Chocolate Blackberry Gothic Halloween Cake: 7 Spooky Treats

Name: Chocolate Blackberry Gothic Halloween Cake: 7 Spooky Treats
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup blackberries; 1/2 cup blackberry jam; 1 cup chocolate frosting

July 3, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you! This Chocolate Blackberry Gothic Halloween Cake is not just any cake—it’s a rich, decadent delight that embodies the spirit of Halloween! Picture this: a moist chocolate cake layered with a luscious blackberry filling, all topped off with velvety chocolate frosting. Trust me, the combination of flavors is out of this world!

Chocolate Blackberry Gothic Halloween Cake - detail 1

Every Halloween, I make it a tradition to whip up something special, and this cake is always the star of the show. I remember the first time I served it at a spooky gathering; the moment I sliced into it, the deep, dark layers peeked out, and everyone was captivated. It’s like a little piece of gothic art on a plate! Plus, the burst of blackberry jam in between the layers adds a delightful surprise that keeps everyone coming back for more.

This cake is such a fantastic spooky snack for Halloween parties, or even just a cozy night in watching your favorite scary movie. It’s perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging yourself. So, let’s dive into this recipe, and I promise you’ll be the talk of the haunt with this delicious showstopper!

Ingredients List

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cake, giving it that lovely structure.
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness is key, right? This balances the rich chocolate.
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The heart of our chocolate flavor—don’t skimp on quality here!
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: This helps our cake rise to perfection.
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: A little extra lift; trust me, it makes a difference!
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip this crucial step!
2 large eggs: These bring moisture and richness to the cake.
1 cup whole milk: For a tender crumb; it’s essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1/2 cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture without weighing the cake down.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: This adds a warm, inviting flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
1 cup boiling water: It might sound odd, but this makes the cake super moist and enhances the cocoa flavor.
1 cup blackberries: Fresh and juicy, these will add a delightful surprise between the cake layers.
1/2 cup blackberry jam: This is your secret weapon for that luscious filling; trust me!
1 cup chocolate frosting: For frosting the outside and making it extra indulgent—go for a rich, creamy one!

How to Prepare the Chocolate Blackberry Gothic Halloween Cake

Preparing the Cake Batter

Let’s get this spooky cake party started! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab your two 9-inch round cake pans and grease them up with a little butter or cooking spray, then dust them with flour. This will help our cake come out easily once it’s baked!

Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good whisk to mix everything together evenly—this is where the magic begins! Then, add in the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes. It should look smooth and luscious, oh my goodness!

Here comes the secret ingredient: slowly stir in the boiling water. I know it sounds weird, but trust me, this is what makes your cake super moist and divinely rich! Once well combined, your batter should be glossy and thin. Now, pour that gorgeous batter evenly into your prepared pans and get ready to bake!

Baking the Cake

Slide those pans into the preheated oven and let them bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. But don’t rush to take them out just yet! Once baked, let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. This is crucial because it helps them set up a bit before you flip them out.

After 10 minutes, gently run a knife around the edges to loosen them, then invert the pans to remove the cakes. Let them cool completely on a wire rack. Trust me, if you frost them while they’re even slightly warm, the frosting will melt, and we definitely want that gorgeous look for our Halloween cake!

Assembling the Cake

Alright, once your cakes are cool, it’s time for the fun part! Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of blackberry jam on top. This fruity filling is the surprise that’ll have everyone oohing and aahing! Then, carefully place the second cake layer on top of the jam.

Now, it’s time to frost! Slather that rich chocolate frosting all over the top and sides of the cake. Don’t be shy—make it look decadent and inviting! For the final touch, decorate the top with fresh blackberries; they not only look stunning but also add a little burst of flavor. Wow, your Chocolate Blackberry Gothic Halloween Cake is ready to steal the spotlight at your spooky gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent flavor: The rich chocolate combined with the tartness of blackberries creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible!
Easy preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you’ll whip this up in no time, even if you’re a beginner.
Perfect for Halloween: Its gothic aesthetic and spooky vibe make it an ideal centerpiece for your Halloween celebrations.
Moist and tender: Thanks to the boiling water and fresh blackberries, this cake stays incredibly moist and tender, slice after slice.
Impressive presentation: The dark layers and fresh blackberry topping create a striking look that will wow your guests.
Versatile: It’s not just for Halloween! This cake can easily be enjoyed year-round for birthdays, parties, or any special occasion.
Customization options: Feel free to add your twist with different fillings or frostings—get creative!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Chocolate Blackberry Gothic Halloween Cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips that I swear by!

