Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans or one 9x13-inch pan.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
- Slowly add hot water or coffee, mixing until the batter is smooth and slightly thin.
Step 2: Bake
- Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy.
- Add cocoa powder, then slowly beat in powdered sugar.
- Add cream, vanilla, and salt, beating until fluffy.
- Frost cooled cake layers or the sheet cake as desired.
Notes
🥄 Variations
Bundt Cake: Bake in a Bundt pan and dust with powdered sugar Cupcakes: Makes about 24 cupcakes; reduce bake time to 18–20 minutes Fudge Topping: Replace buttercream with a rich chocolate ganache Berry Surprise: Add a layer of raspberry jam between cake and frosting Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted hazelnuts or pecans on top 🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Room Temp: Store covered for up to 2 days Fridge: Keeps well up to 5 days; bring to room temp before serving Freezer: Freeze unfrosted layers up to 2 months—wrap tightly in plastic and foil Make-Ahead Tip: Bake cake layers a day in advance and frost fresh ❓ 10 FAQs
Why buttermilk in chocolate cake?
It adds moisture, tang, and enhances the chocolate flavor. Can I use milk instead?
Yes, but add 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar per cup of milk as a substitute. Can I use Dutch cocoa?
Absolutely—both natural and Dutch-process cocoa work. Why hot water or coffee?
It "blooms" the cocoa, deepening flavor and helping create a moist crumb. Can I skip the frosting?
Yes, it’s delicious dusted with powdered sugar or served plain. Can I use a stand mixer?
Yes, but a whisk and spatula work just as well. Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Does it taste like coffee?
No—the coffee simply enhances the chocolate without overpowering. How do I prevent dry cake?
Don’t overbake, and measure flour using the spoon-and-level method. Can I decorate this for a special occasion?
Absolutely—it’s perfect with berries, sprinkles, or even edible flowers! 🏁 Conclusion
This Moist Buttermilk Chocolate Cake is the perfect blend of tender texture and bold flavor. It's a chocolate lover’s dream—with richness from cocoa, tang from buttermilk, and that irresistible homemade touch. Whether you're frosting it tall or keeping it simple, it's a cake that satisfies every time. 🍫✨
Bundt Cake: Bake in a Bundt pan and dust with powdered sugar Cupcakes: Makes about 24 cupcakes; reduce bake time to 18–20 minutes Fudge Topping: Replace buttercream with a rich chocolate ganache Berry Surprise: Add a layer of raspberry jam between cake and frosting Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted hazelnuts or pecans on top 🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Room Temp: Store covered for up to 2 days Fridge: Keeps well up to 5 days; bring to room temp before serving Freezer: Freeze unfrosted layers up to 2 months—wrap tightly in plastic and foil Make-Ahead Tip: Bake cake layers a day in advance and frost fresh ❓ 10 FAQs
Why buttermilk in chocolate cake?
It adds moisture, tang, and enhances the chocolate flavor. Can I use milk instead?
Yes, but add 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar per cup of milk as a substitute. Can I use Dutch cocoa?
Absolutely—both natural and Dutch-process cocoa work. Why hot water or coffee?
It "blooms" the cocoa, deepening flavor and helping create a moist crumb. Can I skip the frosting?
Yes, it’s delicious dusted with powdered sugar or served plain. Can I use a stand mixer?
Yes, but a whisk and spatula work just as well. Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Does it taste like coffee?
No—the coffee simply enhances the chocolate without overpowering. How do I prevent dry cake?
Don’t overbake, and measure flour using the spoon-and-level method. Can I decorate this for a special occasion?
Absolutely—it’s perfect with berries, sprinkles, or even edible flowers! 🏁 Conclusion
This Moist Buttermilk Chocolate Cake is the perfect blend of tender texture and bold flavor. It's a chocolate lover’s dream—with richness from cocoa, tang from buttermilk, and that irresistible homemade touch. Whether you're frosting it tall or keeping it simple, it's a cake that satisfies every time. 🍫✨