Oh, you guys, let me tell you about this cake. This isn’t just any cake, this is the Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake, a recipe that’s as dramatic as it is delicious. I remember the first time I made this cake. It was Halloween, and I wanted something that captured the spooky spirit without being too… well, scary. I was aiming for elegant goth, not haunted house! I wanted something just as striking as my Pumpkin Cannoli Cake Roll. The deep, dark color of the cake, contrasted with the bright, juicy blackberries? Perfection. It took a few tries to get the balance of flavors just right; initially, my first attempts tasted too much of bitter chocolate, and not enough of sweet blackberries. It was a real “aha!” moment when I realized that the key was using black cocoa – it gives that intensely dark color and deep chocolate flavor without the bitterness. This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake has become a family favorite, especially around the holidays. My kids love the dramatic presentation, and I love how relatively easy it is to throw together, even on a busy weeknight. I mean, who doesn’t love a Black Velvet Cake Decoration that tastes as good as it looks, right?

I perfected this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake recipe over several years, tweaking and adjusting until it was just right. I believe cooking should be joyful and approachable, not intimidating. That’s why I’m so excited to share this with you. Even if you’ve never made a layer cake before, I promise, you can do this!

So, pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s bake this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake together. You’ll see, it’s easier than you think, and the results are absolutely stunning.

What You’ll Need for This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

Okay, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece of a Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake.

2 cups all-purpose flour: I always use unbleached, but honestly, either works fine for my Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake.
¾ cup black cocoa powder: This is the secret ingredient! It gives the cake that intense, dark color that defines our Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake.
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
¾ teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s softened, not melted. That’s a Blackberry Gothic Cake Recipe trick I learned the hard way.
3 large eggs
1 ½ cups buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 ½ tablespoons of white vinegar to 1 ½ cups of milk. Let it sit for five minutes.
¾ cup vegetable oil
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee: Don’t skip this! It helps to bloom the cocoa and deepen the flavor of the Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake.
12 ounces fresh blackberries: Fresh is best, but you can use frozen if you thaw them and drain off any excess liquid. I always use fresh, ripe blackberries for my Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake to give it that burst of juicy flavor.
For the frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Black food coloring gel, for a darker frosting

Ingredients for making Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

When making a rich Dark Velvet Cake with Blackberries, you can usually find black cocoa powder at specialty baking stores or online. It’s worth the effort to seek it out because it makes all the difference in the appearance and flavor. For a money-saving tip, buy the blackberries when they are in season and freeze them. Here’s a trick I learned; rinse your blackberries with a mix of water and vinegar to help kill any mold spores.

Storage Tip: Keep the frosted cake in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting. It will last for about 3-4 days. Now that we have our ingredients, let’s get baking!

Let’s Make This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake Together

Alright, friend, let’s get our aprons on and make this gorgeous Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake! Don’t worry about perfection; we’re aiming for deliciousness.

Instructions

Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for extra insurance. This will make it easier to remove the Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake later.
Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, black cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternate Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Add Coffee: Slowly pour in the hot coffee and mix until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin. That’s perfectly normal for Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake! I learned the hard way with Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake that if I add the coffee too fast, I make a mess!
Fold in Blackberries: Gently fold in the fresh blackberries.
Divide and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. In my kitchen, Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake usually takes about 32 minutes, but oven times vary.
Cool Completely: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial, or the cakes might fall apart!
Make the Frosting: While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. If you want a darker frosting, add a few drops of black food coloring gel.
Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops with a serrated knife if necessary. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread with a generous layer of frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake. You can add some Black Velvet Cake Decoration for added flair.
Chill (Optional): For easier slicing, chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving. While the Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is chilling, I clean up my kitchen, put my feet up, and wait for my family to enjoy this sweet treat!

Your Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake should smell like rich chocolate and sweet blackberries, a truly intoxicating combination. Don’t worry if your Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake isn’t perfectly symmetrical; that’s part of its charm!

How I Love to Serve This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

Oh, this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is a showstopper! My family loves this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake when I serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy sweetness complements the tartness of the blackberries and the richness of the chocolate perfectly.

