Vanilla Layer Cake with Blackberry Filling and Lime Garnish

This Vanilla Layer Cake with Blackberry Filling and Lime-Blackberry Garnish is a fresh and elegant dessert, perfect for spring and summer celebrations. Fluffy vanilla sponge layers are filled with a rich, jewel-toned blackberry compote and frosted with smooth blackberry-infused buttercream. Finished with a vibrant garnish of fresh blackberries, lime slices, and mint leaves, it’s a visually stunning and flavor-packed centerpiece that strikes a perfect balance between sweet, tart, and creamy.

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Cake (Three 8-inch Layers):

• 2½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 2½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature

For the Blackberry Filling:

• 1½ cups (200 g) blackberries, fresh or frozen
• ½ cup (100 g) sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (mixed into slurry)

For the Blackberry Buttercream:

• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) blackberry puree, strained to remove seeds
• 1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk (as needed for texture)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For Garnish:

• Fresh blackberries
• Lime slices
• Fresh mint leaves
• Optional: toasted coconut flakes

Instructions