Decadent Chocolate Buttermilk Sheet Cake
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of this Decadent Chocolate Buttermilk Sheet Cake. Perfectly moist and overflowing with chocolate flavor, this cake is a delightful treat for any occasion. It features a luscious chocolate frosting that melts in your mouth and can easily be made with ingredients you likely have on hand. The addition of buttermilk adds a tangy flavor that enhances the chocolate, while the optional pecans introduce a satisfying crunch. Whether it's a family gathering, birthday celebration, or a simple dessert craving, this cake is sure to impress everyone around the table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
granulated sugar
2 cups (none)
unsweetened cocoa powder
5 tablespoons (sifted)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
butter
1 cup (softened (or use 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup Butter Flavor Crisco))
butter-flavored shortening
1/2 cup (optional; or use 1 cup butter)
water (or strong brewed coffee)
1 cup (boiled)
eggs
2 large (slightly beaten)
buttermilk
1/2 cup (none)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (none)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
unsweetened cocoa powder
4 tablespoons (for frosting)
milk
6 tablespoons (for frosting)
powdered sugar
1 (1 lb) box (sifted)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (for frosting)
chopped pecans
1 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10x15 or 9x13 inch cake pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon. Mix well until combined.
3
In a medium saucepan, melt together the butter, Butter Flavor Crisco (or additional butter) and water (or brewed coffee). Bring to a rapid boil, then carefully pour this mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl.
4
In a separate bowl, mix the eggs and buttermilk together. Add the baking soda, stirring gently until fully combined. Then, add this mixture into the cake batter along with the vanilla extract. Beat until the batter is well mixed and smooth.
5
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6
While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, combine the butter, cocoa powder, and milk. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, then remove from heat.
7
Add the powdered sugar to the saucepan and mix well until the frosting is smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans, if using.
8
Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately spread the warm frosting over the top. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Chocolate Buttermilk Sheet Cake?
It is a rich, velvety chocolate cake that is perfectly moist and topped with a luscious chocolate frosting.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size pan is recommended for this cake?
You can use either a 10x15 inch or a 9x13 inch cake pan.
What dry ingredients are mixed first?
The initial dry mixture consists of 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 5 tablespoons of sifted cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Can I substitute water with another liquid?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of strong brewed coffee instead of water to enhance the chocolate flavor.
How should the butter mixture be prepared?
Melt the butter, shortening, and water (or coffee) in a saucepan and bring it to a rapid boil before pouring it over the dry ingredients.
What role does buttermilk play in this recipe?
Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor that enhances the chocolate and ensures the cake remains moist.
How many eggs are required for the batter?
The recipe requires 2 large eggs that are slightly beaten.
When should the baking soda be added?
The baking soda should be stirred gently into the egg and buttermilk mixture before being added to the cake batter.
How much vanilla extract is used in the cake batter?
One teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the cake batter.
How long does the sheet cake need to bake?
The cake should bake for approximately 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
How do I make the chocolate frosting?
In a saucepan, boil butter, cocoa powder, and milk, then remove from heat and mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and optional pecans.
Can I use butter-flavored shortening in this recipe?
Yes, you can use 1/2 cup of Butter Flavor Crisco along with 1/2 cup of butter for the liquid mixture.
What if I don't have butter-flavored shortening?
You can simply use a full cup of butter instead of the butter and shortening combination.
How much cocoa powder is needed for the frosting?
The frosting requires 4 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder.
What kind of sugar is used for the frosting?
The frosting uses one 1-pound box of sifted powdered sugar.
Are nuts included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1 cup of chopped pecans as an optional addition to the frosting for extra crunch.
When should I frost the cake?
The warm frosting should be spread over the cake immediately after it is removed from the oven.
How much milk is needed for the frosting?
You will need 6 tablespoons of milk for the frosting.
How much cinnamon is in the cake?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Is the flour sifted?
Yes, the 2 cups of all-purpose flour should be sifted.
Should the powdered sugar be sifted?
Yes, sifting the powdered sugar ensures the frosting is smooth and glossy.
How much vanilla extract is in the frosting?
The frosting includes 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
What is the texture of the frosting?
The frosting should be smooth, glossy, and melt-in-your-mouth.
Can this cake be served at a birthday?
Yes, it is a perfect dessert for family gatherings, birthdays, or celebrations.
How many teaspoons of baking soda are used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
Is the cocoa powder unsweetened?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses unsweetened cocoa powder for both the cake and the frosting.
Does the frosting need to be boiled?
The butter, cocoa, and milk mixture for the frosting should be brought to a boil before adding the sugar.
Should the cake cool before serving?
Yes, allow the cake to cool completely after frosting before you serve it.
Is this an easy recipe?
Yes, it is labeled as an easy recipe that uses common pantry ingredients.