This makes a three-layer cake. It must be very pretty with the polka dot look of blackberries in the layers. Another nice thing about it is that it's a very straightforward recipe, nothing fancy.

2 cups sugar
1 cup butter
4 eggs
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon each cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder
1 cup buttermilk
3 or 4 cups fresh or frozen and drained blackberries

Cream sugar and butter. Beat eggs and add to creamed mixture. Combine dry ingredients and add alternately with buttermilk. Beat until smooth. Carefully fold in blackberries. Place in three greased layer pans at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool completely. Ice with Caramel Buttercream Icing.

Caramel Buttercream Icing

1 cup butter
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 tablespoons strong cold coffee

Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat slowly until all ingredients are moistened. Beat on high until light and fluffy. To assemble cake, spread icing between layers and on top and sides of cake.