If you’re ready to take your cake game to the next level, this Black Velvet Cake with Blackberry Filling and Chocolate Frosting is exactly what you need. Imagine a deep, rich chocolate cake that’s so velvety, it practically melts in your mouth. Now, layer that with a sweet-tart blackberry filling and smother it all in luxurious, creamy chocolate frosting. This cake isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience. Every bite is a balance of dark chocolate goodness, the pop of fresh blackberry, and that silky smooth frosting. Seriously, it’s a showstopper. Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or even just because you deserve something amazing today.
Why You’ll Love Black Velvet Cake with Blackberry Filling and Chocolate Frosting
This cake is a flavor explosion that’s going to leave you craving more. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it:
Decadent & Velvety: The black velvet cake is moist, light, and soft with that signature velvety texture. It’s like sinking into a cloud of chocolate goodness.
Perfectly Balanced: The tart sweetness of the blackberry filling cuts through the richness of the chocolate cake and frosting, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
Showstopper Look: With its deep, dark hue and the beautiful contrast of dark chocolate and vibrant blackberry filling, this cake will steal the spotlight at any event.
Rich Chocolate Frosting: The smooth, creamy chocolate frosting is just the right amount of indulgence. It complements the cake without overwhelming it.
Made to Impress: Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just indulging yourself, this cake is guaranteed to wow anyone who takes a bite.

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Ingredients in Black Velvet Cake with Blackberry Filling and Chocolate Frosting
Let’s break down the ingredients that come together to make this cake a masterpiece. You’ll notice there’s nothing too fancy, just a few pantry staples that make magic happen.
For the Black Velvet Cake:
- All-purpose flour – The base of your cake, giving it structure.
- Cocoa powder – Gives the cake that deep, chocolatey flavor.
- Baking soda – Helps the cake rise beautifully.
- Sugar – For that sweetness that balances out the cocoa.
- Butter – For richness and that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Buttermilk – Adds moisture and that slight tang that pairs so well with chocolate.
- Eggs – To bind everything together and add structure.
- Vanilla extract – A dash of vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Black food coloring – To give the cake that signature black velvet color (don’t worry, it’s all about the dramatic look!).
For the Blackberry Filling:
- Fresh blackberries – For that tart, fruity zing that cuts through the richness of the chocolate cake.
- Sugar – To sweeten the blackberries just enough to make them jammy.
- Lemon juice – Adds a little extra tang and brightness to the filling.
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- Powdered sugar – The base for the frosting’s sweetness and smooth texture.
- Cocoa powder – For that deep chocolate flavor that’ll pair perfectly with the cake.
- Butter – Adds creaminess and richness to the frosting.
- Heavy cream – For that silky smooth consistency.
- Vanilla extract – To round out the flavor.
- Salt – A pinch to enhance the chocolate flavor.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Here’s how to make this jaw-dropping cake:
Preheat & Prepare Your Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Black Velvet Cake
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sugar. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then add the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, mix the buttermilk with the black food coloring until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before removing.
Make the Blackberry Filling
While the cakes are cooling, make the blackberry filling. In a small saucepan, combine the blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blackberries break down and the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency—about 10-15 minutes. Let it cool to room temperature.
Make the Chocolate Frosting
To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add the heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach a spreadable consistency. Continue beating for 2-3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled, remove them from the pans and place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of blackberry filling over the top, then place the second layer of cake on top.
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the chocolate frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula. For a decorative touch, you can pipe a border around the edges of the cake or create textured swirls.
Serve & Enjoy
Slice the cake, serve, and prepare for the “wow” factor. The contrast of the black velvet cake, blackberry filling, and rich chocolate frosting is as stunning to look at as it is to eat!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: [Insert calorie count]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours
How to Serve Black Velvet Cake with Blackberry Filling and Chocolate Frosting
This cake is perfect for a variety of occasions, whether it’s a special celebration or just a weekend treat. Here are a few serving suggestions:
Birthday Parties: A stunning birthday cake that’ll make any celebration even more memorable.
Afternoon Tea: Pair a slice with a cup of black tea for a luxurious afternoon treat.
Special Occasions: From anniversaries to holiday gatherings, this cake is sure to impress your guests.
Dessert Table: Add it to a dessert table full of other indulgent treats. It’s guaranteed to be the first thing gone.
Additional Tips
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for the best texture in your cake.
Adjust the Food Coloring: If you want a more intense black color, you can add a little more food coloring, but be cautious not to overdo it.
Store Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also refrigerate the cake to help it last longer, though it may dry out slightly.
Freeze for Later: You can freeze individual slices or the whole cake. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can make the cake layers and blackberry filling a day ahead. Just wrap the layers tightly and store them in the fridge. Assemble the cake and frost it on the day you plan to serve it.
Q2: Can I use frozen blackberries for the filling?
A2: Yes! Frozen blackberries will work just as well as fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.
Q3: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A3: You can swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just make sure to check that your other ingredients, like the baking soda and cocoa powder, are gluten-free.
Q4: Can I make this without food coloring?
A4: Absolutely! The cake will still be delicious, but it won’t have that signature black velvet look. You can either skip the food coloring altogether or use a natural food coloring if you prefer.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate and enjoy within 4-5 days.
Q6: Can I freeze this cake?
A6: Yes! Freeze the cake layers and filling separately in plastic wrap and foil. Let them thaw at room temperature before frosting.
Q7: Can I add other fillings?
A7: Absolutely! While blackberry is a delicious choice, you can use other fruits like raspberry, cherry, or strawberry for a different flavor twist.
Q8: Can I make this cake in advance and freeze it?
A8: Yes, you can freeze the assembled cake (without frosting) or the separate layers for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake and then frost it.
Conclusion
The Black Velvet Cake with Blackberry Filling and Chocolate Frosting is a decadent treat that’s perfect for any celebration—or any time you just want to indulge in something really special.
With its tender, velvety texture, tart blackberry filling, and creamy chocolate frosting, it’s a showstopper in both flavor and presentation. Give it a try, and get ready to wow your taste buds (and anyone else lucky enough to have a slice)!
Print
Black Velvet Cake with Blackberry Filling and Chocolate Frosting
- Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A decadent twist on the classic red velvet cake, this black velvet cake is rich, moist, and paired with a tangy blackberry filling and smooth chocolate frosting for a luxurious dessert.
Ingredients
- For the Black Velvet Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp black food coloring (or as needed)
- For the Blackberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- For the Black Velvet Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
- Add the buttermilk and vinegar, and mix until incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Add the black food coloring, stirring until the batter is a deep black color.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the Blackberry Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the berries break down, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the blackberry filling cool completely before using it in the cake.
- For the Chocolate Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating until smooth and well combined.
- Add the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt, and beat on high speed for 2–3 minutes until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more cream if needed.
- Assembling the Cake:
- Place one layer of the cooled black velvet cake on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of blackberry filling over the top, then top with the second layer of cake.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake with the chocolate frosting. Garnish with fresh blackberries if desired.
- Let the cake set for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to firm up before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a smoother frosting, sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder before mixing.
- Ensure the blackberry filling is fully cooled before adding it to the cake to prevent it from melting the frosting.
- This cake is rich, so it’s perfect for special occasions like birthdays or holidays.
- If you don’t have black food coloring, you can use dark brown or navy blue food coloring, though the color may vary slightly.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg