Chocolate Buttermilk Cake with Creamy Frosting

This Chocolate Buttermilk Cake is a rich, moist, and indulgent dessert topped with creamy frosting, chocolate drizzle, and sweet morsels. Each bite delivers a perfect combination of deep chocolate flavor balanced with smooth frosting and delightful toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is a dream for chocolate lovers, offering a moist and tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The addition of buttermilk keeps it extra soft and flavorful, while the creamy frosting and toppings make it a show-stopping dessert. It is easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for birthdays, holidays, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Unsweetened cocoa powder

• Baking soda

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Vegetable oil

• Buttermilk

• Vanilla extract

• Prepared frosting (cream cheese or buttercream works best)

• Chocolate syrup or hot fudge sauce

• Chocolate chips

• Peanut butter chips or caramel chips (optional for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another bowl, combine sugar, eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Let the cake cool completely.

7. Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake.

8. Drizzle with chocolate syrup and sprinkle chocolate chips and peanut butter chips on top.

9. Slice and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Cooling and decorating: 30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes

Variations

• Add crushed nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

• Use caramel drizzle instead of chocolate syrup for a different flavor.

• Replace the frosting with whipped cream for a lighter topping.

• Mix in mini marshmallows or toffee bits to the batter for added texture.

• Swap buttermilk with sour cream or yogurt if desired.

storage/reheating

Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual slices for 15–20 seconds. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

How do I make homemade buttermilk if I don’t have any?

Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes, then use as buttermilk.

Can I use a boxed cake mix instead?

Yes, you can use a chocolate cake mix and substitute water with buttermilk for extra richness.

What type of frosting works best?

Cream cheese or buttercream frosting complements this cake beautifully.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, bake the cake a day ahead and frost it before serving.

How do I prevent my cake from being dry?

Do not overbake and make sure to measure flour correctly by spooning and leveling.

Can I use dark cocoa powder?

Yes, dark cocoa powder gives a richer and more intense chocolate flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for cupcakes?

Yes, simply divide the batter into a cupcake tin and reduce the baking time to about 18–20 minutes.

Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

You can slightly reduce the sugar, but it may affect the texture and sweetness.

What is the best way to slice the cake neatly?

Chill the cake slightly before slicing and use a sharp knife cleaned between cuts.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Buttermilk Cake with Creamy Frosting is a decadent dessert that never fails to impress. With its moist, rich texture and indulgent toppings, it is perfect for both special occasions and casual gatherings. Easy to prepare and versatile in variations, it is bound to become a favorite in your dessert collection.

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