Description
Dark romance meets culinary artistry in this blackberry velvet gothic cake, where rich midnight hues and luscious berry flavors weave a spellbinding dessert narrative. Dramatic chocolate layers whisper elegance, inviting you to savor each exquisite, mysterious slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup black cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh blackberry puree
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Purple or red food coloring (optional)
Filling Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cinnamon stick
Ganache Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate (chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C). Carefully coat two 8-inch round cake pans with grease and parchment paper.
- Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, whisking flour, cocoa powders, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly integrated. Set mixture aside.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and airy. Incorporate eggs individually, then blend in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Create a liquid mixture by blending blackberry puree, buttermilk, and oil until smooth and consistent.
- Gently fold dry ingredients and blackberry liquid into the batter, mixing minimally to maintain cake’s delicate texture. Avoid overmixing.
- Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick. Allow cakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- For blackberry filling, simmer blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Introduce cornstarch slurry to thicken the filling. Strain to remove seeds if desired, then cool to room temperature.
- Prepare ganache by heating cream until it reaches a gentle simmer. Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl, allowing it to rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Whisk chocolate and cream until smooth and glossy. Optional: incorporate butter for additional richness. Cool until slightly thickened but still pourable.
- Level cake layers by trimming any uneven surfaces. Position first layer on a decorative cake stand.
- Apply a thin ganache layer, followed by an even spread of blackberry filling across the first cake layer.
- Carefully place second cake layer on top. Pour ganache over the cake, allowing it to elegantly cascade down the sides.
- Embellish with fresh blackberries or intricate chocolate decorations for a dramatic presentation.
- Allow ganache to set for 20-30 minutes before serving. Slice and indulge in the gothic-inspired dessert.
Notes
- Customize blackberry filling by adjusting sugar levels for tart or sweet preferences, depending on berry ripeness.
- Replace buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk for vegan adaptations.
- Enhance cake’s moisture by adding a splash of coffee or strong espresso to deepen chocolate flavor profile.
- Select high-quality cocoa powder for richer, more intense gothic color and depth of taste.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 344
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 135 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg