Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake Recipe – Decadent Dark Cake with Blackberry Glaze & Velvet Crumb
This Decadent Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s as bold in flavor as it is in appearance. With layers of moist blackberry-infused velvet cake, dark chocolate undertones, and a luscious blackberry glaze or buttercream, it’s the perfect centerpiece for gothic-themed gatherings, Halloween, or any occasion that calls for drama and elegance. The deep hues and rich textures make it both hauntingly beautiful and irresistibly delicious. A must-bake for lovers of dark aesthetics and bold berry flavors.
Equipment
- 2 x 8-inch springform pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Fine mesh sieve
- Offset spatula
- Cake turntable (optional)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup blackberry purée (strained)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: black or purple gel food coloring
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup blackberry purée
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Garnishes:
- Fresh blackberries
- Edible flowers
- Blackberry glaze or dark chocolate shards
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line cake pans.
- In a bowl, sift flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, blackberry purée, lemon juice, and vanilla.
- Beat sugar and oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time.
- Alternate adding dry and wet ingredients to the sugar mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool completely.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add blackberry purée, vanilla, and salt. Gradually mix in powdered sugar. Chill for 20 minutes.
- Level cake layers. Spread frosting between layers and over top.
- Decorate with blackberries, glaze, and gothic accents. Chill before slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh blackberries for best flavor and color
- Sift dry ingredients for a lighter crumb
- Chill frosting before assembling for cleaner layers
- Add blackberry liqueur to frosting for adult flair
- Store in fridge for up to 4 days; freeze layers for up to 2 months
- Let cake rest before slicing for cleaner cuts