If you’re looking for a cake that beautifully combines the rich sweetness of ripe blackberries with the soft, moist texture of homemade cake, this Blackberry Cake recipe is perfect for you.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a delicious dessert, this cake will not disappoint. The tartness of the blackberries pairs wonderfully with the sweet, velvety blackberry buttercream frosting.
As you take each bite, the balance of flavors creates an irresistible experience that’s both rich and refreshing.
This cake is not only delicious, but it’s also visually stunning. With fresh blackberries and a swirl of blackberry frosting, it’s the type of dessert that will make a statement at any gathering.
Plus, the zesty kick of lemon and the freshness of mint add the perfect finishing touches to this showstopper. So, let’s dive into this simple, yet impressive recipe, and discover how easy it is to create a cake that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Ingredients
Before we jump into the step-by-step instructions, here’s a quick look at what you’ll need. The ingredients are straightforward and mostly things you probably already have in your kitchen:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) fresh blackberries
For the Blackberry Buttercream Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 cup (60ml) blackberry puree (made by blending fresh blackberries and straining out the seeds)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Decoration (Optional):
- Fresh blackberries
- Lemon Zest
- Mint
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking this cake so that it cooks evenly and stays moist. Next, grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. Prepping your pans ahead of time helps ensure that the cakes come out easily when they’re done baking.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps keep the cake light and fluffy by evenly distributing the dry ingredients and preventing lumps in the batter. Set the dry mixture aside once it’s ready.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This process is important because it creates air pockets that contribute to the cake’s tenderness. Be sure to cream the mixture well for at least 2 to 3 minutes until it turns a pale yellow color.
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. The gradual incorporation of eggs ensures that the batter stays smooth and stable, helping the cake rise evenly. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor of the cake.
3. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time to combine the dry and wet ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin by adding about a third of the flour mixture, then a half of the buttermilk. Repeat this process until all the ingredients are combined, ending with the last portion of the dry mixture.
Be careful not to overmix—mix only until the batter comes together. Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense instead of light and tender.
4. Add Fresh Blackberries
Here’s where the magic of the cake begins: gently fold in the fresh blackberries. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, but handle them gently so they don’t break apart too much. The blackberries will add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, creating beautiful purple pockets of flavor in each bite.
5. Bake the Cake
Now that your batter is ready, divide it evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it during the final few minutes.
Once done, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
6. Make the Blackberry Buttercream Frosting
While the cakes cool, it’s time to whip up the delicious blackberry buttercream frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
Next, gradually add the sifted powdered sugar while continuing to beat the mixture. Sifting the sugar beforehand ensures the frosting is smooth and free from lumps. Now, add the blackberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat the frosting until it’s smooth, creamy, and beautifully tinted with the color of the blackberries.
If the frosting seems too thick, you can add more blackberry puree. If it’s too thin, adjust the consistency by adding a bit more powdered sugar. The texture should be spreadable but not runny.
7. Assemble the Cake
Once your cakes are fully cooled, it’s time to assemble. Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand and spread a generous layer of blackberry buttercream frosting over the top. This will be the middle layer of your cake and will hold the two layers together.
Next, place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining blackberry buttercream. Use a spatula to make the frosting as smooth as possible, creating a beautiful and professional-looking finish.
8. Decorate the Cake (Optional)
To make your cake even more stunning, garnish it with fresh blackberries, lemon zest, and mint leaves. The tartness of the lemon zest pairs beautifully with the sweet blackberries, and the mint adds a fresh pop of color that elevates the cake’s presentation.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Now that your cake is beautifully frosted and decorated, it’s time to slice and enjoy. Serve this cake at room temperature for the best flavor, and be prepared for the compliments to start rolling in. The combination of moist cake and fruity buttercream frosting makes this dessert an unforgettable treat.
Conclusion
This Blackberry Cake is the perfect combination of fruity, sweet, and tangy flavors, balanced by a rich, creamy buttercream frosting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and guaranteed to impress. Make this cake for your next gathering, and watch it disappear slice by slice. It’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also a beautiful dessert that’s sure to wow anyone lucky enough to try it.
With its easy preparation, this recipe is ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion where you want a stunning and delicious homemade cake. Happy baking!