Blackberry Bliss Cake Recipe
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The Blackberry Bliss Cake is a true celebration of bold, fruity flavors wrapped in a tender, moist crumb that will have you swooning at first bite. Bursting with fresh blackberries and enriched by luscious blackberry puree, this cake delivers a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy notes, balanced by a rich, velvety buttercream that’s just irresistible. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an invitation to create joyful memories around the table with each slice of this delightful creation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully to create the perfect Blackberry Bliss Cake. Each element plays its part — from the rich butter that adds moisture and depth, to the fresh blackberries that give the cake its signature juicy sweetness and color.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake its tender structure and perfect crumb.
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Starts the rising magic, making your cake light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and brightens flavors for a more complex taste.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds richness and keeps the cake moist and melt-in-your-mouth smooth.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right without overpowering the berries.
- 4 large eggs, room temperature: Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s tender texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, comforting note.
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that complements the blackberries beautifully.
- 1/2 cup blackberry puree: Infuses the cake with deep, fruity berry flavor straight into the batter.
- 1 cup fresh blackberries: Bursts of sweet-tart juiciness nestled throughout the cake layers.
- For the Blackberry Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: The creamy, luscious base of the frosting.
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the buttercream into fluffy perfection.
- 1/4 cup blackberry puree: Gives the frosting that unmistakable blackberry bliss flavor and a lovely pink hue.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds complexity and rounds out the berry notes in the buttercream.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness for a perfectly nuanced frosting.
How to Make Blackberry Bliss Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cake layers will come out effortlessly, preserving their perfect shape and texture.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures an even boost for the cake to rise beautifully and guarantees no surprises in texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. This creaming process is key for a light, tender cake, as it incorporates air into the batter for that dreamy softness.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed in before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with warm, inviting flavor.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the cake dense, and nobody wants that.
Step 6: Fold in Blackberry Puree and Fresh Blackberries
Gently fold in the blackberry puree and fresh blackberries, being careful not to overwork the batter so it stays light and airy, with delightful pockets of juicy fruit throughout.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly into the three prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare the Blackberry Buttercream
Beat the unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, then mix in blackberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is fluffy and holds stiff peaks, fit for spreading generously over your cake layers.
Step 9: Assemble the Blackberry Bliss Cake
Once the cake layers are fully cooled and leveled, spread a thick layer of blackberry buttercream on the first layer. Stack the second and third layers with the same love and care, then cover the entire cake with the remaining buttercream using an offset spatula for a smooth and elegant finish.
Step 10: Add Final Touches
For that extra pop, garnish the top of your Blackberry Bliss Cake with fresh blackberries. This adds a fresh contrast and invites the eyes to savor the beauty before the first bite.
How to Serve Blackberry Bliss Cake
Garnishes
Fresh blackberries on top are a natural choice, but you can also add a sprinkle of edible flowers or a gentle dusting of powdered sugar to elevate the cake’s presentation and charm. These small details make every slice feel like a celebration.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream that balances the berry’s natural tartness. A fresh berry compote can also complement the richness of the cake if you want to double down on the fruity joy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, slice and serve the Blackberry Bliss Cake alongside a sparkling rosé or your favorite chilled Moscato. Alternatively, cut into dainty mini servings and present them on pretty dessert plates garnished with mint leaves for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, you can store your Blackberry Bliss Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for one day or in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping it covered prevents the cake from drying out and helps maintain that fresh blackberry flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some of this bliss for later, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep perfectly frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to preserve texture and taste.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warmed, slice it and microwave individual portions for 10-15 seconds. This helps revive the softness without melting the buttercream excessively. Just be cautious, as the frosting heats quickly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries for the Blackberry Bliss Cake?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the cake’s texture. Frozen blackberries still bring plenty of flavor and convenience.
How do I make the blackberry puree?
Simply blend fresh or thawed blackberries until smooth. If you prefer a seedless puree, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve. This puree adds intense berry goodness to both the cake batter and frosting.
What is the secret to a light and fluffy cake?
Creaming the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy is the key step. This process traps air, which helps the cake rise beautifully. Also, avoid overmixing the batter once you combine the dry and wet ingredients to keep it tender.
Can I substitute buttermilk in the recipe?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using—it adds the perfect tang and moisture that buttermilk provides.
How do I level the cake layers properly?
Once cooled, use a serrated knife or a cake leveler to gently trim the domed tops off your cake layers. This step creates a flat surface, which makes stacking easier and results in a neater, more professional-looking Blackberry Bliss Cake.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s bursting with fresh fruity flavor and wrapped in comforting, buttery richness, the Blackberry Bliss Cake is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a joy to make and even more delightful to share, bringing everyone together with its irresistible charm. Trust me, once you try this cake, it will quickly earn a special spot in your recipe rotation. Happy baking!
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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, layered dessert featuring moist cake infused with blackberry puree and fresh berries, paired with a rich and creamy blackberry buttercream. This cake balances sweet and tart flavors with soft texture and vibrant berry accents, making it perfect for celebrations or a special treat.
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
- Preheat and Prepare 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 of the cake layers after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent throughout the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and a dense texture.
- Fold in Blackberries: Gently fold in the blackberry puree and fresh blackberries into the batter, taking care not to overmix so the batter remains airy.
- Fill Pans and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make Buttercream: Beat the butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in the blackberry puree, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until fluffy and capable of holding stiff peaks.
- Level Cake Layers: Once cooled, level the cake tops with a serrated knife if necessary to create flat layers for stacking.
- Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of blackberry buttercream over it. Repeat with remaining layers.
- Frost and Decorate: Cover the top and sides with remaining buttercream, smoothing with an offset spatula for a polished look. Garnish the cake with fresh blackberries for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Ensure all dairy and eggs are at room temperature for proper blending and texture.
- Fold in fresh blackberries gently to avoid crushing and discoloring the batter.
- Cool cake layers completely before applying buttercream to prevent melting.
- You can use frozen blackberries if thawed and drained thoroughly.
- For smoother puree, strain blackberry mixture to remove seeds if desired.
- 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 kcal
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Blackberry cake, berry cake, buttercream frosting, layered cake, blackberry dessert, moist cake, berry buttercream
