Best 6 Cocoa Buttermilk Cake Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable and moist Cocoa Buttermilk Cake, a classic dessert with a rich chocolatey flavor and a tender, fluffy texture. This delightful cake is elevated with the addition of buttermilk, which provides a slight tanginess that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cocoa. The recipe offers two variations: a traditional version made from scratch and a convenient doctored cake mix version, ensuring success for bakers of all skill levels. Both methods yield a stunning cake that's perfect for any occasion, from intimate gatherings to festive celebrations. The traditional recipe guides you through the process of creating a homemade chocolate cake batter, while the doctored cake mix version provides an easier alternative, utilizing a store-bought cake mix to simplify the process. Additionally, the article includes a recipe for a luscious Chocolate Ganache Frosting, an optional but highly recommended topping that takes the cake to new heights of decadence.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

COCOA-BUTTERMILK LAYER CAKE



Cocoa-Buttermilk Layer Cake image

Birthday cakes think they can get away with good looks alone. At my house, I want birthday cakes to taste just as amazing as they look! Book credit: From Baking From My Home to Yours. © 2006 by Dorie Greenspan, published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved

Provided by Dorie Greenspan

Categories     dessert

Time 1h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

16 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, plus additional to butter the pans
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional to dust the pans
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 large egg yolks
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled (optional)
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed, divided
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup malted milk powder
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons boiling water
16 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 pinch salt
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups confectioners? sugar, sifted

Steps:

  • Prep the cake materials: Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 350 F. Butter two 9 x 2-inch round cake pans with a pastry brush, dust the interiors with flour, tap out the excess and line the bottoms with rounds of parchment or wax paper. Put the pans on a baking sheet.
  • For the cake: Whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Beat the butter until soft and creamy in a stand mixer, preferably fitted with a paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer in a large bowl. Add the sugar and beat until it is thoroughly blended with the butter, about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl halfway through for even mixing. Add the eggs yolks one at a time, then the eggs one at a time, beating for 1 minute after each addition and scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Beat in the vanilla.
  • Reduce the mixer speed to low. Beginning with the dry ingredients, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk; add the dry ingredients in 3 portions and the buttermilk in 2. Mix only until each new batch is blended into the batter (i.e., do not overmix). Scrape down the bowl and, if you want, add the melted chocolate, folding it in with a rubber spatula. Divide the batter between the cake pans. Bake for 26-30 minutes, or until the cakes feel springy to the touch and start to pull away from the sides of the pans.
  • For the chocolate malt buttercream: Add the chocolate and half the brown sugar to a heatproof bowl; set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water to temper (melt) the chocolate and sugar, making sure the bowl doesn't touch the water. Meanwhile, whisk the malt powder and cocoa together in a small bowl; add 3 tablespoons of boiling water and whisk until smooth. Set aside.
  • In the stand mixer, preferably fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until soft and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the remaining brown sugar and beat until well blended, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the salt and vanilla extract, then reduce the mixer speed to low.
  • When the chocolate and sugar are melted, remove heatproof bowl from the saucepan. Whisking the melted chocolate gently, gradually pour in the malt-cocoa mixture and stir to thoroughly incorporate: it should be dark, smooth, and glossy. Add this chocolate mixture to the stand mixer and mix until smooth, pausing to scrape down the bowl. Still working on low speed, gradually add the confectioners' sugar. When all the sugar is in, raise the mixer speed to medium and beat for a couple of minutes. If the frosting is too thin, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes.
  • Remove the cakes from the oven; transfer to racks and cool for about 5 minutes. Run a knife around the sides of the cakes, unmold them, and peel off the paper liners. Invert and cool to room temperature right side up. (Note: Once the layers are cooled, they can be wrapped airtight and left at room temperature overnight or kept frozen for up to 2 months.)
  • Assemble the cake: Place one layer on a cardboard round or a cake plate protected by strips of wax or parchment paper. Frost the top of the layer, then cover with the second layer of cake. Frost the top and sides (optional) of the cake, smoothing the buttercream for a sleek look or using a spatula, knife, or spoon to swirl it for a more exuberant look. Remove the paper strips after the cake is frosted. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour (or for up to 1 day, if that's more convenient) to set the frosting, then bring it to room temperature before serving.

