INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own amazing Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake. Don’t worry, I’ve included some simple swaps to make it work for your family’s needs and what you have on hand.

2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cake, you can swap with whole wheat flour for a fiber boost.
1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise.
1/2 tsp baking powder: Adds extra lift.
1 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture. I sometimes use coconut oil for a dairy-free version of this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake.
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake. You can reduce this slightly and add a tablespoon of honey for added benefits.
2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and tanginess. You can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk.
1 cup blackberry puree: Made from fresh or frozen blackberries. This is where the magic happens! Blackberries are packed with antioxidants.
1 tsp black food coloring (optional): To achieve that gothic look. If you’re avoiding artificial colors, you can skip this or use natural food coloring.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a tangy and creamy frosting.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and stability to the frosting.
4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness.

Ingredients needed to make the Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

Mom Tip: You can find most of these ingredients at your regular grocery store. This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive or hard to find. I love stocking up on blackberries when they’re in season and freezing them for later use. My family gets extra nutrition when I add a tablespoon of chia seeds to the batter – they don’t even notice! Trust me, this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, let’s get baking! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through each step like we’re in the kitchen together, making this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake a masterpiece.

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. I like to line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal. While the oven is preheating, why not chop some veggies for tomorrow’s lunch?
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Making sure these ingredients are properly mixed helps ensure an even rise!
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I use an electric mixer for this step.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Incorporate Blackberry Puree and Food Coloring (Optional): Stir in the blackberry puree and black food coloring (if using) until evenly distributed. The batter should have a beautiful dark color. If your batter looks a little lumpy, don’t worry! It will all come together in the oven. This Blackberry cake recipe is very forgiving.
Pour into Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Your Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake should smell nourishing by now! Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for preventing the cakes from sticking and falling apart. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake – learn from my experience!
Make the Frosting: While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, level them with a serrated knife if necessary. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
Frost: Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top of the first cake layer. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake. I like to create a slightly rustic, uneven frosting for that gothic look.
Decorate (Optional): Decorate with fresh blackberries, chocolate shavings, or any other gothic-inspired decorations. While your Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family!
Chill: Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help the frosting set and make it easier to slice.

Nutrition Hack: In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake usually takes about an hour to prep and bake, plus cooling time. I often make the cake layers the day before and frost it the day of, saving myself some time. I find inspiration from groups such as My daughter’s gift to me Four layer red velvet with cream cheese ….

How We Love to Eat This!

This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is a hit with my family, and I love how versatile it is. We’ve found so many ways to enjoy it, making it a regular part of our dinnertime nutrition wins.

The kids devour this nutritious Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake when I serve it with a side of fresh berries and a dollop of Greek yogurt. The yogurt adds a boost of protein and calcium, balancing out the sweetness of the cake. It’s also great with a side of lightly sweetened whipped cream.

This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! I often bake it on the weekend and serve it as a dessert throughout the week.

Presentation Tips:

Fresh Blackberries: Scatter fresh blackberries around the cake for a pop of color and flavor.
Chocolate Shavings: Add dark chocolate shavings for a gothic touch.
Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Dust the cake with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Leftover Ideas:

Cake Parfaits: Layer leftover cake with yogurt and berries for a quick and easy parfait.
Cake Pops: Crumble the cake and mix it with frosting to make cake pops.

Seasonal Variations:

Winter: Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor.
Spring: Decorate with edible flowers for a fresh, vibrant look.

We also enjoy other blackberry variations like the Blackberry velvet cake with chocolate ganache. This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. It’s also a great way to impress guests with a healthy and delicious dessert!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know you probably have some questions about this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake, so I’ve compiled a list of the most common concerns I hear from fellow busy moms. Let’s dive in!

Q: Is this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake really nutritious enough for growing kids?

A: Absolutely! Blackberries are packed with antioxidants and fiber, which are essential for growing kids. Plus, you can easily sneak in extra nutrients by using whole wheat flour or adding chia seeds.

Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake?

A: Start by letting them help you make it! Kids are more likely to try something they’ve helped create. You can also offer a small piece alongside their favorite foods. If they still refuse, don’t stress! Just keep offering it from time to time.

Q: Can I meal prep this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake for busy weeks ahead?

A: Yes! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw them completely before frosting.

Q: Can I substitute the buttermilk with something else?

A: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Q: How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

A: Make sure not to overbake the cake. The baking time can vary depending on your oven, so check it frequently with a wooden skewer. Also, be sure to wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container after it has cooled completely.

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to use a blend that is designed for baking.

Q: What are some other gothic-inspired decorations I can use?

A: Some ideas include edible black pearls, chocolate spiders, or a dusting of cocoa powder. You can also create a drip effect with melted dark chocolate. You may even gain some insight with spooky inspiration from Spooky Black Velvet Cake Recipe (Dye-Free!) – Sugar & Sparrow.

Final Thoughts:

This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is more than just a dessert, it’s a way to bring a little bit of magic and nutrition into your family’s life. It supports my family’s nutrition goals by providing a delicious treat that’s also packed with wholesome ingredients. The velvet cake texture makes this a family favorite.

My Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake Nutrition Hacks:

Sneak in the Fiber: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a boost of fiber.
Add Chia Seeds: Mix a tablespoon of chia seeds into the batter for added nutrients.
Reduce Sugar: Reduce the amount of sugar in the frosting by a quarter and add a touch of honey.

Family-Tested Healthy Variations:

Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk instead of buttermilk.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
Vegan: Use a flax egg instead of regular eggs and ensure your other ingredients are vegan-friendly.

My daughter loves the gluten-free version, while my son prefers the classic recipe with extra blackberries. I hope you feel encouraged to make it your own healthy way, adding your own touches and tweaks to create a Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake that your family will love. If you’re looking for more inspo, remember candy corn poke cake!

I hope this recipe brings as much joy and nourishment to your family as it has to mine. Don’t forget we also love our pumpkin cheesecake truffles – perfect for a light snack! Embrace the nourishing chaos and enjoy every bite of this amazing Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake!

Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

Print Recipe

Indulge in the dark allure of this Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake. A moist, decadent cake infused with fresh blackberries and a touch of gothic elegance.

Author: Juliette
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
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup blackberry puree (from about 1 pint of blackberries)
1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for deeper color)
For the Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup blackberry puree
Black food coloring gel (optional, for gothic look)
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 medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
In a small bowl, combine buttermilk, blackberry puree, and red food coloring (if using).
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat until just combined.
Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick 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: In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in blackberry puree and black food coloring gel (if using).
Once cakes are completely cool, frost between layers and on top of the cake.
Garnish with fresh blackberries.

Notes

For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of blackberry liqueur to the frosting. Consider adding some edible silver leaf for a dramatic gothic effect.