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Bumpy Cake
5 from 8 votes

Bumpy Cake

Bumpy Cake is delicious recipe is made with a rich, moist chocolate devil's food cake that is covered in ribbons of vanilla buttercream and poured fudge frosting for the traditional "bumpy" look! It is a Michigan favorite that got its start in Detroit at Sanders Confectionary Company but is easy to make at home.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Chilling Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr 45 mins
Servings: 15 servings
Calories: 667 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour spooned & leveled (250g)
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder 100g, unsweetened
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar (350g)
  • 1 cup buttermilk room temperature (244g)
  • 1/2 cup neutral cooking oil 100g, generic cooking oil
  • 2 egg room temperature, large
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup water very hot
Buttercream Frosting
  • 1/4 cup butter softened, salted
  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar (300g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • salt pinch
  • 4 Tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Fudge Icing
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/3 cup corn syrup
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder 35g, unsweetened
  • salt pinch
  • 1 cup butter cubed (divided, salted
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar (300g)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

Cake
    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13-inch pan with baking spray.
  2. Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl. Combine the sugar, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla in another large bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients gradually, stopping to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl. Mix in the hot water. The batter will be very thin.
  3. Pour the chocolate cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check the cake with a toothpick to see if it comes out clean to know when it is done. Cool completely.
Buttercream Frosting
  1. Beat the butter and shortening for 2-3 minutes until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, while mixing on low speed until combined. Add the vanilla, salt, and cream, then beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large open circle tip. Or transfer it to a heavy duty Ziploc bag and snip off one corner.
  3. Pipe 4 thick strips of frosting evenly down the length of the cake to create the logs or "bumps". You shouldn't have much, if any, frosting leftover. Stick the cake in the freezer while preparing the fudge icing.
Fudge Frosting
  1. In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar, buttermilk, corn syrup, cocoa powder, salt, and half of the butter over medium-low heat until it comes to a boil. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until it reaches 235°F on a candy thermometer clipped to the side of the pan.
  2. Remove from the heat and add the remaining cubed butter. Stir until melted, then whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
  3. Pour the fudge frosting evenly over the chilled cake, covering the buttercream logs and making sure to cover the top as much as possible. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or stick in the freezer for 15 minutes to set up before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Storage: This cake keeps well in covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze leftovers for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories 667kcal (33%) Carbohydrates 100g (33%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 30g (46%) Saturated Fat 13g (65%) Polyunsaturated Fat 4g (24%) Monounsaturated Fat 11g (55%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 71mg (24%) Sodium 508mg (21%) Potassium 164mg (3%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 83g (166%) Vitamin A 603IU (12%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 67mg (7%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 15 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 667

% Daily Value*

Calories 667kcal 33%
Carbohydrates 100g 33%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 30g 46%
Saturated Fat 13g 65%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g 24%
Monounsaturated Fat 11g 55%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 71mg 24%
Sodium 508mg 21%
Potassium 164mg 3%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 83g 166%
Vitamin A 603IU 12%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 67mg 7%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.