Chocolate Buttermilk Pound Cake Recipe: Southern Living's Delight

A Chocolate Buttermilk Pound Cake is a rich, moist, and decadent dessert that combines the tangy flavor of buttermilk with the deep, luscious taste of chocolate. This Southern classic is a favorite for its dense texture and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. In this comprehensive guide, we'll present a delicious recipe inspired by Southern Living, along with tips and variations to make this dessert your own.

 

Ingredients

To create the perfect Chocolate Buttermilk Pound Cake, you'll need the following ingredients:

  • Flour: 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • Cocoa Powder: 1 cup, unsweetened
  • Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), unsalted and softened
  • Granulated Sugar: 2 cups
  • Eggs: 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • Buttermilk: 1 cup, at room temperature
  • Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
  • Boiling Water: 1/2 cup

Instructions

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or tube pan.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

  4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth mixture.

  5. Combine Buttermilk and Vanilla: In a small bowl, mix the buttermilk and vanilla extract together.

  6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk Mixture: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

  7. Add Boiling Water: Gradually add the boiling water to the batter, mixing slowly until fully incorporated. The batter will be thin.

  8. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  9. Cool and Remove from Pan: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Pairings

 

  • Dust with Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance.

  • Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream complements the rich flavors.
  • Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce: Enhance the chocolate experience with a warm chocolate sauce drizzle.

Tips for Success

  1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and buttermilk, are at room temperature for the best texture.
  2. Proper Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense and tough cake.
  3. Accurate Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time and use a toothpick to check for doneness to avoid overbaking.

Variations

  1. Nutty Addition: Fold in a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
  2. Coffee Infusion: Replace half of the boiling water with brewed coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.
  3. Frosting Options: Top the cake with a rich chocolate ganache or a simple vanilla glaze for a different twist.

 

Conclusion

The Chocolate Buttermilk Pound Cake is a timeless Southern dessert that brings comfort and joy to any occasion. With its deep chocolate flavor and moist, tender crumb, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your household. Follow this recipe inspired by Southern Living to create a delightful treat that embodies the essence of Southern baking. Enjoy!




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