Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

Step into the shadowed kitchens of Gothic Dust Diaries with this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake, a dessert as enchanting as a moonlit manor. Its deep cocoa layers, laced with tart blackberry puree, and draped in glossy ganache evoke a gothic romance. Perfect for Halloween, elegant gatherings, or a midnight indulgence, this cake marries rich flavor with dramatic allure. Craft it for your next event and let its dark beauty captivate.

Servings: 12 slices    Prep Time: 25 minutes    Cook Time: 30–35 minutes    Total Time: ~1 hour (plus cooling)

Ingredients 

For the Cake:

¼ cup black cocoa powder

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 cup buttermilk

¾ cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

¾ cup blackberry puree (blend 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen blackberries, strained)

Optional: 1 tsp black food coloring (gel, for deeper gothic hue)

For the Blackberry Filling:

1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp water

1 tsp cornstarch

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tbsp blackberry puree (or 1 tsp black food coloring for gothic effect)

1 tbsp heavy cream (or plant-based cream)

For the Ganache:

1 cup dark chocolate chips (50–70% cocoa)

½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream)

Optional: 2 tbsp blackberry reduction (simmer puree with 1 tsp sugar)

Garnish:

Fresh blackberries

Optional: black sugar pearls, edible flowers, or chocolate skulls

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift flour, black cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla, and blackberry puree (add black food coloring if using). Gradually combine with dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. Avoid overmixing to keep the velvety texture.

Add Blackberries: Gently fold in ½ cup whole blackberries (optional for bursts of flavor). Divide batter evenly between pans.

Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make Blackberry Filling: In a saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Boil for 5 minutes, mashing half the berries. Reduce to low, simmer 10 minutes. Stir in cornstarch; cook until thickened. Cool completely.

Prepare Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then blackberry puree or food coloring, and heavy cream until smooth.

Make Ganache: Heat cream until steaming (not boiling). Pour over chocolate chips, let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Add blackberry reduction for flavor (optional).

Assemble: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with blackberry filling, then a thin layer of frosting. Add the second layer. Frost the entire cake with blackberry cream cheese frosting, creating smooth or textured swirls for a gothic look.

Decorate: Pour ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Garnish with fresh blackberries, sugar pearls, or chocolate skulls. Chill 20–30 minutes to set ganache.

Serve: Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before slicing. Pair with red wine or espresso for a gothic vibe.

Tips Make-Ahead:   Bake cake layers and prepare filling a day ahead; store wrapped at room temperature (cake) or refrigerated (filling). Assemble before serving.

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze unfrosted layers for up to 2 months; thaw before frosting.

Customization: Add blackberry liqueur to the filling for an adult twist, or use black food coloring for a darker, spookier effect. Swap blackberries for raspberries to vary flavor while keeping the gothic hue.

Smooth Frosting: Chill the cake between frosting layers and use a cake scraper for a polished, velvety finish.

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Adapted from recipestasteful.com and yummydishs.com

Calories per slice: ~490 cal (estimate)

Disclaimer: GDD shares recipes for inspiration. Consult professionals for dietary needs.