Description
Indulge in the dark allure of the Gothic Blackberry Skull Cake, a stunning creation perfect for Halloween or gothic-themed events. This rich chocolate layer cake features a luscious blackberry compote filling nestled between moist layers of black cocoa cake, all enveloped in a velvety black cocoa buttercream. Topped with fresh blackberries and eerie chocolate skulls, this dessert is as delicious as it is visually striking. Whether you’re hosting a spooky gathering or simply craving something unique, this cake is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup black cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 cups fresh blackberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ cup black cocoa powder, sifted
- 4–6 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 3–4 dark chocolate skulls (store-bought or molded)
- 1 teaspoon edible dried rose petals
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla; combine with dry ingredients and add hot water until smooth.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes; cool completely.
- Prepare blackberry compote by simmering blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice until thickened.
- For the buttercream, beat butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder followed by heavy cream to desired consistency.
- Assemble layers with compote between them; frost with buttercream and decorate with blackberries and skulls.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg