Berry Layer Cake with Blackberry and Blueberry Frosting

Berry layer cake with blackberry and blueberry frosting is a vibrant and elegant dessert that showcases the natural sweetness and tang of seasonal berries. With fluffy cake layers and a beautifully tinted fruit-infused frosting, this cake is ideal for spring and summer gatherings, weddings, or any occasion that calls for something fresh and celebratory.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is light, fruity, and visually stunning. The frosting has a natural hue from pureed berries, adding color without artificial dyes. The cake itself is tender and not overly sweet, creating a balanced bite when paired with the berry-forward cream cheese frosting. Every layer is moist, flavorful, and bursting with freshness.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake layers:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Buttermilk
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest (optional, for brightness)

For the frosting:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh or frozen blackberries
• Fresh or frozen blueberries
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and optional lemon zest.
4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
5. Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 25–28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

Prepare the frosting:
6. In a saucepan, cook blackberries and blueberries with a splash of lemon juice until soft and syrupy. Blend and strain to remove seeds. Cool completely.
7. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy.
8. Gradually add the berry puree to the frosting until desired flavor and color is achieved.

Assemble the cake:
9. Layer the cakes with berry frosting between each layer. Frost the outside and top of the cake. Decorate with fresh berries if desired. Chill before slicing.

Servings and timing

Serves: 12
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 28 minutes
Cooling and assembling time: 1.5 hours
Total time: about 2 hours 40 minutes

Variations

• Mixed Berry Frosting: Add raspberries or strawberries to the berry puree.
• Lemon Cake Base: Add lemon juice and zest to the cake for a citrus-forward variation.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, non-dairy cream cheese, and a vegan cake base.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Individual slices can be wrapped and frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. This cake should not be reheated.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries?

Yes, just thaw and cook them as you would fresh berries. They work perfectly for the frosting.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Don’t overbake and be sure to store it covered or wrapped in plastic.

Can I make this as a two-layer cake?

Yes, divide the batter between two 9-inch pans and adjust the baking time slightly.

How do I make the frosting more vibrant?

Reduce the berry puree further or add a small amount of beet juice for deeper color (optional).

Can I use mascarpone instead of cream cheese?

Yes, it gives a smoother texture and slightly less tangy flavor.

Is the frosting very sweet?

No, the berries and cream cheese balance the sugar for a tangy-sweet flavor profile.

Can I make the cake layers ahead?

Yes, bake and cool them, then wrap tightly and store at room temperature for 1 day or freeze for up to 1 month.

Can I use jam instead of fresh berries?

In a pinch, you can swirl jam into the frosting or use it between the cake layers, though the flavor will be more concentrated and sweeter.

How do I keep the frosting from curdling?

Ensure the berry puree is fully cooled before adding to the cream cheese and butter mixture.

Can I decorate with fresh berries?

Yes, top with fresh blackberries, blueberries, or edible flowers for an elegant finish.

Conclusion

Berry layer cake with blackberry and blueberry frosting is a visually stunning and refreshingly delicious dessert. With its delicate crumb and tangy berry-infused cream, it strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and brightness. Whether for a summer celebration or a special afternoon tea, this cake brings color, flavor, and elegance to the table.

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