Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred for deep flavor)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (at room temperature)
- For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp cocoa powder for a chocolate glaze
Instructions
- Preparing the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Creaming the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Incorporating Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk (begin and end with the dry ingredients). Mix on low speed just until combined—do not overmix. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Baking the Cake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease and flour a loaf pan or bundt pan. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60–75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use plant-based butter, egg substitutes (like flax eggs), and dairy-free buttermilk alternatives.
- Gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Storage tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th or 1/10th of the cake)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg