Chocolate Buttermilk Sheet Cake

 Whether it’s nostalgia or a pure love of chocolate, everyone has a soft spot for chocolate sheet cake, and you’ve never tried one like this! This decadent Chocolate Buttermilk Sheet Cake is like a slice of simple joy on any occasion!

When life knocks you down the only cure is a cheerful slice of chocolate cake. That is why I adore this easy recipe for Chocolate Buttermilk Sheet Cake! With this simple method, anyone can make a fantastic chocolate cake, even when you are low on supplies or on a budget! So next time you’re feeling low, let this delightfully rich yet super simple chocolate cake lift your spirits!

Ingredients

• Sugar: Use granulated white or cane sugar to bring a delectable sweet flavor to this soft, spongy cake!
• Flour: All-purpose flour is a great choice for this simple and fast cake. 
• Salt: Use fine-grain sea salt or kosher salt to balance all the wonderfully sweet and chocolatey flavors in this awesome sheet cake. 
• Butter: Butter brings richness to the cake. Try to use unsalted butter for a clean sweet flavor, or if using salted butter, consider adding less salt to the recipe. 
• Cocoa Powder: A great way to bring tons of luscious chocolate taste to your baking is cocoa powder. For this recipe, choose Dutch process cocoa powder because it has a rich, natural cocoa flavor. 
• Water: Water helps develop the cocoa flavor and makes the cake batter texture silk smooth. Use boiling or very hot water for this bake.
• Buttermilk: The tangy yet creamy flavor of buttermilk adds richness and complexity to this classic dessert. 
• Egg: One thing I love about this cake is that it only requires one fresh egg, so it’s perfect for when your pantry is looking a little bare but you still want a treat!
• Baking Soda: Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the cake to rise nicely.
• Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract to add an irresistibly sweet aroma and flavor to this delicious cake. 
• Buttermilk and Heavy Cream: This thick dairy duo makes up the base of the easy chocolate frosting. 
• Cocoa Powder: A little extra cocoa powder makes the creamy frosting chocolatey.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter to give the frosting a nice texture and sheen.
• Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar thickens and stabilizes the sweet chocolate topping for this sheet cake. 
• Chocolate: You can use either milk or dark chocolate to finish off the craveable cocoa flavor in this icing. 

Instructions

• Step One: Preheat the oven and use vegetable spray to grease the sheet pan.
• Step Two: In a saucepan, combine the water, butter, and cocoa powder. Bring the mixture to a boil. 
• Step Three: In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and egg. Add the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix until everything is homogenous. Add the hot cocoa mixture to the flour mixture and mix well.
• Step Four: Pour the cake batter in an even layer onto the sheet pan and then bake.
• Step Five: While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting by combining the buttermilk, cream, cocoa, and butter in a saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until the cocoa has dissolved. 
• Step Six: Remove the saucepan from heat and add the powdered sugar and the chocolate. Mix until nice and smooth.
• Step Seven: Pour the warm glaze over the warm cake.
• Step Eight: Chill the cake, portion, and enjoy!

Top Tips

To remove any lumps of cocoa powder in the frosting, I strained the liquid mixture before adding the powdered sugar. 

Serve this decadent chocolate cake as is or topped with a little whipped cream. I love going all out with my dessert so I top my chocolate sheet cake with ground walnuts and homemade cinnamon whipped cream!

Equipment

• Measuring Tools: Use either measuring cups and spoons or a kitchen scale to help you nail the measurements. 
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Baking Pan: You can make this sheet cake as thick or thin as you like. For a thinner cake, use a 15×10 inch pan and for a thicker sheet use an 11×9 inch pan. 

Variations

Coffee-Charged Cake: If you cannot get enough bold coffee flavor, try trading the boiling water in this bake for hot coffee. Coffee naturally highlights the flavor of chocolate so it gives the sheet cake a more bold cocoa flavor.

Super Sizes: You can make this cake as thin or as thick as you like, just be sure to choose the right size sheet pan. For a thinner cake, go big and for a thicker sponge choose a smaller sheet pan.

FAQ

How to Serve Chocolate Buttermilk Sheet Cake?

This amazing chocolate cake is perfect for any occasion. It is simple enough to make when you’re on a budget, but delicious enough to impress the most discerning of cake lovers.

It is perfect for little ones after school or great for easy weekend parties. Portion the cake into about a dozen equal slices and serve each slice with a delicious iced coffee, hot vanilla milk, or creamy Baileys Coffee. 

How Do I Store Sheet Cake?

Storing this yummy cake is easy! Simply place the cake in an airtight storage container or wrap the cake in plastic wrap. Store the cake in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

Is This Cake Nut-Free?

Yes! This delicious cake is naturally nut-free. 

However, it is always a good idea to read the labels on your food, especially when you are baking for someone with allergies because some common ingredients are processed in the same facilities as nuts. 

About the Recipe Author

 

 

Last Updated on February 14, 2024 by Carleen