Decadent Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache
For those who love desserts with drama, this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is your masterpiece.
Rich dark chocolate meets the vibrant tartness of blackberries, all layered into a striking velvet cake finished with glossy dark chocolate ganache. Perfect for spooktacular parties, gothic-themed events, or whenever you want to impress with style and flavor.
This cake isn’t just a dessert — it’s a centerpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, dramatic presentation
- Moist, tender velvet layers
- Tart blackberries balance rich chocolate
- Silky ganache finish for elegance
- Perfect for Halloween, parties, or celebrations
Ingredients
Cake
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup hot brewed coffee
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
Dark Chocolate Ganache
- 8 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Optional Decoration
- Blackberries
- Edible gold dust or sugar pearls
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to wet mixture, mixing gently. Stir in hot coffee until smooth.
- Fold in blackberries carefully to avoid crushing.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on wire racks.
- For ganache, heat cream until simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and butter, stir until smooth and glossy. Cool slightly to thicken.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of ganache or additional blackberries if desired. Place second layer on top.
- Pour remaining ganache over the cake, letting it drip over the edges. Smooth with a spatula.
- Decorate with fresh blackberries, edible gold dust, or sugar pearls. Chill slightly to set ganache before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Gothic Cake
- Use fresh or frozen blackberries, but thaw and drain if frozen
- Avoid overmixing to keep cake tender
- Pour ganache when slightly cooled for better drips
- Refrigerate for firmer ganache slices
Serving Ideas
- Centerpiece for gothic-themed party
- Halloween or autumn dessert
- Elegant dinner party dessert
- Paired with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Storage
- Store covered at room temperature: 2 days
- Refrigerate: up to 5 days
- Slice gently with a sharp serrated knife for clean edges
Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake
Moist and rich velvet cake layered with fresh blackberries and finished with silky dark chocolate ganache, perfect for dramatic desserts and parties.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
- Sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Whisk sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, then stir in hot coffee.
- Fold in blackberries carefully.
- Divide batter into pans and bake 30–35 minutes. Cool completely.
- For ganache, heat cream, pour over chocolate and butter, stir until smooth.
- Layer cakes, pour ganache over top, smooth edges.
- Decorate with blackberries, edible gold dust, or sugar pearls. Chill slightly before slicing.
Notes
Use fresh or thawed blackberries. For sharper ganache drips, pour when slightly cooled.
