Blackberry Bliss Cake Recipe
If you’re looking to swoon over a dessert that perfectly balances fruity freshness with indulgent richness, then the Blackberry Bliss Cake is your new best friend. This cake dazzles with layers of moist, tender crumb infused with luscious blackberry puree and fresh berries, all enveloped in a dreamy, velvety blackberry buttercream. Every bite bursts with vibrant berry flavor and a hint of sweetness that simply melts away, making the Blackberry Bliss Cake not just a treat but a celebration on your plate. Get ready to fall in love with this stunning dessert that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting the Blackberry Bliss Cake is a joy because it uses simple, wholesome ingredients that work in perfect harmony to create a masterpiece of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a special role, from the fluffy structure brought by the flour to the tangy depth of buttermilk and the fresh, juicy punch of blackberries.
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups to give the cake a sturdy yet tender framework for those fluffy layers.
- Baking powder: 2 1/2 teaspoons to help the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon to balance and enhance every flavor in the mix.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): 1 cup for velvety moisture and rich taste in the cake.
- Granulated sugar: 2 cups to sweeten the cake perfectly without overpowering the blackberries.
- Large eggs (room temperature): 4 eggs act as a binder and add moisture, making the texture tender and cohesive.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon to deepen and complement the berry flavors.
- Buttermilk (room temperature): 1 cup lends a slight tang and ensures the cake stays lusciously moist.
- Blackberry puree: 1/2 cup to infuse the batter with intense berry goodness.
- Fresh blackberries: 1 cup to provide bursts of juicy freshness throughout the cake.
- For the Blackberry Buttercream:
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): 1 cup forms the creamy base of the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: 3 1/2 cups to sweeten and stabilize the buttercream’s fluffy texture.
- Blackberry puree: 1/4 cup adds rich, vibrant berry flavor to the frosting.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon to highlight the blackberries’ natural sweetness.
- Pinch of salt: balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
How to Make Blackberry Bliss Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which sets the stage for those perfect cake layers. Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper—this little step ensures your cake comes out flawlessly every time, with no sticking or crumbling.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, so your cake rises as beautifully as it tastes.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy—a process that takes around 3 to 5 minutes. This step is key to bringing a light texture to the cake, so patience pays off here!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Pour in the vanilla extract to layer in the aromatic warmth that will tie the whole cake together beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can make the cake tough, and we want fluffy, tender layers.
Step 6: Fold in the Blackberries
Carefully fold in the blackberry puree and the fresh blackberries, doing so gently to keep the batter airy and the berries intact. This step is what transforms the cake into a true Blackberry Bliss Cake, filling it with juicy bursts of flavor.
Step 7: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare the Blackberry Buttercream
In a large bowl, whip the butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, then add the blackberry puree, vanilla, and pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and holds stiff peaks—ready to envelop your cake in luscious berry bliss.
Step 9: Assemble the Blackberry Bliss Cake
Once your cake layers are completely cooled, level the tops if needed for a neat finish. Place the first layer on your serving plate and spread a generous amount of buttercream over it. Repeat layering with all three cakes.
Step 10: Frost and Decorate
Coat the entire cake—top and sides—with the remaining blackberry buttercream. Smooth it out using an offset spatula for a polished appearance. Add some fresh blackberries on top for a dazzling, fruity finish that says “Blackberry Bliss Cake” in every bite.
How to Serve Blackberry Bliss Cake
Garnishes
The best way to brighten up this cake visually and flavor-wise is with fresh blackberries scattered on top, perhaps paired with a few edible flowers or a light dusting of powdered sugar. These elements highlight the cake’s natural beauty and invite guests to indulge.
Side Dishes
A light citrus salad or a dollop of whipped cream works wonderfully alongside the Blackberry Bliss Cake, cutting through the richness while complementing the berry sweetness. A cup of fragrant tea or sparkling lemonade also pairs beautifully for an afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Think about serving this cake on a rustic wooden board for a casual gathering or on a fine china stand for special occasions. You can slice and plate with a drizzle of berry coulis or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it extra special. And for a pretty twist, layer small individual servings in clear glasses for a dazzling presentation at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Blackberry Bliss Cake tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the buttercream fresh and the cake moist. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days for optimal flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save the cake for later, freezing works wonderfully. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can keep well for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer it to the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
While cake is best served at room temperature, if you want to gently warm a slice, do so in the microwave at low power for 10 to 15 seconds. Take care not to melt the buttercream; warming just slightly will revive the cake’s softness without compromising its texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen blackberries can be used if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could affect the cake’s texture.
What is the secret to moist cake layers?
The key is using room temperature ingredients and buttermilk, which adds tenderness and a slight tang that keeps the cake moist without being dense.
How long does the blackberry buttercream last?
When stored properly in the fridge, the blackberry buttercream can last up to a week. Always keep it covered to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might vary slightly but the flavor will still shine.
What’s the best way to transport this cake?
Chill the cake well before transporting it to ensure the buttercream firms up. Use a sturdy cake box or container and handle it gently to keep those beautiful layers intact.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the joy of biting into the Blackberry Bliss Cake—its perfect balance of fresh blackberries, tender crumb, and irresistibly creamy frosting is unforgettable. This cake is perfect for celebrations or whenever you crave a little slice of happiness. So grab your apron and give this recipe a whirl; I promise the Blackberry Bliss Cake will quickly become one of your cherished favorites to share with friends and family.
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Blackberry Bliss Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Blackberry Bliss Cake is a luscious, moist layered cake infused with fresh blackberries and blackberry puree. It features a tender crumb with bursts of fresh berries throughout and is topped with a creamy blackberry buttercream frosting, making it a perfect dessert for special occasions or a delightful treat any day.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup blackberry puree
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
For the Blackberry Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup blackberry puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt evenly distributing the leavening agent.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing and a dense texture.
- Fold in berries: Gently fold in the blackberry puree and fresh blackberries, taking care not to overmix to maintain the batter’s airiness.
- Fill pans and bake: Divide the batter evenly among prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare buttercream frosting: Beat butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in the blackberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and holds stiff peaks.
- Assemble the cake: Level cooled cake layers if needed. Place one layer on a serving plate, spread a generous amount of buttercream on top, repeat with remaining layers.
- Frost and decorate: Use the remaining buttercream to frost the top and sides of the cake smoothly with an offset spatula. Decorate with fresh blackberries for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients like butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for smooth blending and optimal texture.
- Be gentle when folding in blackberries to avoid breaking them and discoloring the batter.
- Allow cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent buttercream from melting and sliding.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: blackberry cake, blackberry buttercream, layered cake recipe, berry cake, homemade dessert
