Chocolate Buttermilk Cake Recipe

When you’re craving a rich, moist, and deeply flavorful dessert, nothing satisfies quite like a homemade chocolate buttermilk cake. Unlike traditional chocolate cakes, this recipe uses tangy buttermilk to create a soft crumb, lock in moisture, and elevate the cocoa’s flavor to decadent perfection. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake will quickly become your go-to recipe.

Not only is this chocolate buttermilk cake easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can pair it with chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or even fresh fruit. Plus, it’s made with pantry staples, making it both budget-friendly and beginner-approved. In this blog post, you’ll discover the full recipe, tips to make it flawless every time, and answers to the most frequently asked questions about chocolate buttermilk cakes.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) hot water or freshly brewed coffee

These ingredients are designed to balance richness, moisture, and flavor. Using real buttermilk, instead of a substitute, makes a noticeable difference. If you want a deeper chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder. The hot water or coffee helps “bloom” the cocoa, enhancing its depth.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir gently to combine.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.

Step 4: Add Hot Water or Coffee
Carefully pour in the hot water or coffee and mix until the batter is smooth. The mixture will be thin—that’s normal. It ensures a moist, tender cake.

Step 5: Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Buttermilk Cake

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing.
• Don’t overmix the batter, or the cake may become dense.
• Add espresso powder for a deeper chocolate flavor without a strong coffee taste.
• Cool completely before frosting to avoid melting your frosting.
• Store properly: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Frosting Ideas That Pair Perfectly

This cake is rich on its own, but the right frosting can make it irresistible:

• Classic Chocolate Buttercream: Rich and creamy with a hint of vanilla.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Slightly tangy and balances the sweetness.
• Chocolate Ganache: Silky smooth and deeply decadent.
• Whipped Cream and Berries: For a light, fresh twist.

Choose based on the occasion or your personal flavor preferences. You can also layer different frostings for a gourmet touch.

Bottom Line

The chocolate buttermilk cake recipe is a dessert staple that’s surprisingly simple yet incredibly impressive. Its moist texture, deep chocolate flavor, and reliable results make it a crowd favorite every time. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a first-timer, this cake is virtually failproof and always delivers delicious results. Don’t forget to top it with your favorite frosting and garnish with chocolate shavings, berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

FAQs