Blackberry Dream Cake

The sweet berry smell hit me right away. It was soft and warm in the air. I knew this cake would taste like a little dream.

I love how the blackberries melt into the cake. They make every bite juicy and bright. It feels so sweet and cozy at the same time.

And making it is, like, super easy. You mix, you bake, and the berries do the magic. Come on, I’ll show you how I make it.

Why You’ll Love This Blackberry Dream Cake

• Floral and Fruity Fusion: The perfect marriage of sweet blackberries and aromatic lavender in both the cake and frosting.
• Light and Moist Cake: Thanks to the combination of buttermilk and a careful balance of ingredients, the cake is incredibly tender.
• Lavender Buttercream Magic: Smooth, velvety buttercream flavored with finely ground lavender gives this cake a sophisticated, yet accessible, taste.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, a bridal shower, or a weekend gathering, this cake is bound to impress guests.
• Slightly Unique: While many cakes can feel repetitive, this one stands out with its unique combination of flavors that will spark joy in every bite.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the ingredients and the step-by-step guide, let’s take a look at the kitchen essentials you’ll need to make this dreamy blackberry cake.

• Three 8-inch Cake Pans: To bake the layers of the cake evenly, you’ll need three 8-inch cake pans. If you don’t have this size, you can also use two pans, but the layers may be a bit thicker.
• Parchment Paper: To line the cake pans and ensure that the cakes come out easily after baking.
• Mixing Bowls: To mix the dry and wet ingredients.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: For beating the butter and sugar, and whipping the buttercream until light and fluffy.
• Sifter: To sift the flour, baking powder, and other dry ingredients together for a smooth batter.
• Cooling Racks: For cooling the cakes before frosting them.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this stunning cake. The ingredients are divided into two parts: the cake itself and the lavender buttercream that takes the cake to another level.

For the Cake:

• 1 cup fresh blackberries (plus extra for garnish)
• 2 teaspoons dried lavender flowers (plus extra for garnish)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk (at room temperature)
• 3 tablespoons blackberry jam

For the Lavender Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1 teaspoon dried lavender, finely ground
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Variations for Blackberry Dream Cake

While the Blackberry Dream Cake is amazing as-is, there are several ways you can mix things up and personalize it to suit your preferences:

1. Swap the Fruit

If blackberries aren’t available or you prefer another flavor, try substituting raspberries or blueberries. Both fruits pair wonderfully with lavender, creating an equally dreamy experience.

2. Add Lemon Zest

For an extra citrusy zing, add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the cake batter. The citrusy notes will pair beautifully with the blackberries and lavender.

3. Switch Up the Frosting

If you’re not a fan of lavender, you can easily swap the lavender buttercream for a classic vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting. The blackberry cake is so flavorful, it works well with a variety of frostings.

4. Add Fresh Fruit to the Cake Layers

For an extra burst of blackberry flavor, add chopped fresh blackberries between the layers of cake. This will create pockets of juicy fruit inside the cake, enhancing the blackberry flavor throughout.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s walk through each step of the process to create your perfect Blackberry Dream Cake. The cake-making process may seem long, but it’s totally worth the time and effort. Here’s how to make it happen:

1. Prepare the Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper. This ensures that the cakes come out easily after baking and don’t stick to the sides of the pans.

2. Infuse the Lavender and Blackberries

The first step in creating that perfect balance of blackberry and lavender is to infuse both flavors. Take your fresh blackberries and place them in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried lavender flowers to the pan, along with a few tablespoons of water. Heat for 3-5 minutes until the blackberries start to break down and release their juices. Strain the mixture to remove seeds and lavender flowers, leaving behind a smooth, fragrant blackberry syrup. Set it aside to cool.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting these dry ingredients together helps to prevent clumping and creates a smoother batter.

4. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In another mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This typically takes 2-3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well-incorporated.

5. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the pure vanilla extract until combined.

6. Add Buttermilk and Blackberry Syrup

Slowly pour in the buttermilk and cooled blackberry syrup, alternating with the dry ingredients. Begin with the dry ingredients, followed by a little bit of buttermilk, and continue until all ingredients are combined. This helps prevent overmixing and creates a more tender cake.

7. Add Blackberry Jam

Stir in the blackberry jam until fully incorporated. This step will add an extra layer of blackberry flavor to the cake, making it extra juicy and delicious.

8. Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

Lavender Buttercream

While the cakes are cooling, it’s time to prepare the lavender buttercream frosting.

1. Beat the Butter

Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed until light and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

2. Add Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will ensure a smooth and fluffy buttercream.

3. Add Lavender and Milk

Once the sugar is fully incorporated, add the finely ground lavender flowers and mix until combined. Then, add the milk and vanilla extract and beat the mixture until it’s smooth and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Assembling the Cake

Now that the cakes are cooled and the frosting is ready, it’s time to assemble the cake!

1. Layer the Cakes

Place the first cake layer on your serving platter or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of lavender buttercream on top, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. Top with the second cake layer and repeat the frosting process.

2. Frost the Entire Cake

Once all the layers are stacked, frost the entire cake with the lavender buttercream, smoothing the sides and top. If you like a rustic look, feel free to leave the frosting a little textured.

3. Garnish with Blackberries and Lavender

For the finishing touch, garnish the cake with fresh blackberries and a sprinkle of dried lavender flowers for a beautiful, fragrant decoration. You can also drizzle a little blackberry syrup over the top for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Serving and Storing Blackberry Dream Cake

How to Serve Blackberry Dream Cake

This stunning cake is perfect for all types of celebrations or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea. Here are some ideas for serving it:

• For Dessert Buffets: Serve this cake as the centerpiece at a dessert buffet, surrounded by other light desserts like macarons or lemon bars.
• With Coffee or Tea: The delicate flavors of lavender and blackberry make it the perfect pairing for a cup of your favorite tea or coffee.
• At Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or baby shower, this cake will definitely steal the show.

How to Store Blackberry Dream Cake

• In the Refrigerator: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving again, as the frosting will be softer.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze the cake, wrap the individual cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, let the cake thaw in the refrigerator overnight before assembling and frosting.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
1 slice	420	22g	55g	4g

Conclusion

This Blackberry Dream Cake is a true masterpiece—fluffy, flavorful, and topped with a buttercream that has just the right amount of floral elegance. It’s the ideal dessert for any occasion, and the unique flavors will surely leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you serve it at a celebration or just as a treat for yourself, this cake will never disappoint. Enjoy the delightful fusion of blackberries and lavender, and let this cake take you to a sweet dream!