Dark Romance Chocolate Blackberry Cake

Embark on a journey of indulgence with this Dark Romance Chocolate Blackberry Cake. Rich in flavor and draped in decadence, this dessert is perfect for your special occasions or whenever you’re craving something extraordinary. Its layers of moist chocolate cake, blackberry frosting, and glossy ganache make it a luscious treat you won’t want to share!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• 1 cup milk, buttermilk, almond, or coconut milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil, or melted coconut oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup fresh blackberries, chopped (extra whole blackberries for decoration)

For the Blackberry Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup blackberry puree (from fresh or frozen blackberries, strained to remove seeds)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Purple or aubergine food coloring (optional)

For the Glossy Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup or honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Directions:

Cake Layers:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter four 8-inch cake pans and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder.
3. Add the milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix on medium speed until well combined.
4. Carefully add boiling water to the cake batter until fully blended.
5. Gently fold in the chopped blackberries.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool for about 10 minutes in the pans, then remove and let cool completely.

Blackberry Frosting:

1. Beat the butter until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed.
3. Mix in the blackberry puree, vanilla extract, salt, and food coloring if desired. Adjust consistency with extra powdered sugar or puree as needed.

Glossy Ganache:

1. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer but doesn’t boil.
2. Place the finely chopped chocolate in a heat-proof bowl.
3. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate, letting it sit for 1-2 minutes to melt the chocolate.
4. Add the corn syrup or honey and vanilla extract (if using).
5. Stir slowly from the center outward until the ganache is smooth and shiny. Let it cool slightly before pouring over the cake.

Assembly:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of blackberry frosting over it.
2. Repeat with the remaining cake layers, then frost the sides as well.
3. Pour the glossy ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides for a mirror-like finish.
4. Decorate with whole blackberries.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12 | Calories per Serving: 520 kcal

Treat yourself to this enchanting Dark Romance Chocolate Blackberry Cake, where the interplay between tart berries and deep chocolate will leave your taste buds yearning for more!