BUTTERMILK COCOA CAKE



Buttermilk Cocoa Cake image

Moist and tender with a delightful frosting, this cake is one I've made time and again after finding the recipe in an old community cookbook. It's perfect for a family dinner, picnic or potluck.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h

Yield 12-15 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/4 cup baking cocoa
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup buttermilk
BUTTERMILK FROSTING:
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup buttermilk
3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, combine the cocoa and water until smooth; add butter. Bring just to a boil. Remove from the heat. , In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and baking soda; add cocoa mixture. Combine eggs, oil and buttermilk; add to cocoa mixture and beat until smooth. , Pour into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. , In a large saucepan, bring the cocoa, butter and buttermilk to a boil. Remove from the heat. Whisk in confectioners' sugar and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the warm cake. Sprinkle with pecans if desired. Cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 504 calories, Fat 23g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 62mg cholesterol, Sodium 234mg sodium, Carbohydrate 72g carbohydrate (55g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

COCOA-BUTTERMILK CAKE



Cocoa-Buttermilk Cake image

I adopted this recipe 9/06. It is incredible. The great reviews are not misleading. I don't get why the instructions tell you to trim the cake. I just chilled the cake for a bit and then spread the frosting on the sides of the cake. This will be my main chocolate cake from now on. I didn't take a great picture of the cake, but the one I took gives you a hint of how much I loved this cake. I didn't share it, I just got a fork and ate it for 3 days right off of the platter. The original description follows..... This is a super chocolatey buttermilk cake and icing. Very easy to make. This cake is "the" employee comfort food at the catering company where I work.

Provided by Mrs Goodall

Categories     Dessert

Time 50m

Yield 1 9x13 cake, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
3 cups sugar
3 cups flour
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon baking soda
3 large eggs
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon vanilla
3/4 cup unsalted butter
4 1/2 ounces buttermilk
7 1/2 tablespoons cocoa
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Butter and line with parchment a 9 x 13 cake pan Melt butter, stir in water and cocoa and whisk until smooth.
  • set aside.
  • sift together flour, sugar, salt and baking soda.
  • In a separate bowl, whick together eggs, buttermilk and vanilla.
  • Add cocoa mixture and buttermilk mixture to dry ingredients.
  • Combine very well.
  • Pour into cake pan and bake until skewer comes out clean.
  • Cool for 20 minutes while making icing.
  • ICING: Melt butter, add buttermilk and cocoa.
  • Whisk until smooth.
  • Put powdered sugar into a food processor.
  • With motor running, pour cocoa mixture through feed tube.
  • Do not over process.
  • Put a platter over the cake pan, flip over so that the cake comes out onto the platter.
  • Remove parchment Pour icing over the top of cake and spread evenly over cake to the edges using an offset spatula.
  • Do not worry if some goes over the sides.
  • Refrigerate cake for 2 hours.
  • Remove from refrigerator and with a serrated knife, trim all 4 sides of the cake about 1/4 inch.
  • Cut into pieces to serve.

