Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: Blackberry Velvet Cake! It’s a delightful twist on the classic red velvet, but instead of red, we get this gorgeous, deep purple hue that just makes my heart sing. The first time I made this cake, I was hosting a small gathering, and I wanted to impress my friends. As soon as I pulled it out of the oven, the rich, sweet aroma of blackberries filled my kitchen, and I knew I was onto something special. It’s incredibly moist and has this velvety texture that melts in your mouth. Topped with creamy frosting, each slice is a little piece of heaven. Trust me, once you try this Blackberry Velvet Cake, you’ll be hooked and want to share it with everyone you know!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this luscious Blackberry Velvet Cake. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that rich flavor and moist texture that makes this cake so irresistible!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of your cake, giving it structure and body.
- 1 1/2 cups sugar – For that perfect sweetness that balances the tartness of the blackberries.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming!
- 3 large eggs – These help bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s fluffiness.
- 1 cup buttermilk – This is a key player for moisture and tenderness, making every bite feel velvety.
- 1 cup blackberry puree – The star of the show! Fresh blackberries blended until smooth for that lovely flavor and color.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – This helps the cake rise, giving it that light and airy texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Another leavening agent that works with the buttermilk to make your cake fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Because what’s a cake without a hint of vanilla? It adds depth and warmth.
How to Prepare Blackberry Velvet Cake
Let’s dive right into the fun part—making this scrumptious Blackberry Velvet Cake! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous cake that’s sure to impress.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This makes sure your cake bakes evenly and turns out perfectly fluffy.
- Next, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This step is super important because it’ll prevent your cake from sticking!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. This is where all that delicious richness starts!
- Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air and gives your cake that lovely texture.
- Now, stir in the blackberry puree and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. Just wait until you smell that fruity goodness!
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it!
- Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it; ovens can vary!
- Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and decadent flavor that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Incredibly moist texture that melts in your mouth.
- Beautifully vibrant color makes it a stunning centerpiece for any occasion.
- Perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or just a sweet treat for yourself.
- Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it easy to whip up.
- Pairs wonderfully with cream cheese frosting for an extra touch of indulgence.
Tips for Success
When it comes to baking the perfect Blackberry Velvet Cake, a few tips can take your creation from good to absolutely fabulous! First, always use room temperature ingredients—this helps everything blend together smoothly and creates a lovely texture. If you can, sift your flour before measuring; this adds air and ensures your cake isn’t dense. Be gentle when mixing the batter; overmixing can lead to a tougher cake. Also, keep an eye on your oven! Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early. And don’t forget to let your cakes cool completely before frosting—this prevents the frosting from melting off. Lastly, if you want to make it extra special, consider adding some fresh blackberries on top for a stunning presentation!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for a slice of this delightful Blackberry Velvet Cake. Each slice contains approximately 350 calories, with 15g of fat, 4g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. It also has about 25g of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy every delicious bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen blackberries?
Absolutely! If you only have frozen blackberries on hand, you can still make this delightful Blackberry Velvet Cake. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before blending them into a puree. This helps maintain the right consistency in your batter. Also, keep in mind that frozen berries may have a slightly different texture, but they’ll still deliver that delicious blackberry flavor!
How do I store the cake?
To keep your Blackberry Velvet Cake fresh and moist, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a particularly warm climate, it’s better to refrigerate it. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. If you’ve got leftovers, you can also freeze slices for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to indulge again!
What frosting pairs well with this cake?
Oh, let me tell you, the options are endless! My personal favorite is cream cheese frosting; its tangy flavor complements the sweetness of the Blackberry Velvet Cake perfectly. But if you’re feeling adventurous, a vanilla buttercream or even a light whipped cream frosting works beautifully too! For an extra touch, you can swirl in some leftover blackberry puree into your frosting for a pop of color and flavor. You really can’t go wrong with any of these choices!
Equipment List
To make this scrumptious Blackberry Velvet Cake, you’ll need a few essential tools. Here’s what I recommend having on hand:
- Two 9-inch round cake pans – Perfect for baking your cake layers evenly. Don’t forget to grease and flour them!
- Mixing bowls – A large bowl for creaming the butter and sugar, and a medium bowl for whisking the dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer – This will save you some arm work! A stand mixer or handheld one will do the trick.
- Spatula – Great for scraping down the sides of the bowl and smoothing the batter.
- Wire racks – Essential for cooling your cakes completely before frosting.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are key to a successful cake!
Gather these tools, and you’ll be all set to bake up a storm!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Let’s talk about some fun ingredient swaps and notes to help you make this Blackberry Velvet Cake your own! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, no worries—just mix 1 cup of regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for about 5 minutes. It’ll create a similar tangy effect! For the butter, you can substitute it with equal parts of coconut oil for a dairy-free version, but be aware that it may alter the flavor slightly.
If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can use a sugar substitute like coconut sugar or a stevia blend, just keep in mind that this might change the cake’s texture a bit. And if you want to amp up the flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla. Each of these swaps will still yield a delicious cake, so feel free to experiment!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Blackberry Velvet Cake experience, consider serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess perfectly complements the rich flavors of the cake. For an extra touch, drizzle some berry compote or chocolate sauce on the plate for a beautiful presentation. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh blackberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. These simple additions will not only enhance the flavors but also make your dessert look like a work of art!
For more delicious recipes, check out this Blackberry Cheesecake recipe or this Strawberry Cheesecake recipe!
Print
Blackberry Velvet Cake: 10 Reasons You’ll Love This Delight
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and moist blackberry velvet cake topped with creamy frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup blackberry puree
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the blackberry puree and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk.
- Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before frosting.
Notes
- Use fresh blackberries for the best flavor.
- Store the cake in an airtight container.
- This cake pairs well with cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Blackberry Velvet Cake, dessert, cake, blackberry