Buttermilk Chocolate Cake from Southern Bite

Buttermilk Chocolate Cake - made June 11, 2024 from Southern Bite

Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter

3 tablespoons cocoa powder

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup water

3 large eggs

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter

3 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 16-ounce box powdered sugar (3 3/4 cups)

1 teaspoon vanilla

6 to 8 tablespoons buttermilk

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 9 x 13-inch baking pan with foil and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt together butter, cocoa powder, oil and water. Bring to a boil and let boil for 1 minute. Let cool slightly.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk and vanilla.
5. Pour melted butter mixture over dry ingredients and beat to combine. Add egg mixture and mix to combine to a smooth batter.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Make icing: in a saucepan, melt butter and cocoa powder, whisking until butter is completely melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla.
8. Place powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. Pour melted butter mixture over powdered sugar and beat to combine. Add buttermilk and beat until desired consistency is reached. Pour over warm cake and smooth.

Whenever you see me make cakes or anything that doesn't ship well overseas, it means I'm baking for local folks. As was the case for this Buttermilk Chocolate Cake. I had an opportunity to provide dessert for 10-15 people last week. They were family members of children getting treatment at a local hospital and they were staying at Ronald McDonald House. A group of volunteers provided salad, main course and dessert. I of course immediately volunteered to bring dessert. I love baking for a good cause and I appreciated the opportunity.

I made 3 things (the other 2 to follow in the next 2 posts) and one of them was this cake. I wanted something simple yet indulgent and this recipe fit the bill. No nuts because you never know if someone has an allergy and something that could also easily be packed up for lunches for the families the next day.

This is essentially a Texas sheet cake, one of my favorite things to make and eat. And this recipe was no exception. It was delicious. The texture was perfectly soft and cakey but not too chocolaty-rich. The richness and sweetness came from the frosting. Don't be afraid to use a good dark cocoa powder to cut some of the sweetness.

If you don't want too sweet of a frosting, besides using a dark cocoa powder, cut back on some of the powdered sugar in the frosting. But also cut back on some of the liquid in the frosting or else it'll be too runny. I'm glad this turned out well and I hope the families enjoyed it.