Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

The Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is a showstopping dessert that combines rich, dark layers of blackberry-infused velvet cake with a luscious blackberry buttercream or cream cheese frosting. Deeply dramatic in appearance and bursting with juicy berry flavor, this cake is perfect for Halloween, dark romance themes, or whenever you want a dessert with a mysterious, elegant twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is not only visually stunning but also delivers a moist, tender crumb and a bold flavor profile that balances tart blackberries with sweet, rich chocolate and vanilla undertones. Its dramatic black or deep purple color makes it a head-turner at any event, and it’s versatile enough to frost simply or decorate with gothic flair — think fresh berries, edible flowers, or black glaze drips.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the blackberry velvet cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (dark cocoa for deeper color)
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil or melted butter
• Blackberry purée (fresh or frozen berries blended and strained)
• Vanilla extract
• White vinegar
• Black or deep purple food coloring (gel-based for intensity)

For the blackberry frosting (buttercream or cream cheese):

• Unsalted butter (or use part cream cheese for tang)
• Blackberry purée or jam
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Black or purple food coloring (optional)

Optional decoration:

• Fresh blackberries
• Blackberry reduction drizzle
• Edible flowers (like violets or pansies)
• Dark chocolate shards
• Black glaze drip or edible gold leaf

directions

Make the cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two or three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat sugar, eggs, oil, vanilla, and vinegar. Stir in blackberry purée and food coloring.
4. Combine: Add dry ingredients to wet alternately with buttermilk, mixing just until combined.
5. Bake: Divide batter evenly among pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Make the frosting:

1. Whip butter (and cream cheese, if using) until fluffy.
2. Add blackberry purée and vanilla, then gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable. Add food coloring if desired.
3. Chill briefly if frosting is too soft to work with.

Assemble the cake:

1. Level the cooled cake layers if needed.
2. Spread frosting between each layer, then frost the entire cake.
3. Decorate with berries, glaze, and other gothic elements as desired.

Servings and timing

Serves 10–12
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Cooling and decorating: 1 hour
Total time: About 2 hours

Variations

• Black velvet: Add more dark cocoa and black food coloring for a nearly jet-black cake.
• White chocolate frosting: Swap for a white chocolate blackberry ganache for richness.
• Add filling: Use blackberry jam or compote between layers for extra berry punch.
• Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan version: Use flax eggs, plant-based buttermilk (milk + vinegar), and vegan butter.

storage/reheating

Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture. Freeze unfrosted layers or fully frosted cake for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blackberries?

Yes, thaw and purée them, then strain out the seeds before using.

How do I make the cake more black in color?

Use black cocoa and gel food coloring to deepen the hue without changing flavor.

Can I skip the food coloring?

Yes, the cake will be lighter in color but still taste delicious.

What frosting pairs best with this cake?

Blackberry buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or white chocolate ganache all complement it beautifully.

Is the cake overly sweet?

No, the tartness from the blackberry balances the sweetness for a rich but not cloying bite.

Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?

Yes! Bake at 350°F for about 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

How do I prevent the cake from being too dense?

Don’t overmix the batter, and ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.

Can I make this into a bundt cake?

Yes, adjust the baking time to 40–45 minutes and grease the bundt pan well.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

Use milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

How do I decorate it goth-style?

Use blackberries, edible black glitter, dark florals, or a black mirror glaze for an eerie and elegant vibe.

Conclusion

The Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is a stunning dessert that combines deep, rich flavors with a beautifully dramatic look. Whether you’re planning a themed party, celebrating a gothic romance, or simply want to try something uniquely decadent, this cake delivers on taste, texture, and wow factor. Prepare to impress and indulge — this is one dessert you won’t forget.

Print