Decadent Chocolate Buttermilk Cake with Creamy Frosting 🍫🎂
Indulge in the rich, moist perfection of this Chocolate Buttermilk Cake, topped with an optional (but highly recommended!) velvety buttermilk frosting. This classic dessert combines deep cocoa flavor with a tender crumb, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy family gathering, this cake is sure to impress. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
For the Cake (Serves 10-12):
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 2 sticks (1 cup / 225 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 5 tbsp (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Buttermilk Frosting (Optional but Recommended):
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115 g) unsalted butter
- 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 sticks of butter.
- Add 1 cup water and 5 tbsp cocoa powder, stirring until smooth. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 2 cups sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
4. Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the warm chocolate mixture, stirring until fully combined.
- Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, followed by ½ cup buttermilk and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
5. Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
6. Prepare the Buttermilk Frosting (Optional)
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup buttermilk and ½ cup butter. Heat over medium, stirring until the butter melts completely.
- Gradually whisk in 3 cups powdered sugar until smooth and glossy.
- Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat.
7. Frost the Cake
- Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the buttermilk frosting evenly over the top using a spatula for a smooth, glossy finish.
8. Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the cake into squares or rectangles.
- Serve with a cup of coffee, a cold glass of milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Servings)
- Calories: ~450 kcal (with frosting)
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 1 g
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a drizzle of honey-garlic glaze (inspired by our earlier recipe!) for a surprising sweet-savory twist.
- Serve alongside fresh berries or whipped cream for a lighter contrast to the rich chocolate.
- Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.
Cooking Tips
- Smooth Batter: Ensure the chocolate mixture cools slightly before adding eggs to prevent curdling.
- Frosting Texture: For a thicker frosting, reduce the buttermilk slightly or add more powdered sugar.
- Make Ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance and frost just before serving for optimal freshness.
Nutritional Benefits
- Cocoa Powder: Rich in antioxidants, supporting heart health.
- Buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor and provides calcium and protein.
- Eggs: Deliver high-quality protein and essential nutrients.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Perfect for meat-free diets.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the cake.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Moist: The buttermilk and cocoa create a tender, flavorful cake.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and pantry staples make it beginner-friendly.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy frosting and chocolatey goodness will have everyone asking for seconds.
Want to Elevate This Cake?
This Chocolate Buttermilk Cake is a classic, but we can take it further! Want to add a honey-garlic caramel drizzle for a bold twist? Or pair it with the Lemon Cream Cheese Tart from earlier for a dessert spread? Let me know how I can customize this recipe or suggest complementary dishes! 😋
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