COCOA BUTTERMILK CAKE WITH SCROLLED TUILES



Cocoa Buttermilk Cake with Scrolled Tuiles image

Let a graduate know he or she is congratulated and adored: Our standout chocolate sheet cake has intense flavor and a rich, dense frosting made from melted bittersweet chocolate and cream cheese. Atop the cake is a pile of small "diplomas," airy tuile cookies that are curled around the handle of a wooden spoon and tied with strips of sour candy.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pans
1 1/4 cups unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, plus more for pans
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 3/4 cups sugar
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups low-fat buttermilk
Chocolate Frosting for Cocoa Buttermilk Cake
Scrolled Tuiles

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 8-by- 12-inch cake pans, and line with parchment paper. Butter parchment, and lightly dust with cocoa powder; set aside. Sift cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl; set aside.
  • Put butter and sugar into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Mix in eggs, 1 at a time, and vanilla. Reduce speed to low. Add cocoa mixture in 2 batches, alternating with the buttermilk.
  • Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake until a cake tester inserted into centers comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack 15 minutes. Invert cakes onto rack; remove parchment, and reinvert. Let cool completely.
  • Trim cakes level. Place 1 cake on a platter. Spread with 1 cup frosting. Top with remaining cake. Spread 4 1/2 cups frosting on top and sides. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a petal tip (such as Ateco #126) with remaining frosting. Pipe a ruffled border along edges. Cake can be refrigerated up to 1 day. Serve with scrolled tuiles.

BUTTERMILK COCOA CAKE



BUTTERMILK COCOA CAKE image

Categories     Chocolate

Yield 12-15 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/4 cup baking cocoa
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup buttermilk
Buttermilk Frosting:
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup buttermilk
3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, combine the cocoa and water until smooth; add butter. Bring just to a boil. Remove from the heat. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar and baking soda; add cocoa mixture. Combine eggs, oil and buttermilk; add to cocoa mixture and beat until smooth. Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Bake at 350 F. for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.. In a large saucepan, bring the cocoa, butter and buttermilk to a boil. Remove from the heat. Whisk in the confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Spread over the warm cake. Sprinkle with pecans if desired. Cool on a wire rack. Yield: 12-15 servings. See other good recipes at: www.havefunbaking.com And check out: www.lovetobakeandcook.blogspot.com

BUTTERMILK COCOA CAKE



Buttermilk Cocoa Cake image

Yum! Another delicious,tender, moist cake..somewhat on the lines of a sheet cake yet thicker..hope you try it..mine didn't stand a chance..lol! The picture to the left was all that was left 20 minutes after pulled from the oven, they wouldn't give it time to cool..think it might be good?..lol! My clan loves it. Enjoy! My...

Provided by Cassie *

Categories     Chocolate

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/4 c baking cocoa
1 c water
1/2 c butter, cubed
2 c all-purpose flour
2 c sugar
1 tsp baking soda
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 c vegetable oil
1/2 c buttermilk
BUTTERMILK FROSTING
1/4 c baking cocoa
1/2 c butter, cubed
1/2 c buttermilk
3-3/4 c confectioners' sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 c chopped pecans, optional

Steps:

  • 1. In a large saucepan, combine the cocoa and water until smooth; add butter. Bring just to a boil. Remove from the heat.
  • 2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and baking soda; add cocoa mixture.
  • 3. Combine eggs, oil and buttermilk; add to cocoa mixture and beat until smooth.
  • 4. Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  • 5. In a large saucepan, bring the cocoa, butter and buttermilk to a boil. Remove from the heat. Whisk in confectioners' sugar and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the warm cake. Sprinkle with pecans if desired. Cool on a wire rack.
  • 6. Delicious!

Tips:

  • Use good quality cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor. We highly recommend using Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
  • Make sure the buttermilk is fresh. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will help to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter, more tender cake.
  • Gradually add the eggs to the batter, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will help to prevent the batter from curdling.
  • Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. This will help to ensure that the batter is evenly mixed.
  • Bake the cake in a preheated oven. This will help to prevent the cake from sinking in the middle.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting. This will help to prevent the frosting from melting.

Conclusion:

This cocoa buttermilk cake is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that is perfect for any occasion. The cake is moist and tender with a rich chocolate flavor. The buttermilk adds a slight tanginess that balances out the sweetness of the cake. The frosting is creamy and chocolatey, and it perfectly complements the cake. This cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it!

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