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Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

A refined yet simple layered dessert combining rich chocolate and fresh blackberries, perfect for gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar (300 grams)
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (75 grams)
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs Use room temperature for smoother batter.
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil (180 ml)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (240 ml) Warm slightly if separated after refrigeration.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup hot water (120 ml) Intensifies cocoa flavor.
Blackberry Filling Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups fresh or frozen blackberries (225 grams) Thaw and drain if using frozen.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water To thicken the filling.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Whipped Cream Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream (360 ml) Chill bowl and beaters for best results.
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (30 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration
  • Fresh blackberries
  • Edible flowers
  • Dark chocolate shavings
  • Cocoa powder dusting

Method
 

Bake the Cakes
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans.
  2. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.
  3. Combine, then stir in hot water.
  4. Divide batter into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes.
  5. Cool completely.
Make the Filling
  1. In a saucepan, cook blackberries and sugar until juicy.
  2. Add cornstarch slurry and lemon juice, stirring until thickened.
  3. Cool fully.
Whip the Cream
  1. Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to stiff peaks.
Assemble the Cake
  1. Spread blackberry filling between cake layers.
  2. Top with whipped cream and decorate with berries, chocolate shavings, or flowers.
Chill and Serve
  1. Chill assembled cake for at least 1 hour before slicing for best results.

Notes

For clean slices, use a hot, dry knife. Serve with black coffee or fruity rosé.