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Buttermilk Chocolate Cake

This Buttermilk Chocolate Cake is a warm, moist dessert that evokes nostalgia and comfort. Perfect for special occasions or cozy nights, it's easy to prepare and customizable to your liking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup melted butter For richer flavor
  • ½ cup canola oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature Adds moisture
  • 1 cup hot water Very warm but not boiling
Frosting Ingredients
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter For the frosting
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ⅓ cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2½ - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted Adjust for sweetness

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease and line the bottom and long sides of a 9 x 13 inch cake pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  3. Add in the melted butter, canola oil, room temperature eggs, and buttermilk. Whisk until well combined.
  4. Carefully whisk in the warm water.
  5. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  2. Cool the cake in the pan for 15-20 minutes before lifting it out to cool completely on a rack.
Frosting
  1. Melt the remaining butter in a saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the additional cocoa powder and cook for about 1 minute.
  2. Remove from heat and mix in the buttermilk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Allow to set, slice, and serve.

Notes

This cake is customizable with mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Serve with ice cream or berries for added enjoyment.