Description
Indulgent chocolate buttermilk cake melts hearts with its rich, velvety crumb and deep cocoa essence. Moist layers promise pure comfort, inviting chocolate enthusiasts to savor each heavenly bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 cup buttermilk (at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (at room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and preparing two 9-inch round cake pans with a light coating of grease and flour.
- Combine all dry ingredients – flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt – in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Incorporate wet ingredients into the dry mixture: buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
- Slowly introduce hot water into the batter, stirring continuously to create a smooth, thin liquid base.
- Distribute the batter equally between the prepared cake pans, ensuring an even surface.
- Place pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
- Allow cakes to rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- Prepare the frosting by whipping softened butter until it reaches a creamy texture.
- Gradually fold in powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until fully integrated.
- Enhance the frosting with buttermilk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until achieving a light, fluffy consistency.
- Once cakes have cooled completely, apply a generous layer of frosting between cake layers and cover the entire exterior with remaining frosting.
Notes
- Ensure buttermilk is at room temperature for better ingredient integration and smoother cake texture.
- Replace vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a richer, more distinctive flavor profile.
- For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain cake’s tender crumb.
- Swap regular cocoa powder with Dutch-processed cocoa for deeper, more intense chocolate taste and darker color.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg