Description
A rich, buttery vanilla cake studded with generous chunks of premium chocolate that create pockets of melty goodness in every bite. This simple yet decadent cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual weeknight treats.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped into chunks (not chips)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (optional, for deeper flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder (if using) in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk in three additions, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Toss chocolate chunks with 1 tablespoon flour (to prevent sinking), then fold into batter.
- Pour into prepared pan and smooth top. Bake 40-45 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean (except for melted chocolate).
- Cool in pan 15 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra decadence: Drizzle with chocolate ganache or dust with powdered sugar
- Buttermilk substitute: Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes
- Storage: Keeps airtight at room temperature for 3 days, or freeze up to 1 month
- Flavor variations: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder or 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- For muffins: Divide batter into 12 lined cups, bake 18-20 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg