Chocolate Buttermilk Cake (Graveyard Cake)

Guess what I brought to a Halloween party?

Besides the fact that this cake was so much fun for my daughter and I to decorate, it was also fantastically moist, chocolaty and delicious.  Truly a wonderful chocolate cake recipe.

I used this recipe for the frosting because I didn't want anything that would be too thick and fluffy.

I will be making this cake again for other occasions.  It had the perfect chocolate flavor, enhanced by the coffee (which you can't taste) and I'm sure the buttermilk is responsible for how moist it was.  Look no further if you're in the market for a great chocolate cake recipe.

Chocolate Buttermilk Cake

Recipe from Serving Up Southern

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 whole eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup strong, hot coffee

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350º
2. Sift the dry ingredients together (not the sugar) in a medium bowl. 
3. In the bowl of your stand mixer cream together the sugar and the oil. 
4. Add the eggs, vanilla and buttermilk. 
5. Slowly incorporate the flour and then pour the hot coffee in by pouring it down the side of the mixer bowl.  Batter will be thin. 
6. Pour into a jelly roll pan that has been oiled and floured and bake for 20 minutes. Test for doneness by putting a toothpick into the center and if it comes out clean it's ready. 
7. Let cool completely before frosting and decorating. 

Graveyard Decorations: 

Oreo's - cut to look like headstones

Candy Corn - just for decoration

Chocolate Tree - melt chocolate bark and pour some into a zip lock back with the tip cut off or a pastry bag.  Lay a piece of wax paper on a work surface and design your tree.  I recommend not making it too tall, and make sure the branches and truck are wide and sturdy.  Decorate with some Halloween sprinkles if desired.  Let dry and make sure your cake is completely cool before decorating or else your tree will melt. 

Candy Mice - jarred cherries that have been rinsed and dried well.  Dip in chocolate bark and use a Hershey's Kiss for the head.  Place two sliced almonds behind the head for the ears.  Make little eyes with either melted chocolate or sprinkles.