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    Posted In: Desserts
    March 12, 2021 — by Julie — 1 Comment

    Home » Delish » Desserts » Buttermilk Chocolate Cake

    Buttermilk Chocolate Cake

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    This buttermilk chocolate cake is hands down one of the richest and most decadent cakes I’ve ever had! This is a 9×13 cake that’s super easy to make and only requires unsweetened cocoa powder, so no fancy chocolate required! 

    9x13 buttermilk chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles.

    There’s something about single-layer cakes that transport me to my childhood. My mom always made them and I absolutely loved them growing up. Hopefully, you love this buttermilk chocolate cake recipe as much as I do and make it for your family. Although if you’re a fan of two-layer cakes and don’t have buttermilk on hand, here’s the perfect two layer chocolate cake for you.

    How to Make Buttermilk Chocolate Cake

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and butter a 9×13 baking dish. You can use nonstick spray instead of butter if you prefer.
    2. Mix the wet ingredients – In a large bowl, mix the eggs, buttermilk, sugar, vanilla extract, sour cream, and vegetable oil.
    3. Sift the dry ingredients – In a separate bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
    4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined. Do not overmix.
    5. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 26-28 minutes. Do not overbake. Once the cake is done baking let it cool completely.
    6. To make the chocolate frosting, mix the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth. That should take about 1 minute. Add the unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mix for 1 minute. Finally, add the whole milk. Mix it for 3-4 minutes or until nice and fluffy. The longer the buttercream sits at room temperature, the darker it will become. Don’t be alarmed if the frosting isn’t too dark at first.
    7. Frost the cake and decorate with sprinkles, if desired.

    Recipe Tips

    • Use a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder since it’s the main ingredient.
    • Please use room-temperature eggs and softened unsalted butter.
    • Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
    • Don’t like sprinkles? Use chocolate chips to decorate the cake instead.

    Can I Use Whole Milk Instead of Buttermilk?

    You can, however, for best results, I strongly encourage you to use real store-bought buttermilk.

    How Many People Does This Cake Feed?

    This recipe should feed 12-16 people generously.

     

    buttermilk chocolate cake in a baking dish with a slice missing.

    Top Tip

    Enjoy a slice of this delicious buttermilk chocolate cake with a cold glass of milk or cup of coffee.

    More Cake Recipes

    This strawberry cake is made with real strawberries and topped off with a delicious strawberry cream cheese frosting. Carrot cake is super moist and another fantastic option! Definitely give those a try as well. You can find more delicious recipes and cooking tutorial videos on Youtube and Facebook.

    9x13 buttermilk chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles.

    Buttermilk Chocolate Cake

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 28 minutes
    Total Time: 38 minutes
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 488kcal
    Author: Julie Maestre
    This buttermilk chocolate cake is hands down one of the richest and most decadent cakes I've ever had! This is a 9x13 cake that's super easy to make and only requires unsweetened cocoa powder, so no fancy chocolate required! 

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder sifted
    • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
    • 2 tsp baking powder
    • 1 tsp baking soda
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 3 eggs room temperature
    • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
    • 1/2 cup sour cream
    • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

    Chocolate Buttercream

    • 8 tbsp unsalted butter softened
    • 2 1/3 cups powdered sugar
    • 3/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1/3 cup whole milk
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
    • Sift the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
    • Using an electric mixer or a whisk, mix the vegetable oil, sour cream, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and sugar. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
    • Pour the cake batter into the baking dish and bake for 26-28 minutes. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
    • To make the chocolate buttercream, mix the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Mix for 1 minute and then add the milk. Mix for 3-4 minutes or until fluffy.
    • Frost the cake and decorate with sprinkles, if desired. Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Use a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder since it's the main ingredient.
    • Please use room-temperature eggs and softened unsalted butter.
    • Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
    • Don't like sprinkles? Use chocolate chips to decorate the cake instead.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 488kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 347mg | Potassium: 308mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 50g | Vitamin A: 413IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @cookedbyjulie or tag #cookedbyjulie!

     

     

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    Filed Under: Desserts

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    Comments

    1. Grams says

      March 13, 2021 at 4:50 pm

      5 stars
      I made this cake,but in a Bundt pan,turned out great. I also added coffee and Coca-Cola mixed in the buttermilk ( i used powder buttermilk) with almond flavoring..the choc . Gives the choc flavor a boost.
      This recipe is something like what my mom always made off the hersheys cocoa can,but without all my add-ons.
      I also make a fudgy type frosting,family favorite.
      All in all cake is delicious!

      Reply

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