Decadent Chocolate Cake with Buttermilk Frosting

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
• Servings: 10-12 people

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 sticks butter
• 1 cup water
• 5 Tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the buttermilk frosting (optional but highly recommended):

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure that the cake comes out easily once baked.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the water and cocoa powder, stirring frequently until the mixture becomes smooth. Bring it to a gentle boil and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes before removing it from the heat.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: While the chocolate mixture cools slightly, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. Make sure these dry ingredients are mixed evenly.
4. Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the melted chocolate mixture, mixing thoroughly. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then pour in the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Continue to mix until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
6. Prepare the Buttermilk Frosting (optional): While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, combine the buttermilk and butter. Heat it over medium heat until the butter melts completely. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue stirring until the frosting becomes smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
7. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the buttermilk frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the cake, creating a smooth finish.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake into squares or rectangles, and serve. This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.