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–+ servings
Southern Beauty Cake
Southern Beauty Cake is a classic example of regional Southern baking, simple, comforting, and beloved for its rich, cocoa-forward flavor balanced with tangy buttermilk. With a texture between sponge and butter cake, it’s likely been served at countless community gatherings and family meals. Its understated elegance comes from pantry staples and a streamlined process that makes it perfect for both weekday baking and special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, southerm
Servings 8
Calories 260 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp butter (level, measured before melting)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp baking soda (mixed into flour)
  • 1 Pinch salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

  • Melt butter and let cool slightly. Preheat oven to 350°F (moderate heat). Grease and flour a cake pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

  • Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry. Mix until just combined.

Step 5: Add Flavoring

  • Stir in vanilla extract. Do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

  • Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

  • Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Frost or serve plain as desired.

Tips

  • Serve plain or dusted lightly with powdered sugar for a simple finish.
  • Add a thin chocolate glaze or boiled icing for a more festive cake.
  • Use buttermilk in place of sour milk if preferred.
  • Bake in a square pan or loaf pan if a check pan is unavailable.
  • Enhance flavor with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
  • Let the cake cool completely before slicing to keep it tender.
  • Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
  • Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 60mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword buttermilk-style cake, cocoa cake, handwritten recipe, old-fashioned cake, southern dessert, vintage baking
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