Brown Mountain Cake
A rich, moist chocolate cake with caramel frosting, perfect for celebrations or indulgent desserts, appealing to chocolate lovers and those craving a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter, gradually add sugar, and beat until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Alternately add flour and buttermilk to the mixture, beginning and ending with the flour.
- Combine water, cocoa, and baking soda, stirring well; then add to the batter, beating thoroughly.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter into two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 to 38 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes.
- Remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.
- Spread caramel frosting between the layers, on top, and on the sides of the cake.
- Sprinkle with grated chocolate and garnish with pecan halves if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsweetened dark cocoa instead of regular cocoa powder. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. Ensure to fully cool the cake before frosting to prevent the caramel frosting from melting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Brown Mountain Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside fresh berries for a delightful contrast. This cake is perfect for celebrations and pairs beautifully with Aunt Susie's Apple Bread for a sweet dessert table. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for added indulgence.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until just warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brown Mountain Cake contains roughly 331 calories, with 4g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 497mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
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 frosting?
Absolutely! While caramel frosting is traditional, you can substitute it with cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache for a different flavor profile. Each option complements the cake's rich taste, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
A sinking cake can be caused by several factors, including underbaking or too much liquid in the batter. Ensure your oven is properly calibrated and check the cake for doneness before the suggested baking time ends. If it sinks, you can still serve it as a trifle by layering it with frosting and fruits.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary based on your oven. If the edges begin to pull away from the pan, it's also a good sign that it's ready.
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).