Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake

 Ingredients

For the Chocolate Velvet Cake Layers:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup hot water

For the Blackberry Filling:

• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blackberries
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• Fresh blackberries
• Edible flowers
• Dark chocolate shavings
• Cocoa powder for dusting

 Method & Instructions

see continuation on next page