The Chocolate Buttermilk Bundt Cake is your new go-to recipe for a deeply satisfying, incredibly moist, and surprisingly simple chocolate cake. This recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels, offering a decadent dessert that’s both impressive and easy to achieve.
Key Ingredients for Chocolate Buttermilk Bundt Cake
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups, sifted
- Granulated Sugar: 2 cups
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 3/4 cup, sifted
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Large Eggs: 2
- Buttermilk: 1 cup, at room temperature
- Vegetable Oil: 1/2 cup
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
- Hot Water or Hot Brewed Coffee: 1 cup
How to Make Chocolate Buttermilk Bundt Cake
Prepare yourself for pure chocolate bliss with this remarkably easy Chocolate Buttermilk Bundt Cake. Its magic lies in the simplicity of its wet and dry ingredient combination, resulting in a cake that is unbelievably tender, rich, and bursting with deep chocolate flavor. The secret ingredient, buttermilk, contributes to its signature moistness, making every bite a delightful experience. This decadent treat can be ready in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including baking and cooling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan. For best results, use a good quality baking spray or butter and flour, ensuring every crevice is coated to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, sifted unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Ensure these ingredients are thoroughly combined to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the large eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Beat on low speed with an electric mixer until just combined. Do not overmix at this stage.
- Incorporate Hot Liquid: Carefully pour the hot water or hot brewed coffee into the batter. Beat again on low speed until smooth. The batter will be quite thin, which is perfectly normal and contributes to the cake’s moist texture.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any large air bubbles.
- Bake the Cake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Cooling Process: Let the cake cool in the Bundt pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. This allows the cake to set slightly before you attempt to unmold it.
- Unmold the Cake: Carefully invert the pan onto the wire rack. Gently lift the pan away. If any part of the cake sticks, you can gently coax it with a thin spatula. Allow the cake to cool completely on the wire rack before decorating.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Buttermilk Bundt Cake
This Chocolate Buttermilk Bundt Cake is an absolute dream for any chocolate lover, boasting an incredibly tender crumb and a deep, rich chocolate flavor that will transport you straight to dessert heaven. Unlike some other chocolate cakes that can be dry or crumbly, the magic of buttermilk transforms this Bundt into a supremely moist and decadent treat, akin to a gourmet bakery cake but without the hefty price tag. The simple yet profound flavor profile is further enhanced by the optional, yet highly recommended, dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate ganache, elevating it to an extraordinary level of deliciousness.
Imagine the delightful scent that will fill your kitchen as this beauty bakes – it’s an invitation to indulgence! Making this Chocolate Buttermilk Bundt Cake at home is not only incredibly satisfying but also remarkably cost-effective, allowing you to enjoy a show-stopping dessert without breaking the bank. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any occasion or a comforting treat for a quiet afternoon. Don’t wait any longer; whip up this incredible cake and experience a slice of pure chocolate joy!
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Room Temperature Storage: Once completely cooled, the Chocolate Buttermilk Bundt Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Ensure it is fully cooled before covering to prevent condensation build-up, which can make the cake soggy.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, or if your home is particularly warm, you can refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: To enjoy a warm slice, place a slice of cake on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10-15 seconds, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can gently warm slices in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
- Freezing: This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap the completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, unwrap and let it come to room temperature on a wire rack, or thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Buttermilk Bundt Cake is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a cherished recipe in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!

Chocolate Buttermilk Bundt Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan. For best results, use a good quality baking spray or butter and flour, ensuring every crevice is coated to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, sifted unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Ensure these ingredients are thoroughly combined to distribute the leavening agents evenly.2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the large eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well blended.2 large eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Beat on low speed with an electric mixer until just combined. Do not overmix at this stage.
- Carefully pour the hot water or hot brewed coffee into the batter. Beat again on low speed until smooth. The batter will be quite thin, which is perfectly normal and contributes to the cake’s moist texture.1 cup hot water or hot brewed coffee
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any large air bubbles.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Let the cake cool in the Bundt pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. This allows the cake to set slightly before you attempt to unmold it.
- Carefully invert the pan onto the wire rack. Gently lift the pan away. If any part of the cake sticks, you can gently coax it with a thin spatula. Allow the cake to cool completely on the wire rack before decorating.