One-Bowl Buttermilk Chocolate Cake

User Reviews

4.9

116 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    30 mins

  • Cook Time

    35 mins

  • Additional Time

    2 hrs

  • Total Time

    3 hrs 5 mins

  • Servings

    16 people

  • Calories

    445 kcal

  • Course

    Dessert

  • Cuisine

    American

One-Bowl Buttermilk Chocolate Cake

The One-Bowl Buttermilk Chocolate Cake delivers a moist and sturdy chocolate cake baked in a single pan, combining all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and warm buttermilk. The cake is topped with a thick chocolate buttermilk icing made with butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla, creating a rich and smooth finish that complements the tender crumb.

Description

This cake is made by whisking together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, then adding eggs, vegetable oil, and whole buttermilk before blending in hot water. This approach makes a smooth batter that's poured into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan and baked until a toothpick comes out clean, resulting in an even-textured cake with good structure.

The icing is prepared by melting butter and cooking in cocoa powder briefly, then whisking in sifted confectioners' sugar, buttermilk, and vanilla until thick and spreadable. This smooth frosting spreads nicely over the cooled cake, delivering a rich chocolate flavor with moist richness from the buttermilk.

The cake suits occasions where a classic chocolate dessert is desired, with a moist crumb and balanced sweetness. It pairs well with coffee or served after meals. Preparing it a day ahead enhances the flavors and texture.

Use all-purpose flour rather than cake flour to maintain the cake's sturdiness given the cocoa powder's softness. Ensure ingredients are room temperature for proper blending, and avoid overbaking to keep moistness. Sifting the sugar prevents lumps in the icing for a smooth finish.

I Made This!

11 people made this

Save this

55 people saved this

Ingredients

Servings

FOR THE CAKE:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup cocoa powder unsweetened
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 egg large
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk whole, shaken
  • 1 cup water hot

FOR THE CHOCOLATE BUTTERMILK ICING:

  • ½ cup butter salted, 1 stick
  • cup cocoa powder unsweetened
  • 3 cups confectioners' sugar sifted
  • cup buttermilk whole, shaken
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

BAKE THE CAKE:

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add the eggs, oil and buttermilk; whisk well to combine. Add the hot water and whisk until the batter is smooth.
  3. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan. Tap gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

MAKE THE ICING:

  1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder, cook over low heat for 2 minutes (do not let it boil). Remove from the heat. Add the powdered sugar and buttermilk, whisking until smooth. Add the vanilla; whisk to combine. The icing should be a thick, spreadable consistency, so if you need to thin the icing, add extra buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time.
  2. Spread the icing on the cool cake. Let the icing cool and set before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • All-purpose flour is recommended over cake flour to balance the cake's texture when combined with cocoa powder, ensuring sturdiness.
  • Use thick, full-fat buttermilk for the best richness and flavor.
  • Bring all ingredients to room temperature before mixing to help blend smoothly and avoid over-mixing that causes dryness.
  • Sift confectioners' sugar to prevent lumps in the frosting.
  • Check the cake for doneness starting at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking, as ovens vary.
  • Making the cake a day ahead allows flavors and texture to improve.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1slice Calories 445kcal (22%) Carbohydrates 64g (21%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 22g (34%) Saturated Fat 16g (80%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 38mg (13%) Sodium 292mg (12%) Potassium 175mg (4%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 48g (96%) Vitamin A 240IU (5%) Calcium 50mg (5%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 445 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1slice
Calories 445kcal 22%
Carbohydrates 64g 21%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 22g 34%
Saturated Fat 16g 80%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 38mg 13%
Sodium 292mg 12%
Potassium 175mg 4%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 48g 96%
Vitamin A 240IU 5%
Calcium 50mg 5%
Iron 2mg 11%

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

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.9

116 reviews
Excellent

Write a Review

Drag & drop files here or click to upload
Other Recipes

You'll Also Love

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

American
5.0 (33 reviews)

Easy Baked Sweet Potatoes

American
5.0 (15 reviews)

Tiramisu

Italian
5.0 (18 reviews)

Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

American
5.0 (12 reviews)

Candied Yams

American
5.0 (21 reviews)

Buffalo Wings

American
5.0 (63 reviews)

Broccoli Casserole

American
5.0 (36 reviews)

Crab Cake Sandwich

American
5.0 (15 reviews)

S'mores Bars

American
5.0 (21 reviews)

Vegetable Beef Stew

American
5.0 (30 reviews)

Cajun Roasted Turkey

American
5.0 (39 reviews)

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

American
5.0 (27 reviews)