• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
    • Recipes
      • Bars + Brownies
      • Breads
      • Breakfast
      • Cakes + Cupcakes Recipes
      • Chocolate
      • Cocktails + Smoothies
      • Cookies Recipes
      • Gluten Free
      • Savory
      • Cocktails + Smoothies Recipes
      • Tarts + Pies Recipes
      • Entertaining
    • Seasonal
      • Fall
      • Winter
      • Spring
      • Summer
  • Blog
  • Entertaining
  • About
  • Contact

Joy + Oliver

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Savory
  • Sips
  • Sweets
  • Seasonal
  • Recipes
  • Entertaining
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Savory
    • Sips
    • Sweets
    • Seasonal
    • Recipes
    • Entertaining
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Dessert » Cakes + Cupcakes Recipes » The Best Chocolate Buttermilk Layer Cake

    Published: Aug 5, 2020 · Modified: Aug 5, 2020 by Kristen Massad · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    The Best Chocolate Buttermilk Layer Cake

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    The Best Chocolate Buttermilk Layer Cake is exactly what we all need for every celebration. Three layers of classic chocolate cake paired with the most decadent Chocolate Buttercream Frosting.  

    Every birthday celebration is so special and so different.  I love to make each individual feel extra special and let them choose how they want to celebrate their special day. Choosing the menu for the day is the first thing we do. Most mornings start with donut cakes, singing, and a kitchen island full of gifts and balloons. 

    I love starting the day with a mini celebration for our family. Each person chooses their favorite meal and the best part is deciding on the cake flavor they love the most. This is where everyone gets creative and I love getting to bake exactly what they want. 

    This year my ten-year-old chose her cake flavor and she wanted to stick with a classic. This chocolate cake is my go-to recipe for all celebration cakes. It is really easy to make, no complicated ingredients and it always turns out so perfect. Classic Chocolate Layer Cake is made with super moist chocolate cake layers, a rich and creamy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting. And she requested extra chocolate chips added into the layers of the cake and on top! This kid has good taste!

    Ingredients

    Classic chocolate layer cake topped with sprinkles and chocolate chips on a white cake stand
    • Flour- All-purpose works great
    • Leavening Agents- Baking powder and baking soda for the perfect amount of rise
    • Buttermilk- To give the cake its the wonderful moist texture
    • Vegetable Oil- Also for the moisture in the cake
    • Cocoa Powder- The star of the show: rich chocolate flavor
    • Vanilla Extract- To add another subtle layer of flavor

    Directions

    6 photos showing each layer of cake and frosting being stacked
    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
    • Spray 3-6 inch cake pans with non stick spray and line the bottom of each pan with a 6 inch round piece of parchment paper 
    • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda and baking powder; whisk until combined, set aside
    • In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract
    • Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and whisk until the batter is smooth
    • Scrape the sides of the bowl to make sure that all of the cake batter is fully incorporated 
    • Add the boiling water to the batter and slowly whisk until fully combined, scraping the sides down in between each addition
    • Pour the batter equally into three 6 inch cake pans 
    The top of the chocolate layer cake, with rainbow sprinkles and chocolate chips on top
    • Bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean
    • Allow the cake to cool for 30-40 minutes before removing from the pan
    • Once the cake layers are cooled you can start layering the cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting or Chocolate Fudge Frosting 
    • Place one cake layer on a serving dish or a cardboard cake round, spread one layer of frosting on top of the cake layer; repeat until all three cake layers are used
    • Frost the top of the cake with frosting and garnish with sprinkles or a decoration of your choice 
    • Refrigerate the cake for 10-20  minutes to allow the frosting to set
    • Once you are ready to serve the cake, remove from the refrigerator and sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then enjoy!  

    Layering The Cake

    The task of layer a cake might seem daunting, but I promise if you have a good foundation with the cake layers and a smooth and creamy Chocolate Butter Cream Frosting, you are going to have success! Once the cake is baked, make sure that you cool it completely so that it does not melt the frosting. When the cake layers are cooled, start by placing the first layer on a cake plate or a cake board and add the frosting on top of each layer. Repeat until all three layers are stacked and finish with a layer of frosting on the top. If you like the look of piping the frosting, you can grab some disposable piping bags and a star tip to make a clean and creative look. For a simple and fun decoration, mix together mini chocolate chip and rainbow sprinkles and you are ready to party!

    A slice of classic chocolate layer cake on a plate with a fork

    Tips and FAQs for Classic Chocolate Layer Cake

    • If you need to bake the cake ahead of time, allow the cake layers to cool and then wrap each layer in plastic wrap and leave at room temperature until you are ready to assemble and decorate.
    • If you're like me and living in an environment that is hot and humid, you may want to refrigerate your cake to set the icing because the temperature outside will make the frosting very soft and will be more difficult to serve.
    • Once you have enjoyed the cake with your family and friends you can store the extra slices in an air tight container at room temperature for one day or in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
    • Remember: keeping a cake in the refrigerator for too long will end up drying the cake layers out.
    Can You Make This Classic Chocolate Cake Gluten-Free?

