puree (strained)
Black food coloring (optional, for deep gothic color)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup blackberry puree
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and vinegar.
5. Mix in blackberry puree and food coloring (if using) until combined.
6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry.
7. Divide batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10.
11. For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
12. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy.
13. Add vanilla and blackberry puree and beat until creamy and tinted a soft purple.
14. Frost cooled cakes and decorate with fresh blackberries for a gothic finish.
Notes
For a darker gothic look, use black cocoa powder or a few drops of black food coloring.
Chill the cake before slicing for cleaner layers.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Perfect centerpiece for Halloween, gothic weddings, or dramatic dinner parties.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: blackberry velvet cake, gothic cake, black cocoa cake, cream cheese frosting, Halloween dessert