Enchanting Midnight Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake Recipe - The Pass and Provisions

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• ½ cup (120 ml) hot coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)
• 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened dark cocoa powder (or black cocoa for deeper color)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp black gel food coloring (optional, for extra darkness)
• 2 cups (300 g) fresh or frozen blackberries
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
• 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) blackberry compote (strained for smooth texture)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
• A few drops of black or deep purple food coloring (optional)
• Fresh blackberries
• Edible gold leaf or silver dust for gothic touch
• Dark chocolate shavings or drips