Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for compote)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly into prepared pans, smooth the tops, and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the filling, place blackberries and ½ cup sugar in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until berries release juice and begin to break down. Mash slightly, then strain to remove seeds. Allow compote to cool.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy. Gradually add cooled compote and mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to soft peaks, then gently fold into the blackberry cream mixture.
- Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate, spread filling generously over the top, then add the second layer. Spread more filling over the top and let some drip down the sides for a dramatic look.
- Garnish with extra blackberries if desired.
Notes
Ensure cakes are completely cool before adding filling to prevent melting.
If using frozen blackberries, thaw and drain them well before cooking.
For a deeper chocolate flavor, add 50g melted dark chocolate to the batter.
This cake can be made a day ahead for easy entertaining.
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 30