Description

Bumpy Cake is a rich, nostalgic chocolate dessert featuring a moist cake base, piped vanilla buttercream ‘bumps’, and a glossy chocolate ganache topping. A beloved Midwestern treat that’s both decadent and visually striking.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup brewed coffee or hot water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Buttercream Bumps:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Pinch of salt
For the Ganache:
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons corn syrup (optional, for shine)
2 tablespoons butter

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth, then stir in hot coffee or water.
Pour 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 completely in the pan.
Make the Buttercream: Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and cream or milk until smooth and pipeable.
Transfer buttercream to a piping bag with a large round tip and pipe thick lines across the cooled cake. Freeze for at least 30 minutes until firm.
Make the Ganache: Heat cream until simmering, then pour over chocolate and butter in a bowl. Let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Add corn syrup if using. Let cool slightly.
Pour ganache over chilled buttercream bumps and spread gently to cover.
Chill the cake until ganache is set before slicing and serving.

Notes

Chill the cake well before adding ganache to keep buttercream from melting.Use brewed coffee to enhance chocolate flavor, or substitute with hot water.For clean slices, use a warm, sharp knife and wipe between cuts.Make a day ahead for best texture and flavor development.Store tightly covered in the fridge and bring to room temp before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450
Sugar: 38g
Sodium: 240mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 65mg