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Home » Recipes » Dessert » Cake » Buttermilk Chocolate Cake

Buttermilk Chocolate Cake

By: Rebecca  |  Published: April 7, 2020  |  Updated: July 8, 2020  |   View Our Affiliate Disclosure Policy

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Buttermilk Chocolate Cake is a moist single-layer confection that’s perfect for birthdays or any occasion! This cake is extra flavorful and fluffy thanks to the addition of buttermilk and it takes less than an hour to make! via @sugarandsoulcoButtermilk Chocolate Cake is a moist single-layer confection that’s perfect for birthdays or any occasion! This cake is extra flavorful and fluffy thanks to the addition of buttermilk and it takes less than an hour to make! via @sugarandsoulcoButtermilk Chocolate Cake is a moist single-layer confection that’s perfect for birthdays or any occasion! This cake is extra flavorful and fluffy thanks to the addition of buttermilk and it takes less than an hour to make! via @sugarandsoulco

Buttermilk Chocolate Cake is a moist single-layer confection that’s perfect for birthdays or any occasion! This cake is extra flavorful and fluffy thanks to the addition of buttermilk and it takes less than an hour to make!

A thick layer of cocoa and buttermilk-laced frosting topped with crunchy chopped pecans make this dessert even more decadent. And did I mention that it takes less than an hour to make and you don’t have to wait for it to cool to frost and enjoy it!

Slice of Chocolate Buttermilk Cake on a white plate with a blue and white napkin in the background.

Most cakes call for milk, but this Chocolate Buttermilk Cake Recipe calls for (you guessed it!) buttermilk, instead. Buttermilk impacts flavor and texture, which makes this Chocolate Cake Recipe a little extra special!

This sheet cake is much easier to make than layer cakes. Just top it with my favorite Chocolate Frosting recipe — which also has buttermilk! — and a handful of chopped pecans.

Overhead photo of a chocolate cake topped with nuts in a 9x13-inch cake pan.

While this cake is simple, it has layers of flavor that taste rich and complex.

What’s In The Cake?

  • Butter – The fat helps the cake stay moist and delicious.
  • Cocoa Powder– For rich, dark chocolate flavor.
  • Coffee – My baking secret for emphasizing the taste of chocolate!
  • Sugar – The combination of light brown and granulated sugars adds more flavor dimension.
  • Flour – Use all-purpose flour to maintain the proper texture.
  • Buttermilk – One of the recipe’s key ingredients! This cannot be substituted for regular milk. The acid from the buttermilk is essential to the structure of the cake. It helps to tenderize the gluten giving it a softer texture and rise. (See my Buttermilk Substitute below).
  • Baking Soda – This leavening agent lends a bit more acidity to help the cake rise. 
  • Eggs – Keep these lightly beaten, as whipping them will throw off the cake’s texture. To do this, whisk with a fork instead of an electric mixer. This is also why they are added into the mix at the very end.
  • Vanilla – A flavor staple in most baked desserts!
Overhead photo of ingredients to make Chocolate Buttermilk Cake on a grey table.

Why Use Buttermilk? 

Buttermilk is more acidic than milk, so it reacts differently to the rest of the ingredients. It gives cakes a fluffier texture while retaining moistness, plus it adds a subtle tang that compliments the chocolate flavor. 

Because of its acidity, buttermilk cannot be used to replace milk without other recipe adjustments. To swap out one for the other, the amounts of baking soda and/or baking powder must also be changed.

You might also like my Buttermilk Pancakes and Buttermilk Panna Cotta!

Buttermilk Substitute:

  1. Add 1 cup of milk (whole or 2%) into a large bowl or 4 cup measuring cup.
  2. Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice OR white vinegar into the bowl with the milk and whisk to combine. Viola! You have a buttermilk substitute!
Overhead photo of slices of chocolate cake on white plates with forks.

How Do You Make It?

  1. Combine the butter, cocoa, and coffee in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
  2. Whisk together the dry ingredients.
  3. Add the butter mixture to the dry ingredients.
  4. Add in the buttermilk and mix until combined.
  5. Add in the eggs and vanilla until fully incorporated.
  6. Transfer to a greased cake pan and bake until a toothpick comes clean when inserted into the center of the cake.
Step by step photo collage showing how to make Chocolate buttermilk cake.

Top With Chocolate Frosting & Nuts!

  1. Whisk together melted butter and cocoa powder.
  2. Whisk in the powdered sugar.
  3. Spread over the top of the warm cake and top with nuts, if desired.
Step by step photo collage showing how to make frosting for a buttermilk cake.

This cake is really similar to a Texas Sheet Cake and I really think you’re going to love it!

More Chocolate Cake Recipes: 

  • Chocolate Wacky Cake – Amazingly, this vegan cake is made without eggs, butter, or milk!
  • Flourless Chocolate Cake – Indulgent, fudgy, and gluten-free!
  • Black Magic Chocolate Cake – This is THE perfect 3-layer chocolate cake.
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake – Everyone’s favorite combination in a delicious, easy-to-make cake.
  • Chocolate Guinness Cake – The hint of stout flavor pairs wonderfully with the chocolate.
Slice of buttermilk chocolate cake with a bite taken out of it.

Chocolate Buttermilk Cake

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👋 Let’s Connect!

If you’ve tried this recipe please let me know how you liked it in the comments below and leave a review, I love hearing from you! And don’t forget to tag me – @sugarandsoulco – on Instagram and Pinterest with your photos!

Slice of Chocolate Buttermilk Cake on a white plate with a blue and white napkin in the background.

Buttermilk Chocolate Cake

Rebecca Hubbell
Buttermilk Chocolate Cake is a moist single-layer confection that’s perfect for birthdays or any occasion! This cake is extra flavorful and fluffy thanks to the addition of buttermilk.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Total Time 50 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 15 people
Calories 414

Ingredients
  

Cake

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup coffee
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup chopped pecans

Instructions
 

Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  • In a saucepan bring the butter, cocoa, and coffee to a boil.
  • Whisk the brown sugar, white sugar, flour, and salt together in a large mixing bowl.
  • Pour the cocoa mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well.
  • Mix the baking soda into the buttermilk and add it to the large mixing bowl with the cocoa/flour mixture. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, until middle is set.

Frosting

  • Melt the butter and mix in the buttermilk and the cocoa.
  • Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
  • Spread the frosting over the warm cake and top with chopped nuts.
  • Let the cake cool for about 15 to 20 minutes and the frosting set before cutting.

Video

Notes

Buttermilk Substitute:
  1. Add 1 cup of milk (whole or 2%) into a large bowl or 4 cup measuring cup.
  2. Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice OR white vinegar into the bowl with the milk and whisk to combine. Viola! You have a buttermilk substitute!

Nutrition

Calories: 414kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 4gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 260mgPotassium: 129mgFiber: 2gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 619IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me now!Mention @sugarandsoulco or tag #sugarandsoulco!

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About Rebecca Hubbell

I love sharing mouthwatering and fun recipes with all of you! My recipes are inspired by classic comfort food, the places I travel, and pop culture! I have a serious sweet tooth and love a good cocktail and pancakes and bacon are definitely my weakness! So stick around a discover something delicious!

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I'm Rebecca!

I love sharing sweet and savory recipes that are tested and perfected in my kitchen so they'll be an instant favorite in yours!

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