    Yes!!! I have made this recipe so many times to accommodate for a Gluten-Free Diet and it works perfectly!! I simply replace the all-purpose flour for Gluten Free 1 to 1 Flour and it creates the same moist, decadent chocolate cake!  

    How Many Servings Are In This Classic Chocolate Layer Cake?

    A 6 inch round cake serves 6-8 people depending on how you slice it. It is really a great size cake for a small celebration but I also love to bake more than one 6 inch cake instead of a large cake if I have a larger gathering. If you want to make an 8-inch three-layer cake, you can double this recipe and you will be set to serve 10-12 people!

    More Chocolate Recipes You Will Love

    • Guinness Chocolate Cake
    • The Best Ever Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes
    • The Best Chocolate Cake + Meringue Icing
    • The Best Flourless Molten Chocolate Cake

    Thank you for visiting Joy + Oliver. If you tried this recipe, please leave a 5 Star Review in the recipe card and save all your favorite recipes to Pinterest!

    Please visit us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more of our favorite recipes that you will love!

    The Best Chocolate Buttermilk Layer Cake

    The Best Chocolate Buttermilk Layer Cake is exactly what we all need for every celebration. Three layers of classic chocolate cake paired with the most decadent Chocolate Buttercream Frosting.  
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Cakes, Chocolate, Dessert
    Cuisine: Dessert
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 14 minutes
    Cool Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 59 minutes
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 123kcal
    Author: Kristen Massad

    Ingredients

    • 1 Cup All Purpose Flour
    • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
    • ½ Cup Cocoa Powder
    • 1 tsp Baking Powder
    • ¾ tsp Baking Soda
    • ½ Cup Buttermilk
    • ¼ Cup Vegetable Oil
    • 1 Eggs
    • ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
    • ½ Cup Boiling Water
    • 1 Recipe Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and prepare 3-6 inch cake pans with non stick spray and line the bottom of each pan with a 6 inch round piece of parchment paper 
    • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda and baking powder; whisk until combined, set aside
    • In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract
    • Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and whisk until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated
    • Scrape the sides of the bowl to make sure that all of the cake batter is fully incorporated 
    • Add the boiling water to the batter and slowly whisk until fully combined, scraping the sides down in between each addition
    • Divide the batter into three 6 inch cake pans 
    • Bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes or until the cake springs back at the touch or a cake tester comes out clean
    • Allow the cake to cool for 30-40 minutes before removing from the pan
    • Once the cake layers are cooled you can start layering the cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting or Chocolate Fudge Frosting 
    • Place one cake layer on a serving dish or a cardboard cake round, spread one layer of frosting on top of the cake layer and repeat until all three cake layers are used
    • Frost the top of the cake with frosting and garnish with sprinkles or a decoration of your choice 
    •  Refrigerate the cake for 10-20  minutes to allow the frosting to set so that it is not too soft to transport 
    • Once you are ready to serve the cake, remove the cake from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying!  

    Nutrition

    Serving: 12servings | Calories: 123kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 121mg | Potassium: 85mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 36IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @JoyandOliver or tag #JoyandOliver!
    « The Best Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
    Lemon Buttermilk Chess Tart »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Diane Genard says

      August 15, 2020 at 2:34 pm

      This cake was so very moist and the chocolate buttercream icing .... well heavenly ❤️.... I’m certainly not to your caliber of baking perfection but it was a hit for my granddaughters 4th family birthday party ... thank you for all your delicious recipes!!

      Reply
      • kristen massad says

        August 18, 2020 at 10:55 pm

        I am so glad you loved it! Thank you for choosing my recipe to enjoy with your family!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Joy + Oliver is very special to me and has allowed me to introduce you to not only my love for baking and entertaining, but my sweet family as well.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Fun and Festive 4th of July Dessert Recipes
    • Cucumber Vodka Gimlet
    • Better Than Boxed Fudge Brownies
    • Berries and Cream Rice Krispie Treats
    • Dragon Fruit Strawberry Smoothie
    • Mediterranean Lamb Flatbread

    The Best Smoothie Recipes

    • Easy Strawberry Cream Smoothie
    • Super Greens Energy Smoothie
    • Vitamin C Immunity Smoothie
    • Blueberry Protein Smoothie
    • Strawberry Banana Smoothie Popsicle
    • Tropical Avocado Smoothie

    Cocktail Recipes

    • Skinny Blood Orange Margarita
    • The Best Cucumber Margaritas
    • Blackberry Tequila Lemonade
    • Elderflower Old Fashioned Cocktail
    • The Perfect Paloma Cocktail
    • The Best Frosé (Frozen Rosé)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Joy+Oliver Sea Salt Caramels

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Privacy Policy/ Accessibility Statement

    Copyright © 2021 Joy+Oliver