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Funeral Cake Recipe

Funeral Cake Recipe

This Funeral Cake Recipe is a rich, moist Southern chocolate sheet cake topped with a smooth chocolate frosting. Perfect for family gatherings, church potlucks, memorial receptions, or any occasion, this easy homemade cake comes together with simple pantry ingredients and delivers classic comfort-food flavor in every bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Funeral Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot water
  • For the Chocolate Frosting
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ⅓ cup whole milk
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup chopped pecans optional

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Electric hand mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Saucepan
  • Cooling rack
  • Offset spatula (optional)

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  4. Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
  5. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
  6. Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
  7. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  8. Step 4: Make the Batter
  9. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
  10. Mix gently until combined.
  11. Slowly add the hot water and stir until a smooth batter forms.
  12. Step 5: Bake the Cake
  13. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
  14. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  15. Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
  16. While the cake bakes, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  17. Stir in cocoa powder and milk.
  18. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
  19. Fold in chopped pecans if using.
  20. Step 7: Frost the Cake
  21. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 5–10 minutes.
  22. Spread the warm chocolate frosting evenly over the cake.
  23. Let the frosting set before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For extra richness, substitute hot coffee for the hot water.
  • Frosting spreads best while the cake is still slightly warm.
  • Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerate for up to 1 week for longer freshness.
  • Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months.
  • Pecans are traditional in many Southern funeral cake recipes but can be omitted if preferred.
Funeral Cake Recipe
Nutrition Information (per serving, estimated):
Calories: 385 kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 190mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 420IU | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 2.1mg