Use quality cocoa powder: The flavor of your chocolate is only as good as the cocoa you use. Go for a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep, rich taste.
Measure ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so be sure to measure your flour and sugar correctly. I like to spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for the best results.
Don’t skip the boiling water: This step is crucial! It not only helps the cocoa bloom, enhancing the chocolate flavor, but it also makes the cake unbelievably moist. Trust me on this one!
Check for doneness: Instead of relying solely on timing, use the toothpick test. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, and we definitely don’t want that!
Cool completely: Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop them in the fridge for a bit, but don’t frost them while they’re warm! You’ll end up with a gooey mess.
Experiment with flavors: For an extra kick, try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter. It enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully without making it taste like coffee.
Layer it up: Don’t be afraid to add more blackberry jam between the layers if you like a fruitier flavor! Just keep in mind that too much can make it a bit messy, but hey, messy can be fun!

By following these tips, you’ll create a cake that’s not just good but absolutely show-stopping! Happy baking!

Variations

If you’re feeling a little adventurous and want to shake things up with your Chocolate Blackberry Gothic Halloween Cake, I’ve got some fun variations for you to try! These ideas will keep the spirit of Halloween alive while adding your unique twist!

Raspberry Surprise: Swap out the blackberries for fresh raspberries for a tangy twist! You can even use raspberry jam instead of blackberry for a vibrant color contrast.
Spiced Chocolate: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor. It’s perfect for those chilly October evenings!
Orange Zest Bliss: Incorporate the zest of one orange into your batter for a refreshing citrus note that pairs beautifully with chocolate. You can even add a hint of orange juice for extra moisture!
Peanut Butter Frosting: For a deliciously rich twist, try using peanut butter frosting instead of chocolate. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is classic and absolutely divine!
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some salted caramel sauce over the top of your frosted cake for an indulgent touch. The blend of chocolate, blackberry, and caramel is simply heavenly!
Layered Delight: Add another layer of cake in between and fill it with a different flavor, like cream cheese frosting or even whipped cream mixed with crushed cookies. The surprise in the middle will wow your guests!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your dream cake. The beauty of baking is that there are no rules—only delicious possibilities! I’m excited to see what spooky creations you come up with!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After you’ve wowed your guests with your stunning Chocolate Blackberry Gothic Halloween Cake, you might be wondering how to keep those delicious leftovers fresh. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

To store your cake, simply cover it with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. This will help maintain its moisture and flavor. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days if your kitchen isn’t too warm. But if you live in a warmer climate or want it to last longer, I recommend popping it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about a week in there!

If you want to keep your cake for even longer, you can freeze it! Just slice it up, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, just take it out and let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. No need to rush; let it come back to life slowly!

Now, if you prefer your cake warm, you can give it a quick reheat. Just pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Keep an eye on it, as you don’t want it to get too hot! The warmth will make the chocolate frosting slightly melty and oh-so-delicious. Enjoy your cake just the way you like it, whether chilled or warmed up!

Nutritional Information Section

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional info for our delightful Chocolate Blackberry Gothic Halloween Cake! It’s always good to know what you’re indulging in, right? Just keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 50g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Total Sugars: 30g
Protein: 5g

So, while this cake is definitely a treat, it’s packed with rich flavors and a bit of indulgence. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to savor the experience of baking and sharing this delicious creation with friends and family! Happy Halloween baking!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen blackberries work just fine in this Chocolate Blackberry Gothic Halloween Cake. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using, so the extra moisture doesn’t affect the cake’s texture. They’ll still give you that lovely flavor and color!

What if I don’t have blackberry jam?
No worries! If you don’t have blackberry jam on hand, you can substitute it with any berry jam or even a homemade fruit compote. Raspberry or blueberry jams would work beautifully as well, giving you a delightful twist on this spooky snack!

Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can definitely make this cake ahead of time! Just bake and cool it, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for up to 2 months. Just remember to frost it closer to when you plan to serve it for the best presentation!

How do I know when my cake is done?
Great question! You’ll know the cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. It’s important not to overbake, as that can lead to a dry texture. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking!

Can I make this a gluten-free cake?
Yes, you can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your baking powder and any other ingredients are also gluten-free to keep it safe for your dietary needs. Enjoy your spooky gluten-free treat!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.