Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache
Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache is a showstopper that blends rich, decadent flavors with a striking visual appeal. Imagine the deep, dark layers of cake interspersed with the tart sweetness of fresh blackberries, enveloped in glossy chocolate ganache. This cake is not just a feast for the palate, but also a delight for the eyes, making it perfect for special occasions. Its moist, velvety texture complemented by the tangy burst of blackberries and the luxurious finish of dark chocolate ganache creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your guests in awe. This recipe is your step-by-step guide to crafting this enchanting dessert, promising an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake is an irresistible option for both novice and seasoned bakers. With easy preparation steps and family-friendly appeal, it’s a cake that brings everyone together. The ingredients list is straightforward, requiring just a few pantry staples, while the addition of fresh blackberries elevates it into something truly special. It’s perfect for a birthday party, a romantic dinner, or even a cozy gathering with friends over coffee. The rich flavors and stunning presentation make it a recipe worth making, highlighting the natural beauty of blackberries.
Ingredients for Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh blackberries, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 10 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for ganache)
Step-by-Step Directions for Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and set aside. This ensures your cakes come out easily and retain their beautiful shape.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This dry mixture lays the foundational flavors for your cake.
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial as it infuses air into the butter, making your cake light and airy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until smooth. The buttermilk will add a nice tang and moisture to the cake.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
In a separate small bowl, toss the blackberries with lemon juice. Carefully fold the blackberries into the cake batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed. This step helps retain their structure during baking.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes cool, prepare the dark chocolate ganache. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of dark chocolate ganache on top.
Carefully place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining ganache, smoothing it with a spatula.
Decorate the top of the cake with fresh blackberries as desired.
Allow the ganache to set for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This ensures that your ganache has a perfect texture when it’s time to serve.
Tips & Tricks
- To achieve a deeper flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of strong brewed coffee to the cake batter.
- Always use room temperature ingredients for the best mixing results.
- To easily melt the chocolate for ganache, you can use a double boiler method if preferred.
- Adding a pinch of salt to the ganache can enhance the chocolate flavor significantly.
- If you want a tangy twist, consider adding a splash of lemon zest to the batter along with the blackberries.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. For an elegant touch, consider serving it with a sprig of mint. Delicious coffee is a perfect beverage pairing to balance out the sweetness of the cake. It also makes for a stunning centerpiece, especially when garnished with additional fresh blackberries and edible flowers to enhance its visual appeal.
Nutritional Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Protein: 5g
Enjoy this indulgent treat as a special occasion dessert or a delightful everyday indulgence. While it’s rich in flavors, remember that moderation is the key when treating yourself!
Storing Tips & Variations for Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache
To store leftover cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze the layers. If frozen, make sure to thaw in the refrigerator the night before you plan to enjoy it. For a healthier twist, consider swapping half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or using Greek yogurt in place of some of the buttermilk. Feel free to experiment with different fruits, like raspberries or cherries, for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion for Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache
You owe it to yourself to try this exquisite Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache right away. The rich layers of chocolate cake, the tangy bursts of blackberry, and the velvety ganache create a sensational dessert that is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Perfect for any occasion, your friends and family will love this enchanting cake, and you’ll enjoy every moment of making it. Get ready to dive into a delicious experience that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat!
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh ones?
- Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter to avoid excess moisture.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
- You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
How long does the ganache take to set?
- The ganache typically takes about 30 minutes to set at room temperature, but you can refrigerate it to speed up the process.
Can this cake be made ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance, store them in the fridge, and assemble them on the day of serving for maximum freshness.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
- Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend you use has a binding agent like xanthan gum for optimal texture.
Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An enchanting dessert that features deep layers of chocolate cake interspersed with fresh blackberries and topped with a glossy dark chocolate ganache.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh blackberries, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 10 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for ganache)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Cream softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Mix in buttermilk and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Toss blackberries with lemon juice and fold them into the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out to cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the cakes cool, prepare the ganache by heating heavy cream until simmering, then adding chocolate, corn syrup, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
- Spread a layer of ganache on top of one cake layer, then stack the second layer and cover the cake with remaining ganache.
- Decorate the top with fresh blackberries as desired.
- Allow ganache to set for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
To enhance the flavor, add a tablespoon of strong brewed coffee to the batter. Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
