Dark Chocolate Blackberry Cake (Print)

Moist dark chocolate layers with blackberry frosting and ganache deliver a rich, tangy treat for any gathering.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cake

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 cups sugar
03 - ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
05 - 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
06 - 1 teaspoon salt
07 - 1 teaspoon espresso powder
08 - 1 cup milk or alternatives (buttermilk, almond milk, or coconut milk)
09 - ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
10 - 2 large eggs
11 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
12 - 1 cup boiling water
13 - 1 cup fresh blackberries, chopped
14 - Whole blackberries for decoration

→ Blackberry Frosting

15 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
16 - 4 cups powdered sugar
17 - ½ cup blackberry puree (from fresh or frozen blackberries, strained)
18 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
19 - A pinch of salt
20 - Purple or aubergine food coloring (optional)

→ Glossy Ganache

21 - 1 cup heavy cream
22 - 1 cup dark chocolate, finely chopped
23 - 2 tablespoons light corn syrup or honey
24 - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line four 8-inch (20 cm) cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - Combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder in a bowl. Add milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gradually add boiling water, mixing until fully combined. Gently fold in chopped blackberries.
03 - Distribute the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely.
04 - Using a mixer, beat softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, blackberry puree, vanilla extract, salt, and food coloring (if desired). Beat until smooth and creamy.
05 - Heat heavy cream until just about to simmer. Pour the cream over the chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for 1-2 minutes. Stir in light corn syrup or honey and optional vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
06 - Layer the cake with blackberry frosting between each layer. Pour ganache over the top, allowing some to drizzle down the sides. Decorate with whole blackberries as desired.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Pair this cake with a dollop of whipped cream to complement its intense chocolate flavor.
02 - Garnish with fresh blackberries for an elegant appearance and added freshness.