3 Tier Chocolate Buttermilk Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A rich, moist three-tier chocolate buttermilk cake featuring deep cocoa flavor, perfect for special occasions and chocolate lovers seeking an impressive homemade dessert.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup oleo
  • 2 1/4 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup cocoa
  • 3 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter, then add sugar gradually and beat until fluffy.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
  3. Sift dry ingredients together, then add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk.
  4. Pour batter into three 9-inch pans that have been greased and lightly floured, or lined with wax paper and buttered.
  5. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 35 minutes.
  6. Cool on racks.
  7. Frost with butter icing.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsweetened dark cocoa instead of regular cocoa powder. If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients to avoid any lumps in the batter. For an added touch, incorporate chocolate chips for extra texture, reminiscent of American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This decadent cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an elegant touch, serve it with fresh berries on the side. It also makes a delightful centerpiece for celebrations, especially when complemented with butter icing or even a chocolate ganache. Explore more dessert ideas like P'Nut Butter And Oatmeal Cookies for variety.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds or warm in an oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of 3 Tier Chocolate Buttermilk Cake contains roughly 408 calories, with 10g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 707mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).

408 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.9g 20% DV
Total Fat 4g 5% DV
Carbs 82.3g 30% DV
Fiber 2.3g 8% DV
Sugar 1.2g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 707.5mg 31% DV
Potassium 349.3mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 105.4mg 35% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 34.6mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 3.2mg 4% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 126.4mg 10% DV
Iron 3.7mg 21% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour for this cake?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for a lighter texture. However, if you opt for whole wheat flour, the cake will be denser, so consider using a mix of both for the right balance.

How can I make this cake more chocolatey?

To enhance the chocolate flavor, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of cocoa powder or fold in chocolate chips into the batter. Additionally, using high-quality cocoa will make a noticeable difference in taste.

What can I use instead of oleo?

If you don’t have oleo, you can substitute it with unsalted butter or margarine in equal amounts. For a dairy-free option, consider using coconut oil or a plant-based margarine.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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