Description
This Decadent Chocolate Buttermilk Cake is rich, moist, and packed with deep chocolate flavor. The buttermilk ensures a soft, tender crumb, while the combination of cocoa powder and hot coffee enhances its intense chocolatey goodness. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you crave indulgence!
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (75g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) hot coffee (or hot water)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (for deeper chocolate flavor)
- 1 cup (170g) dark chocolate chips (for extra richness)
For the Chocolate Ganache Frosting:
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 8 oz (225g) dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pans
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
Step 5: Add Hot Coffee
- Slowly pour in the hot coffee while stirring. This enhances the chocolate flavor and keeps the cake moist.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache Frosting
- Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until steaming (not boiling).
- Pour over the chopped dark chocolate and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Whisk until smooth, then stir in the butter for a glossy finish.
Step 8: Frost the Cake
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread ganache over the first layer, place the second layer on top, and coat the entire cake with the remaining ganache.
- Let it set slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- No buttermilk? Substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tbsp of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Want a deeper chocolate taste? Add espresso powder to enhance the flavor.
- For extra moisture, brush the cake layers with simple syrup before frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg