Rich Dark Chocolate Blackberry Cake Recipe: Heavenly Fusion

Dark, decadent, and utterly irresistible, this dark chocolate blackberry cake emerges as a luxurious dessert that tantalizes every sense.

Ripe, juicy blackberries swirl through rich chocolate layers, creating a visual and flavor masterpiece.

The deep, intense chocolate complements the bright, tart berries in a dance of culinary perfection.

Each slice promises a moment of pure indulgence that melts smoothly across your palate.

Silky ganache and fresh berries crown this stunning cake, making it a showstopper for any special occasion.

Bakers seeking a dessert that combines elegance with intense flavor will fall in love with this stunning creation.

Prepare to savor every single, spectacular bite of this delectable chocolate blackberry dream.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 495 kcal

Servings: 13

Deep Chocolate + Blackberry Flavor Explained

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and tender crumb for the cake's foundation.
• Sugar: Delivers sweetness and helps create golden, soft texture.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Infuses rich, deep chocolate flavor throughout the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for creating light, airy cake texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Espresso Powder: Amplifies chocolate intensity and adds subtle depth.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind ingredients smoothly.
• Vegetable Oil, Coconut Oil: Creates tender, soft cake with perfect crumb.
• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic undertones.
• Boiling Water: Helps activate cocoa and creates incredibly moist cake.
• Fresh Blackberries: Brings bursts of tangy freshness and natural sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates creamy, luxurious frosting base.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and smooth consistency.
• Blackberry Puree: Delivers intense berry flavor and beautiful color.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall taste complexity.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor.
• Food Coloring: Optional way to intensify frosting's visual appeal.
• Heavy Cream, Dark Chocolate: Creates glossy, decadent ganache topping.

Tools for This Moist, Flavor-Rich Cake

• Cake Pans: Four 8-inch round pans for perfectly sized layers.
• Parchment Paper: Essential for easy cake release and clean removal.
• Electric Mixer: Powerful tool for beating butter and creating smooth frosting.
• Mixing Bowls: Large bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for blending cake batter and ensuring no lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for perfect cake texture.
• Spatula: Helpful for folding blackberries and scraping bowl edges.
• Saucepan: For heating cream when making ganache.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping chocolate and garnishing cake.

Instructions to Bake a Stunning Chocolate Cake

• Warm Oven Preparation

Crank up the oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab your cake pans and give them a loving butter massage, then line with parchment paper for smooth cake release.

• Batter Magic

Blend dry ingredients in a big mixing bowl, creating a chocolate canvas. Pour in wet ingredients and whisk until silky smooth. Splash in boiling water and watch the magic happen. Gently tumble fresh blackberries into the dark, rich batter.

• Baking Adventure

Pour the batter into prepared pans, spreading evenly. Let the oven work its transformative magic for 30-35 minutes until perfectly baked. Allow cakes to cool and rest.

• Frosting Delight

Whip butter into a cloud-like texture. Fold in powdered sugar, vibrant blackberry puree, and a hint of vanilla. Blend until creamy and luscious.

• Chocolate Ganache

Warm heavy cream and pour over finely chopped chocolate. Stir until glossy and smooth, creating a luxurious chocolate waterfall.

• Cake Assembly

Layer cakes with blackberry frosting and drizzle with ganache. Crown your masterpiece with scattered fresh blackberries for a stunning finale.

How to Elevate the Blackberry Notes

• Pro tips to elevate your dark chocolate blackberry cake experience.
• Replace fresh blackberries with frozen ones, but don't thaw them first to prevent color bleeding.
• Let eggs and milk reach room temperature before mixing for smoother, more even cake batter.
• If ganache seems too thick, warm gently or add a splash of cream to reach perfect spreading consistency.
• Store cake in refrigerator for up to 4 days, covering loosely with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.

