Old-Fashioned Swiss Chocolate Cake Recipe
This Old-Fashioned Swiss Chocolate Cake is the kind of dessert that brings everyone back for seconds! Made with rich cocoa, real butter, and a touch of buttermilk, this cake is soft, tender, and packed with deep chocolate flavor. It’s finished with a creamy homemade chocolate frosting that melts beautifully over the warm cake — just like Grandma used to make!
Ingredients
For the Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Swiss or Dutch-processed)
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup water
½ cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting
½ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
⅓ cup milk
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
Heat the Butter Mixture
In a saucepan, melt butter with water over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
Pour the hot mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
Add Wet Ingredients
Add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla.
Mix until fully combined and the batter is silky smooth.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool slightly before frosting.
Make the Frosting
Combine the Ingredients
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in cocoa powder and milk, whisking until smooth.
Remove from heat and add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whisk until creamy and glossy.
Frost the Cake
Pour the warm frosting over the slightly cooled cake.
Spread evenly and allow it to set before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Garnish with chocolate curls or fresh berries for an elegant touch.
Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or Sunday dinners!
Storage & Reheating
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days (bring to room temperature before serving).
Can be frozen (unfrosted) for up to 2 months — thaw before frosting.