old fashioned chocolate cake recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best old fashioned chocolate cake recipe

I’ve been making this old fashioned chocolate cake recipe for years, and it’s still a family favorite. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, measuring out the ingredients and mixing the batter. The best part about this recipe is that it’s so easy to make, even my youngest child can help with the mixing process.

The smell of chocolate and sugar wafting from the oven is just heavenly. I love serving this cake at family gatherings, holidays, or just a Tuesday. It’s always a hit with my family and friends.

The recipe comes from my grandmother, who learned it from her mother. It’s a classic Southern recipe that never goes out of style. The cake is moist, rich, and full of flavor, thanks to the use of buttermilk and dark cocoa powder.

I like to serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to make it feel like a special treat. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just need a pick-me-up on a Monday afternoon. And the best part?

It’s actually quite healthy for you, considering all the good stuff you get from the chocolate and eggs.

Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake

4.7 from 883 votes

A classic, moist, and rich chocolate cake perfect for any occasion. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp espresso powder
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
3-4 tbsp milk

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Set aside.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder.
4Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5Add the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
6Using an electric mixer or whisk, mix on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well combined.
7Be careful not to overmix.
8The batter will be thin.
9Gradually add the boiling water to the batter and mix on low speed just until combined.
10The batter will become very thin.
11Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
12Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
13The cakes should spring back when lightly touched.
14Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
15Then, transfer the cakes to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
16While the cakes are cooling, prepare the chocolate buttercream frosting.
17In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
18Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
19Mix on low speed until combined, then increase the speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy.
20Add the vanilla extract and milk, one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition.
21Continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
22If the frosting is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time.
23If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time.
24Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on one cake layer and place the second layer on top.
25Spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
26Slice and serve the cake.
27Enjoy your homemade old fashioned chocolate cake.

🔧Equipment

Two 9-inch round cake pans
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Spatula
Wire cooling rack
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 400mg🌾Total Carbs: 53g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 38g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

Tips: For a moister cake, you can add an additional 1/4 cup of boiling water to the batter. This will make the cake more dense but also more moist.

Watch Video Of How Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake Works

This old fashioned chocolate cake recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just need a pick-me-up on a Monday afternoon.

It’s perfect for family gatherings because everyone loves chocolate and it’s easy to serve as either slices or squares.

When storing leftovers, be sure to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake

Q: What makes this old fashioned chocolate cake recipe so special?

This recipe stands out from other chocolate cakes because of its use of buttermilk instead of regular milk. This adds a tangy flavor and helps keep the cake moist.

Q: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute regular milk for buttermilk if you don’t have it on hand. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.

Q: How do I ensure my cake doesn’t become too dense?

To prevent your cake from becoming too dense, make sure to not overmix the batter when combining wet and dry ingredients.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make this cake up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q: What’s the secret to getting a moist crumb?

The key to achieving a moist crumb is using room temperature ingredients when mixing together wet and dry ingredients.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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