The Dreamiest Blackberry Velvet Cake

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure a smooth release.

2. In a small bowl, mash 1 ½ cups of fresh blackberries with a fork until juicy but still slightly chunky. Set this lovely mixture aside; it adds tremendous flavor to the cake.

3. For the dry ingredients, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these ensures an even rise.

4. In a large mixing bowl, cream the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This air incorporation is key to a tender crumb. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. Next, mix in the vanilla extract, lemon zest (if using) for a refreshing hint, and purple food coloring (if using) to achieve that lovely hue we desire.

6. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix.

7. Gently fold in the mashed blackberries with a spatula. Try to maintain the chunks for added texture, which will triumph in the final product.

8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops for an even bake.

9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should rise beautifully and have a slight golden hue.

10. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

1. To prepare the blackberry frosting, reduce 1 cup of fresh blackberries to a thick puree by cooking them down over low heat. Strain to remove the seeds and let it cool.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy, offering a tremendous base for your frosting.

3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition until you achieve a light and fluffy texture.

4. Mix in the cooled blackberry puree, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt until the frosting is smooth and evenly tinted.

Assembly:

1. Place one cooled cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top to create a delightful balance of cake and cream.

2. Add the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing out the sides for a polished look.

3. Finally, garnish the cake with extra fresh blackberries, beautiful edible flowers, and vibrant fresh mint leaves if desired. This makes for a stunning presentation!

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