Sue B’s Chocolate Cake: The Ultimate Easy & Moist Homemade Chocolate Recipe
Every home baker dreams of a go-to chocolate cake recipe – one that consistently delivers rich flavor, tender texture, and straightforward preparation. For many, that dream recipe is the renowned Sue B’s Chocolate Cake. This beloved recipe earned its name from a talented baker who generously shared it on the Fine Cooking forum, quickly gaining a reputation for its simplicity and exquisite results. My daughter and I first discovered this recipe seeking a reliable, yet delicious, cake that would serve as a perfect “blank canvas” for our decorating adventures. What we found was not just a cake, but a delightful culinary experience that remains a staple in our kitchen to this day.
Why Sue B’s Chocolate Cake Stands Out: Simplicity Meets Perfection
In a world brimming with complex baking formulas, Sue B’s Chocolate Cake shines brightly for its remarkable ease. It’s truly perfect for novice bakers, or even an enthusiastic 8-year-old taking their first steps in the kitchen. The magic lies in its “dump and mix” method, requiring no elaborate creaming of butter and sugar, no specialized equipment beyond a whisk and a spoon, and minimal fuss. This straightforward approach not only makes baking accessible but also reduces cleanup time, allowing you to enjoy the process and the delicious outcome without stress.
A Texture That Delights: Light, Moist, and Never Dense
Despite its simple preparation, this cake boasts a surprisingly light and exceptionally moist texture that sets it apart. Unlike some traditional recipes that yield a denser crumb, Sue B’s Chocolate Cake offers a delicate lightness that makes every bite a pleasure. When compared to a Chocolate Butter Cake, for instance, it’s notably lighter and features a less tight crumb, providing a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Similarly, against a Favorite Cocoa Layer Cake, it maintains its airy quality, avoiding the heaviness often associated with richer chocolate cakes. This unique balance of lightness and moisture is one of the primary reasons it has become such a beloved recipe.
Budget-Friendly Baking with Oil
Another compelling advantage of Sue B’s Chocolate Cake is its cost-effectiveness. The recipe calls for vegetable oil instead of butter, which not only contributes to its superior moistness but also makes it a more economical choice. Butter can be a significant expense in baking, and by opting for oil, this recipe offers a delicious alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or quality. This makes it an ideal choice for frequent baking or for those looking to enjoy a homemade treat without breaking the bank.
The Perfect Canvas for Creative Decorating
As initially discovered by my daughter and me, this cake truly excels as a base for decorating. Its sturdy yet tender crumb holds up beautifully to frosting, fondant, sprinkles, and any other confectionery artistry you wish to apply. Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration, a holiday gathering, or simply want to experiment with cake decorating techniques, Sue B’s Chocolate Cake provides the perfect foundation. Its neutral yet rich chocolate flavor pairs wonderfully with a wide array of frostings and fillings, allowing your creativity to shine without overpowering the cake itself. From elegant minimalist designs to elaborate themed creations, this cake is ready for anything you can imagine.
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Mastering Sue B’s Chocolate Cake: Essential Baking Tips
Achieving the perfect Sue B’s Chocolate Cake is delightfully simple, but a few key tips can elevate your baking experience and ensure consistent results every time. Firstly, the recipe calls for room temperature buttermilk and eggs. This is crucial as room temperature ingredients emulsify more effectively, leading to a smoother, more uniform batter and a finer crumb in the finished cake. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to seize up, resulting in a dense or lumpy cake.
The unusual step of mixing cocoa with boiling water creates a “bloom” that intensifies the chocolate flavor, making it richer and more profound. Don’t skip this step! The warmth from this mixture, even if still slightly warm when added to the batter, is perfectly fine and contributes to the cake’s unique characteristics. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, remember the golden rule of baking: do not overbeat. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough cake. A heavy-duty rubber scraper is ideal for gently incorporating the ingredients until just combined, even if a few small lumps remain. This minimal mixing is key to maintaining the cake’s celebrated light texture.
For baking, always preheat your oven thoroughly to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake starts baking immediately and rises evenly. Properly greasing and flouring your cake pans will prevent sticking, allowing for easy removal and beautifully shaped layers. A cake tester (or a toothpick) inserted into the center should come out clean when the cake is done. After baking, allowing the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack helps them set and prevents crumbling. Patience during the cooling process is rewarded with perfectly structured cake layers ready for frosting.
The Perfect Companion: Chocolate Buttermilk Frosting
While Sue B’s Chocolate Cake is a star on its own, the accompanying Chocolate Buttermilk Frosting takes it to another level of indulgence. This rich, creamy frosting provides a wonderful tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the cake, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is truly irresistible. The combination of unsweetened and semisweet chocolate gives it depth, while the buttermilk adds a subtle tang and ensures a velvety smooth consistency.
