What is a Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake?

A blackberry velvet gothic cake recipe is a dark, visually striking dessert that combines the deep flavor of a black velvet cake recipe with tart, juicy blackberries. Often layered with blackberry compote and frosted with cream cheese or buttercream, it is perfect for dark romance occasions, Halloween, or any celebration that calls for an elegant black velvet cherry cake or dark chocolate blackberry cake.

How do I make a black velvet cake with blackberry compote?

To make a black velvet cake with blackberry compote, start by baking a moist black velvet cake using the key blackberry velvet gothic cake ingredients. Prepare a compote with fresh or frozen blackberries and sugar, then layer it between the cake layers. Finish with black-tinted frosting for a dramatic finish, perfect for a black velvet Halloween cake or a dark romance blackberry chocolate cake.

Can I make this dessert for Halloween or special occasions?

Absolutely. This blackberry cake can be transformed into a black velvet Halloween cake with dark chocolate accents or styled as a dark romance blackberry chocolate cake. Using the right blackberry velvet gothic cake ingredients ensures it is visually dramatic and delicious.

What are the essential blackberry velvet gothic cake ingredients?

The essential ingredients include all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, butter, eggs, blackberries for the compote, and cream cheese or buttercream frosting. Optional additions like black food coloring, chocolate shards, or edible flowers can elevate a black velvet cake with blackberry compote into a show-stopping centerpiece.

Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake Recipe – Dark, Decadent & Easy 2025

Name: Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; Optional: black food coloring; 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional); 16 oz cream cheese or buttercream frosting, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tablespoons milk; Black food coloring; Fresh blackberries for decoration; Edible flowers or chocolate shards (optional); Edible glitter (optional)

Description

A dramatic, dark-hued velvet cake layered with tart blackberry compote and smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for gothic-themed celebrations, Halloween, or a dark romance dessert table, this cake combines deep chocolate flavors with juicy blackberries for a visually stunning and delicious treat.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch round cake):

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for dark color)
Optional: black food coloring to deepen hue

For the Blackberry Compote:

2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

For the Frosting:

16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese or buttercream frosting, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)
Black food coloring

For Decorations:

Fresh blackberries
Edible flowers or chocolate shards (optional)
Edible glitter (optional)

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Bake Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
Gradually mix in dry ingredients alternately with milk until smooth. Add black food coloring for a deep black hue.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare Blackberry Compote
In a small saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until berries release juices and soften.
Optional: Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook 1–2 minutes until thickened. Cool before layering.

Step 3: Frost Cake
Tint frosting black with food coloring. Apply a crumb coat and chill for 20 minutes.
Layer the cake with blackberry compote and spread frosting between layers. Frost the outside smoothly.

Step 4: Decorate
Top with fresh blackberries, chocolate shards, edible flowers, or glitter for a gothic, dramatic effect.

Notes

Make Ahead: Bake cake a day ahead; frost and decorate on the serving day.
Mini Version: Make cupcakes and top with compote and black frosting for individual servings.
Flavor Boost: Add a splash of blackcurrant liqueur to the compote for a richer flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Category: Dessert / Gothic Cake / Halloween Cake
Method: Baked / Layered / Decorated
Cuisine: American