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A moist chocolate square cake cooling on a wire rack in a sunlit Southern kitchen.

Chocolate Square Cake

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5 from 15 reviews

Description

Experience a slice of Southern comfort with this rich and moist Chocolate Square Cake. Featuring a tender crumb perfected by buttermilk and bloomed cocoa, it is a simple yet sophisticated dessert finished with thick, velvety swirls of cocoa frosting.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher sea salt
  • 1/2 cup quality unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
  • Chocolate curls or sea salt for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9×9-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a stand mixer, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil for approximately 30 seconds until the mixture looks like wet sand.
  3. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then add the vanilla extract, buttermilk, and warm water (with espresso powder dissolved).
  4. Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and coarse salt to the bowl, then sift the cocoa powder over the top to remove any lumps.
  5. Whisk by hand or on the lowest mixer setting for exactly 30 seconds until the flour streaks disappear, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Pour the thin batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top springs back or a tester comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
  7. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting with a whipped mixture of softened butter, powdered sugar, and cocoa.

Notes

For the most tender result, ensure your buttermilk and eggs are truly at room temperature before you begin mixing. If you find your cake lacks height, verify the freshness of your baking soda by testing a pinch in vinegar to ensure it fizzes vigorously.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

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Find it online: https://cakepeak.com/square-chocolate-cake/