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Blackberry Velvet Cake Bliss Recipe

4.8 from 89 reviews

This Blackberry Velvet Cake offers a luscious blend of sweet and tangy flavors, featuring fresh blackberry puree incorporated into both the moist cake layers and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any celebration or a special dessert, this cake is easy to make and can be adapted for gluten-free and vegan diets.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Use 1:1 gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Use vegan butter for dairy-free option)
  • 3 large Eggs (Can substitute with flax eggs for egg-free version)
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup Buttermilk (Can be made by curdling milk with lemon juice)
  • 2 cups Fresh Blackberries (Frozen, drained, can be used)

Blackberry Puree

  • 2 cups Fresh Blackberries
  • Splash of Water
  • 1 cup Sugar (for puree sweetening)

Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese (Use dairy-free cream cheese for vegan option)
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1 cup Shortened Blackberry Puree (intensifies flavor in frosting)
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (used in frosting)

Instructions

  1. Make the Blackberry Puree: In a small saucepan, combine the blackberries, sugar, and a splash of water. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the mixture breaks down and thickens slightly. Strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds, then cool completely before using.
  2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and set aside.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute leavening agents and salt.
  4. Beat Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This aeration helps create a tender crumb. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Add Flavor Elements: Stir in the pure vanilla extract thoroughly. Optionally, you can add lemon zest for extra brightness at this stage.
  6. Combine Buttermilk and Puree: Mix the cooled blackberry puree with the buttermilk to create a flavorful liquid addition. Gradually add this mixture to the butter and egg mixture, combining well but without overmixing.
  7. Alternate Dry Ingredients: Add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the remaining buttermilk (including the blackberry puree if any remains), starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently to keep the batter light.
  8. Divide and Smooth Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops for even baking.
  9. Bake the Cakes: Place pans in the preheated oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
  10. Prepare the Frosting: Beat together butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Mix in 1 cup of the cooled blackberry puree to infuse the frosting with rich berry flavor and vibrant color.
  11. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides evenly. Chill if necessary to set the frosting before serving.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • Vegan options can be achieved by using flax eggs, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese.
  • Frozen blackberries can be used but drain any excess liquid to avoid thinning the batter.
  • Make sure the blackberry puree is completely cooled before adding to prevent curdling or affecting batter consistency.
  • The cake is best served chilled or at room temperature and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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