Award-Winning Blue Ribbon Chocolate Cake Recipe with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with this Blue Ribbon Chocolate Cake, a decadent dessert that’s perfect for any celebration. Paired with a creamy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting, this cake is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Follow this easy-to-follow recipe to create a moist, rich, and utterly delicious chocolate cake that’s worthy of its blue ribbon status!

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup Hershey’s cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup strong cooled coffee
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

• 1/2 cup Crisco (shortening)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 tsp meringue powder
• 2 tsp white vanilla extract
• 1 tsp butter flavor extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp water (as needed)

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch cake pan.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Add the eggs, cooled coffee, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.

Step 5: To make the frosting, beat the Crisco and butter on high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Add the meringue powder, vanilla extract, and butter flavor extract on low speed, then beat on high for 1 minute.

Step 7: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, scraping the bowl as needed. Add water if the frosting is too thick, adjusting based on humidity.

Step 8: Once all ingredients are combined, beat on high speed for 5 minutes until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Frost the cooled cake and enjoy!

This Blue Ribbon Chocolate Cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. Its rich flavor and velvety texture make it a crowd favorite. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family!