Chocolate Fudge Cake

Rich, indulgent, and deeply chocolatey, Chocolate Fudge Cake is the ultimate dessert for true chocolate lovers. This classic cake features moist, tender layers infused with intense cocoa flavor and finished with a smooth, luscious fudge frosting that melts in your mouth. Every bite delivers pure chocolate satisfaction, making it perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever a serious chocolate craving strikes.

What sets this cake apart is its luxurious texture and bold flavor. Despite tasting bakery-worthy, it’s made with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it achievable for home bakers of all skill levels.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is:

• Ultra-rich and decadent, perfect for chocolate fans
• Moist and tender, never dry or crumbly
• Reliable and impressive, ideal for special occasions
• Comforting and indulgent, a true classic dessert

It’s the cake I turn to when I want something that feels truly special.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it delivers pure, indulgent chocolate satisfaction in every bite. The cake is incredibly moist and rich, while the fudge frosting adds a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth finish that feels both comforting and luxurious. It strikes the perfect balance between deep chocolate flavor and soft, tender texture, making it appealing to both casual dessert lovers and serious chocolate enthusiasts.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Nutrition

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
Cooling & Frosting Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 12 slices
Calories: ~520 calories per slice (approximate)

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American / Classic Baking

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Fudge Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee or hot water

For the Fudge Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Directions

Prepare the cake batter.
Mix dry ingredients, then add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Stir until smooth and add hot liquid last.

Bake the cake.
Pour batter into prepared pans and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare the fudge frosting.
Melt butter, stir in cocoa, powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

Assemble the cake.
Frost cooled cake layers generously with fudge frosting.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round pans.
Step 2: Whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; mix until combined.
Step 4: Carefully stir in hot coffee or water.
Step 5: Divide batter evenly between pans.
Step 6: Bake for 35–40 minutes.
Step 7: Cool cakes completely on wire racks.
Step 8: Prepare frosting by melting butter and mixing remaining ingredients.
Step 9: Frost cake layers and smooth the top and sides.

How to Serve

Serve at room temperature.

• Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• Garnish with chocolate shavings or berries
• Serve with coffee or milk

Recipe Tips

• Use hot coffee to enhance chocolate flavor.
• Do not overmix the batter.
• Sift cocoa powder for a smooth texture.
• Cool cake completely before frosting.
• Warm frosting slightly if it becomes too thick.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Ganache Cake:
Replace frosting with chocolate ganache.

Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes:
Bake batter in cupcake liners for 18–22 minutes.

Dark Chocolate Version:
Use dark cocoa powder for deeper flavor.

Nutty Chocolate Cake:
Add chopped walnuts or hazelnuts.

Mocha Fudge Cake:
Add espresso powder to frosting for coffee notes.

Freezing and Storage

Room Temperature:
Store covered for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezing:
Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Two 9-inch cake pans
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula

Conclusion

Chocolate Fudge Cake is the ultimate indulgence—rich, moist, and packed with deep chocolate flavor. Perfect for celebrations or cozy nights in, this classic dessert never fails to impress. With its velvety fudge frosting and tender crumb, it’s a recipe you’ll return to whenever only chocolate will do.