There’s nothing quite like a slice of homemade cake, especially when it’s a buttermilk chocolate cake! Rich, moist, and topped with a luscious chocolate frosting, this cake is the perfect treat for any chocolate lover. Whether you’re looking to impress at a family gathering or simply want something sweet to enjoy at home, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make – no fancy skills required! Ready to dive in? Let’s get baking!
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Why You’ll Love This Buttermilk Chocolate Cake
If you’re a chocolate cake enthusiast (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), this recipe will steal your heart. The moist chocolate cake texture comes from the magical combination of buttermilk and a few simple ingredients. You won’t believe how rich and decadent it is – it’s the kind of cake that melts in your mouth and makes you go back for seconds (or thirds!). And with that creamy chocolate frosting on top? Pure bliss. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee (or hot water)
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency)

Steps to Make This Buttermilk Chocolate Cake
Now let’s get to the good stuff! Here’s how to make the most amazing chocolate cake with buttermilk:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. It’s like creating a chocolatey base for all your cake dreams!
- Next, add in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until combined – you’re on your way to a moist cake!
- Gradually add in the hot coffee (or hot water). Don’t worry if the batter seems a little thin – that’s perfectly normal. It’ll bake up into something delicious!
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and pop them into the oven. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, let’s make the frosting! Beat the softened butter with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and gradually mix in the heavy cream until it’s perfectly fluffy.
- Once the cakes are cool, generously frost the top of one layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake. Don’t be shy with that frosting – it’s the best part!
Pro Tips for Making the Best Buttermilk Chocolate Cake
“For an extra moist cake, brush the layers with a little simple syrup before frosting. It adds even more flavor and keeps the cake nice and soft!”
How to Serve This Cake
This rich chocolate cake is perfect for any occasion! Serve it as a birthday treat, at a family gathering, or just because you’re craving something sweet. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream – yum! And let’s be real, this cake is just as delicious the next day, so don’t feel guilty if you sneak a slice for breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I substitute the buttermilk? Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it, and it’ll last for about a week.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead, and store them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Frost it the next day for the best results.
- Can I freeze this cake? You sure can! Freeze the unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Just thaw and frost when you’re ready to serve.
If you’ve been searching for the best chocolate cake recipe, this buttermilk chocolate cake is the one you’ve been waiting for. With its rich flavor, soft texture, and irresistible frosting, it’s a guaranteed hit every time. Give it a try, and I promise your taste buds will thank you!

Buttermilk Chocolate Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 2 9-inch round cake pans
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Electric Mixer
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1.75 cups Granulated sugar
- 0.75 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons Baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 0.5 cup Vegetable oil
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Hot brewed coffee (or hot water)
Frosting
- 1 cup Unsalted butter softened
- 3.5 cups Powdered sugar
- 0.5 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 0.25 cup Heavy cream adjust for desired consistency
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add hot coffee (or hot water), stirring until the batter is smooth. It should be thin.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth. Add vanilla extract and gradually mix in heavy cream until fluffy.
- Frost the cooled cakes generously and serve!
Notes
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – the perfect buttermilk chocolate cake that’s rich, moist, and oh-so-decadent! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this cake is bound to impress. The combination of buttermilk and cocoa powder creates a texture that’s as soft as a cloud, and the frosting? Let’s just say, it’s a chocolate lover’s dream come true! So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, skip the store-bought treats and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this homemade masterpiece. You won’t regret it!
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