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Blackberry Velvet Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 100 reviews
  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Blackberry Velvet Cake is a stunning and moist dessert featuring fresh blackberries blended into the batter and frosting. The cake layers are infused with a delicate blackberry puree and optionally enhanced with purple food coloring for a vibrant look. Topped with a creamy cream cheese and blackberry frosting and garnished with fresh blackberries and edible flowers, it’s perfect for special occasions or a luxurious everyday treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh blackberries (plus extra for garnish)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • Purple food coloring (a few drops, optional)

Frosting Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup fresh blackberries (for frosting, reduced to 1/3 cup puree)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Garnish

  • Extra fresh blackberries
  • Edible flowers (optional)
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Blackberry Puree: In a small saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups fresh blackberries with 2 tablespoons sugar and a splash of water. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until thickened. Mash gently and strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds. Cool completely. Set aside 1/2 cup for the cake batter and 1/3 cup for the frosting.
  2. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Lightly dust the pans with flour to ensure easy removal.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt thoroughly to combine.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  5. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest if using, to enhance the flavor profile.
  6. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and 1/2 cup cooled blackberry puree prepared earlier.
  7. Mix Batter: With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry flour mixture and the buttermilk-blackberry mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined. If desired, add a few drops of purple food coloring to enhance the visual appeal.
  8. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Prepare Frosting: Beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/3 cup blackberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture until light and fluffy, about 3 more minutes. Chill the frosting briefly if it becomes too soft to spread.
  10. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly. Decorate with fresh blackberries, edible flowers, and fresh mint leaves as desired for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Ensure all refrigerated ingredients like eggs, butter, and buttermilk are at room temperature for best mixing results.
  • Straining the blackberry puree removes seeds for a smoother texture in cake and frosting.
  • The purple food coloring is optional but gives the cake a beautiful, vibrant appearance.
  • Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
  • Chill frosting if it becomes too soft to handle, especially in warm environments.
  • Edible flowers are optional but add a decorative, elegant touch for special occasions.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: blackberry cake, velvet cake, cream cheese frosting, berry dessert, moist cake, homemade cake, berry frosting

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Find it online: https://isabellavance.com/blackberry-velvet-cake-recipe/