Serving Suggestions That Make It Stand Out

• Berry Bliss Plating
• Arrange each slice on a white ceramic plate to make the deep purple and rich chocolate colors pop dramatically. Scatter fresh blackberries around the cake's base for an elegant, restaurant-style presentation.
• Decadent Dessert Pairing
• Serve alongside a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the cake's intense chocolate flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate finishing touch.
• Wine and Celebration Suggestion
• Pair this luxurious cake with a glass of ruby port or a sweet dessert wine like moscato. The fruity wine notes will beautifully enhance the blackberry and dark chocolate undertones.
• Seasonal Entertaining Tip
• During summer months, consider serving this cake slightly chilled for a refreshing twist. Garnish with edible flowers or mint leaves to create a stunning visual appeal that matches the cake's sophisticated flavor profile.

Storing Cake Without Losing Moisture

• Quick Slice Preparation: Cut cake into individual portions before refrigerating. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap or store in airtight containers to maintain freshness for up to 4 days.
• Freezing Strategy: Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before assembling and frosting.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cake layers and frosting 1-2 days in advance. Store cake layers at room temperature, covered. Keep frosting refrigerated and bring to room temperature before spreading.
• Smart Serving Tips: Remove cake from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to soften frosting and enhance flavor profile. Best enjoyed within 5 days of preparation for optimal taste and texture.

Decadent Chocolate Blackberry Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Rich layers of dark chocolate blackberry cake combine luscious flavors from European dessert traditions. Moist chocolate crumb and tangy blackberry compote create an elegant dessert that delights chocolate enthusiasts with complex, balanced sweetness.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (473 ml/16 fl oz) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 g/14.1 oz) sugar
• 0.75 cup (75 g/2.6 oz) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1.5 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp espresso powder
• 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) milk (buttermilk, almond, or coconut milk)
• 0.5 cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) boiling water
• 1 cup (150 g/5.3 oz) fresh blackberries, chopped
• 1 cup (150 g/5.3 oz) fresh whole blackberries (for decoration)
• 1 cup (227 g/8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480 g/16.9 oz) powdered sugar
• 0.5 cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) blackberry puree
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• Purple or aubergine food coloring (optional)
• 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) heavy cream
• 1 cup (170 g/6 oz) dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 2 tbsps light corn syrup (or honey)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Setup: Heat oven to 350°F (177°C). Coat four 8-inch cake pans with butter and line bottoms with parchment paper for effortless cake release.
2. Dry Ingredient Integration: Blend flour, sugar, dark cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder in a large mixing bowl. Create a central well in the dry mixture.
3. Liquid Mixture Preparation: Incorporate whole milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Whisk until silky-smooth, then gradually stream boiling water while stirring to develop a liquid batter consistency.
4. Fruit Incorporation and Baking: Gently fold fresh blackberries into the chocolate batter, ensuring even distribution. Portion batter equally across prepared pans, spreading to edges. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted emerges with minimal moist crumbs.
5. Cooling Process: Allow cakes to rest in pans for 15 minutes, then transfer to wire racks for complete cooling.
6. Frosting Creation: Whip softened butter until fluffy. Gradually blend powdered sugar, blackberry puree, vanilla extract, and food coloring until achieving a vibrant, smooth consistency.
7. Ganache Development: Bring heavy cream to a gentle simmer. Pour over finely chopped dark chocolate, allowing to rest 2-3 minutes before stirring into a glossy, uniform sauce.
8. Cake Assembly: Layer chocolate cake with blackberry frosting, drizzling chocolate ganache between each tier. Embellish exterior with additional frosting and garnish with whole fresh blackberries.

Notes

• Precise Ingredient Temperature: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for seamless mixing and optimal cake texture.
• Blackberry Handling Technique: Gently fold berries to prevent crushing, maintaining their delicate structure and preventing color bleeding.
• Moisture Control Strategy: Boiling water helps activate cocoa’s rich flavor and creates an incredibly moist, tender chocolate cake crumb.
• Ganache Perfection Tip: Allow chocolate and cream to rest briefly before stirring, ensuring a smooth, glossy, lump-free chocolate drizzle.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 495
• Sugar: 48 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 64 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 56 mg