When preparing the frosting, melting the chocolates gently is essential. A microwave, double boiler, or a bowl set over barely simmering water will work perfectly. Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly before incorporating it, as very hot chocolate can melt the butter in your frosting. Begin by beating the butter until it’s wonderfully creamy. Adding the cocoa powder and some powdered sugar along with the cooled chocolate creates a stable base. Gradually incorporating the remaining powdered sugar, along with room temperature buttermilk (or regular milk) and vanilla, allows you to control the consistency. Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the frosting is smooth and lump-free. The goal is a luscious, spreadable frosting that holds its shape and adheres beautifully to your cake layers.
Recipe: Sue B.’s Chocolate Cake
Sue B.’s Chocolate Cake
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup boiling water (170 grams)
- ¾ cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder (60 grams)
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature (230 grams)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400 grams)
- 2 cups all purpose flour (270 grams)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
Chocolate Buttermilk Frosting
- 1 ½ oz unsweetened chocolate (42 grams)
- 1 ½ oz semisweet chocolate (52 grams)
- 12 tablespoons butter, unsalted or salted okay (170 grams)
- 3 T. unsweetened cocoa powder (15 grams)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 4-5 T. buttermilk or regular milk plus more if needed – room temperature NOT cold
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch or two of salt – if using salted butter omit
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly.
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In a small bowl or large measuring cup, combine the cocoa powder and boiling water. Whisk until smooth to create a chocolate paste. Set aside to cool slightly.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients together until well blended.
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In a separate, second mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Whisk to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Add the dry ingredients mixture to the buttermilk/oil mixture. Using a heavy-duty rubber scraper, stir until just combined. Next, mix in the cocoa mixture you prepared earlier. It’s perfectly fine if the cocoa mixture is still slightly warm. Continue stirring gently until the batter is well mixed, but avoid overbeating; a few small lumps are acceptable and won’t affect the final texture.
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Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared 9-inch round pans. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before carefully inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure the cakes are fully cooled before frosting.
Frosting
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For the frosting, melt both the unsweetened and semisweet chocolates. This can be done in a microwave (in short bursts, stirring frequently), a double boiler, or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water. Once melted, set the chocolate aside to cool slightly.
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In a separate bowl, beat the butter (ensure it’s not too cold to prevent the chocolate from re-solidifying) until it is light and creamy. Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder, about one cup of the powdered sugar, and the slightly cooled melted chocolate. Mix until thoroughly combined.
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Scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate any unmixed ingredients. Add the remaining powdered sugar, then gradually incorporate the room temperature buttermilk (or regular milk), vanilla extract, and a pinch or two of salt (omit if using salted butter). Continue beating and scraping until you achieve a smooth, creamy frosting with your desired consistency. Add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, if a thinner consistency is preferred.
Serving Suggestions and Customization Ideas
Once your Sue B’s Chocolate Cake is beautifully frosted, the possibilities for enjoyment are endless. Serve a slice simply with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee for a comforting treat. For an extra touch of indulgence, add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a scattering of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries, which provide a lovely contrast to the rich chocolate. A light dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar can also enhance its visual appeal.
Beyond traditional servings, this versatile cake can be customized in numerous ways. Consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cocoa and boiling water mixture to deepen the chocolate flavor further. A pinch of cinnamon or a hint of cayenne pepper can also add a delightful warmth and complexity. For a fun twist, fold in a cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter before baking. You can also experiment with different extracts – almond or peppermint extract could offer an exciting flavor variation, especially for seasonal celebrations. If you’re not a fan of buttermilk frosting, this cake also pairs wonderfully with a classic chocolate ganache, a tangy cream cheese frosting, or even a simple vanilla buttercream.
Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness
To keep your Sue B’s Chocolate Cake fresh and delicious for longer, proper storage is key. If unfrosted, the cake layers can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen layers overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
Once frosted, the cake should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. While refrigeration can extend its shelf life, it can also dry out the cake. If you must refrigerate (e.g., due to warm weather or a perishable filling), ensure it’s tightly covered to prevent moisture loss and absorb unwanted odors. Allow refrigerated cake to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to restore its optimal moist and tender texture.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Chocolate Cake
Sue B’s Chocolate Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to rediscover the joy of simple, satisfying baking. Its unassuming origins on a cooking forum belie the profound delight it brings to every table. Whether you are a seasoned baker or just beginning your culinary journey, this recipe offers a foolproof path to a chocolate cake that is light, incredibly moist, and wonderfully flavorful. Its adaptability for various decorations and toppings ensures it’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to elaborate celebrations. We encourage you to try Sue B’s Chocolate Cake for yourself and experience why it continues to be a cherished favorite in kitchens worldwide. Bake it, decorate it, share it, and most importantly, enjoy every single delicious bite!