Deep, dramatic, and decadently delicious — this black velvet cake with blackberry preserves is a showstopper for any celebration.

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Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 2 large eggs (room temperature)

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup boiling water

• 1/2 cup black food coloring gel

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup blackberry preserves

Garnish:

• Fresh blackberries

• Dark chocolate shavings

• Fresh mint leaves

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Directions

1. Preheat & Prep:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. Set aside.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.

4. Combine & Color:

Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until just combined.
Slowly add the boiling water and black food coloring. Mix until smooth and evenly colored.

5. Bake:

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 30–35 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.

6. Make the Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until smooth.
Add heavy cream and vanilla extract; beat until fluffy and spreadable.

7. Assemble the Cake:

Spread a thin layer of blackberry preserves between each cake layer.
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the chocolate frosting.

8. Garnish & Serve:

Top with fresh blackberries, dark chocolate shavings, and mint leaves for a dramatic finish.

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🕒 Prep Time: 30 minutes

⏱ Cook Time: 35 minutes

⏳ Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

🍽 Servings: 12

🔥 Calories: ~450 kcal per serving