Dark Chocolate Blackberry Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• 1 cup milk (buttermilk, almond, or coconut milk can be used)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup fresh blackberries, chopped (reserve some whole for garnish)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup blackberry puree (from fresh or frozen blackberries, strained)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Purple or aubergine food coloring (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup or honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)