New England Heirloom Cake Recipe

Name: New England Heirloom Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups sifted all purpose flour; 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature; 2 cups firmly packed golden brown sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 large egg yolks, room temperature; 5 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled; 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, room temperature; Bittersweet Chocolate frosting; 13 walnut halves (optional)

Servings: persons

2 cups sifted all purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups firmly packed golden brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 large egg yolks, room temperature
5 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
1 1/2 cups buttermilk, room temperature
Bittersweet Chocolate frosting
13 walnut halves (optional)

1
Preheat oven to 350F.
2
Butter bottoms of three 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 1/2-inch-high sides.
3
Line bottoms with waxed paper.
4
Mix flour, soda, and salt in small bowl.
5
Using electric mixer, cream butter in large bowl until light.
6
Gradually add sugar and beat until fluffy.
7
Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
8
Beat in yolks, then melted chocolate.
9
Mix in dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
10
Divide batter among prepared pans.
11
Bake until tester inserted in centers comes out clean, about 25 minutes.
12
Transfer cakes to racks and cool 5 minutes.
13
Run small sharp knife around pan sides to loosen.
14
Unmold cakes onto paper towel-lined racks.
15
Cool completely.
16
Peel paper off cakes.
17
Place 1 cake layer on platter.
18
Slide waxed paper strips just under sides of cake.
19
Spread 3/4 cup frosting over, Top with second cake layer.
20
Spread with 3/4 cup frosting.
21
Top with third cake layer.
22
Spread remaining frosting decoratively over top and sides of cake.
23
Remove waxed paper strips.
24
Arrange walnuts around top edge and center of cake if desired.
25
(Can be prepared 1 day ahead.
26
Cover with cake dome; store at room temperature.)

4014

kcal

Calories

336

Fat

222

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 cups sifted all purpose flour, 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, and more.

Yes, New England Heirloom Cake falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

New England Heirloom Cake

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions