Description
A hauntingly beautiful cake perfect for Halloween celebrations, made with dark cocoa and creamy frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups White granulated sugar
- 2 cups All-purpose flour (sifted)
- 3/4 cup Black cocoa powder (sifted)
- 2 tsp Baking soda
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 Eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup Buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1 cup Coffee (hot)
- 1/2 cup Canola oil
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 2 cups Fresh blackberries
- 2 tbsp White granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Lemon zest
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 1/4 cup Water
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 8 oz Cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cups Powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 cup Black cocoa powder (sifted)
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- Chocolate skulls (for decoration)
- Fresh blackberries (for topping)
- Dried rose petals (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix the white sugar, all-purpose flour, black cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, hot coffee, canola oil, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick to ensure it comes out clean. Let them cool.
- In a small saucepan, combine fresh blackberries, white sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a cinnamon stick.
- Add water and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the berries break down.
- Mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water, then add to the compote to thicken. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, black cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of blackberry compote on top, followed by a layer of black cocoa frosting.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate with chocolate skulls, fresh blackberries, and dried rose petals for a spooky look.
Notes
For a fun twist, add a hint of orange color to the frosting.