To prepare this rich and elegant Midnight Blackberry Velvet Cake, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Each component plays an important role in building the cake’s signature flavor, texture, and color.

For the Cake

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1½ cups fresh or frozen blackberries

For the Blackberry Reduction (Optional but Recommended)

• 1½ cups blackberries
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Frosting

• 12 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3½–4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons blackberry reduction or puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract