Birthday Cake For Men
This bold and rich chocolate buttermilk birthday cake is crafted for the man in your life. With dark chocolate frosting, a hint of coffee, and just the right amount of sweetness, it's the perfect celebration dessert for husbands, boyfriends, dads, or friends.
Equipment
- Two 9-inch Round Cake Pans
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 0.5 cup strong brewed coffee cooled
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Dark Chocolate Frosting
- 2 sticks unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup dark chocolate melted and slightly cooled
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, coffee, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide batter evenly between the two pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- To make the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in melted dark chocolate, cream, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
- Layer the cakes with frosting between and around the sides. Decorate with chopped nuts, chocolate curls, or keep it simple and clean.
Notes
This cake can be made a day ahead—just store unfrosted layers wrapped in plastic at room temperature. Add bourbon, peanut butter, or caramel between layers for a personal twist.