This recipe for Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is perfect for Halloween, birthdays, or any special occasion where you want to make a statement. It’s also surprisingly good with a cup of strong coffee or tea. I found a wonderful Blackberry velvet cake with chocolate ganache that I would love to try as well!

For presentation, I like to dust the top of the cake with a little extra black cocoa powder or arrange a few fresh blackberries on top. You can also get creative with your frosting and use a piping bag to create a more elaborate design. If you have extra Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake, you can crumble it up and use it as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. You could also make cake pops!

Seasonal variations? Absolutely! In the fall, I sometimes add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter. In the summer, I might use raspberries or blueberries instead of blackberries. It’s all about experimenting and finding what you love!

Friends always ask for this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake recipe when I make it for parties. It’s just so unique and delicious! And hey, don’t be afraid to share your Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake creation on Facebook!

Your Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake Questions Answered

Alright, let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about making this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake. I’ve definitely had my share of baking blunders over the years!

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of black cocoa powder?While you can, it won’t be the same. Black cocoa powder is what gives the cake its signature dark color and intense chocolate flavor. Regular cocoa powder will result in a lighter cake with a less pronounced chocolate taste. If you must substitute, try adding a little black food coloring gel to the batter.
My cake is dry. What did I do wrong?Overbaking is the most common cause of dry cake. Make sure you’re not baking it for too long. Also, check your oven temperature to ensure it’s accurate. Another culprit could be overmixing the batter, which develops the gluten in the flour and can make the cake tough.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?Absolutely! The cake layers can be baked a day or two in advance, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, and stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You can also make the frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature and re-whip it before using.
Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?Yes, you can, but fresh blackberries are preferable. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before folding them into the batter. Otherwise, the cake could be soggy.
My frosting is too soft. How can I fix it?If your frosting is too soft, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. Then, re-whip it with your mixer. If it’s still too soft, you can add a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?I haven’t personally tried making this cake gluten-free, but you can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to add a binder like xanthan gum to help with the texture. You know what I do when my Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake doesn’t rise properly? I add an extra teaspoon of baking powder in the next batch.
My cake sank in the middle. Why?This can happen for a few reasons. It could be that your oven temperature was too low, or that you opened the oven door too frequently during baking. It could also be that you didn’t measure the ingredients accurately, or that you didn’t cream the butter and sugar sufficiently. Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake – The Epicurean Mouse is another cake that will satisfy your craving for a goth cake.

My Final Thoughts on This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

This recipe for a stunning Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a statement. It’s a celebration of flavor and aesthetics, all wrapped up in one delicious package. It holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of those fun Halloween nights, the joy of baking with my kids, and the satisfaction of creating something truly beautiful and delicious. If you enjoyed this recipe, you would also enjoy my No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls or my Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip.

My Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake Pro Tips:

Don’t skip the hot coffee! It really does make a difference in the flavor and color of the cake.
Use high-quality black cocoa powder. It’s worth the investment!
Be gentle when folding in the blackberries. You don’t want to crush them.

Now, let’s talk variations! We’ve tried a few over the years. My son loves it with a chocolate ganache instead of cream cheese frosting. My daughter prefers a simple vanilla buttercream. And I, well, I love it just the way it is! I encourage you to make this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake your own. Experiment with different frostings, add different berries, or even try a different extract. The possibilities are endless!

I hope you enjoy making this cake as much as I do. I hope it brings joy to your kitchen and smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Don’t be intimidated by its gothic appearance; it’s really a simple cake to make, and the results are well worth the effort. So, go ahead, give it a try! I promise, you won’t be disappointed. Embrace the dark side, and bake this amazing Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake!

Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

Print Recipe

Indulge in this striking Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake, a visually stunning and delicious dessert. Its deep, dark hue and rich blackberry flavor make it a memorable centerpiece for any occasion.

Author: Liliana
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee
1 cup blackberry puree, strained
Black food coloring gel (optional, for deeper color)
For the frosting: 8 oz cream cheese, softened, 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, 4 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, fresh blackberries for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Stir in hot coffee and blackberry puree. Add black food coloring if desired.
Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
Once cakes are cooled, frost the top of one layer, then place the second layer on top. Frost the entire cake.
Garnish with fresh blackberries.

Notes

For a more intense blackberry flavor, add a tablespoon of blackberry liqueur to the frosting.