Description

A decadent, dark, and elegant dessert, this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is as visually stunning as it is flavorful. Moist chocolate layers are infused with fresh blackberry purée and draped in a rich, optional blackberry-dark chocolate glaze. Perfect for Halloween, gothic-themed gatherings, or anyone who loves a dramatic twist on classic chocolate cake.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup blackberry purée (fresh or frozen blackberries, blended and strained)
3/4 cup buttermilk

For the Blackberry Glaze:

1/2 cup blackberry purée
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup dark chocolate (optional, for richer glaze)

Instructions

Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy.
- Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Stir in the blackberry purée and buttermilk.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Blackberry Glaze:
- In a bowl, whisk together blackberry purée, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth.
- If using, melt the dark chocolate and whisk it into the glaze for a deeper flavor and color.
Assemble:
- Pour the glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drip over the edges. Optionally, stack the cakes for a layered look, spreading glaze between layers.

Notes

For a more dramatic presentation, decorate with blackberries, edible flowers, or dark chocolate shavings.

The optional dark chocolate in the glaze adds richness and deepens the gothic aesthetic.

Blackberry purée can be made by blending and straining fresh or thawed frozen blackberries.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cake
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Blackberry cake, gothic dessert, chocolate blackberry cake, Halloween cake, velvet cake