Description
Rich chocolate layers infused with sage and blackberry create a sophisticated dessert that whispers elegance. Dark, complex flavors mingle in this sophisticated cake, promising a sensory journey through unexpected culinary harmony.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (113 g) butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
- 1/2 cup (75 g) blackberries (fresh or frozen)
Leavening Agents and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Additions:
- 1/4 cup (45 g) milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by coating with grease and flour.
- Create a dry mixture by combining flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Incorporate finely chopped sage leaves into the dry ingredients.
- Cream butter and sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth consistency.
- Introduce eggs individually to the butter mixture, ensuring thorough incorporation after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternately blend dry ingredients and buttermilk into the wet mixture, stirring until a uniform batter forms without overmixing.
- Delicately fold fresh blackberries and chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan, spreading it smoothly and ensuring an even surface.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean without raw batter.
- Allow cake to cool completely at room temperature, then garnish with additional fresh blackberries and a light sprinkle of powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Sage Selection: Choose fresh, vibrant sage leaves with no wilting or brown spots for the most intense herbal flavor and aromatic profile.
- Chocolate Chip Distribution: Toss chocolate chips in a light dusting of flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from sinking during baking.
- Berry Handling: Gently fold blackberries into the batter at the last moment to maintain their shape and prevent bleeding throughout the cake.
- Moisture Management: Allow cake to cool completely before serving to help set the structure and ensure optimal texture and slice cleanness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg