BOURBON CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH BLACKBERRY BUTTERCREAM

The Bourbon Chocolate Cake with Blackberry Buttercream is a celebration cake that melds the rich, deep flavors of bourbon and chocolate with the light, airy sweetness of blackberry Swiss meringue buttercream. This exquisite dessert features layers of moist bourbon chocolate cake, making it an ideal choice for any festive occasion or a luxurious treat. The cake utilizes all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and a blend of sugar, eggs, and sour cream for its structure and flavor, with a notable enhancement from hot coffee, which intensifies the chocolate’s richness. The bourbon not only adds depth to the cake’s flavor profile but also ensures a moist crumb. The blackberry buttercream, made with egg whites, sugar, unsalted butter, and pureed blackberries, provides a refreshing contrast to the cake’s richness, turning the dessert into a visually stunning purple showstopper.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee
• 1/4 cup bourbon

For the Blackberry Buttercream:

• 1 cup fresh blackberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Ganache:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

Directions:

1. Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Stir in hot coffee and bourbon. Divide batter between pans.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
5. Blackberry Buttercream: In a saucepan, cook blackberries and sugar over medium heat until berries break down. Strain to remove seeds, and cool.
6. Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in blackberry reduction, bourbon, and vanilla until smooth.
7. Ganache: Heat cream until it simmers. Pour over chocolate, let sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
8. Assembly: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread with buttercream, then top with second cake layer. Pour ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Frost with remaining buttercream.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Kcal: 690 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

Tips for Success:

• Ensure all ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, even batter.
• A water bath during baking helps the cheesecake cook evenly, preventing cracks.
• For the Swiss meringue buttercream, ensure the mixing bowl is completely dry before starting, and the egg whites and sugar are well combined and dissolved before whipping to stiff peaks.
• Gradually add softened butter to the meringue, continuing to whip until it reaches stiff peaks again before folding in the blackberry puree.

The Bourbon Chocolate Cake with Blackberry Buttercream stands as a testament to the art of baking, offering a harmonious blend of bold bourbon-infused chocolate and the delicate sweetness of blackberry buttercream. This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate, perfect for marking special occasions or adding a touch of elegance to any gathering. With its rich flavors, moist texture, and visually stunning presentation, it promises to delight and impress even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or looking to try something new and exciting, this recipe provides an opportunity to explore the depth of chocolate and bourbon together, complemented by the freshness of blackberries. Dive into the making of this exquisite cake and ready yourself for a culinary adventure that ends in a delectable masterpiece, sure to be remembered and requested time and again.