Patrick Simon November 3, 2025

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Fudge Chocolate Cake

Name: Fudge Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free milk mixed with lemon juice); ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; For the fudge frosting:; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 4 cups powdered sugar; ⅓ cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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When you think of a comforting dessert that warms the heart and fills the home with the delightful scent of chocolate, this fudge chocolate cake is high on the list. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply a cozy evening in, this indulgent treat features a rich, moist crumb and a decadent fudge topping that brings joy with every bite. You can imagine the smiles as you serve this delicious cake to family and friends, creating memories that last long after the last piece has been enjoyed.

Why You’ll Adore This Fudge Chocolate Cake

This fudge chocolate cake is not only a sight to behold but also a delightful experience for the taste buds. The combination of rich chocolate and a velvety fudge layer results in a dessert that is hard to resist. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just want to indulge, this cake offers something for everyone.

Rich and decadent flavor that chocolate lovers crave
Moist texture that melts in your mouth
Easy to make with simple ingredients
Ideal for sharing at gatherings or family dinners
Versatile enough to customize for any occasion

What You’ll Need

Gather these essential ingredients to create a heavenly fudge chocolate cake. Feel free to use high-quality chocolate for an even richer taste. Below is your grocery list, along with some notes on possible substitutions.

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with dairy-free milk mixed with a little lemon juice)
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
For the fudge frosting:
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cups powdered sugar
⅓ cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Prepare This Decadent Chocolate Cake

Creating your fudge chocolate cake is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with a heavenly aroma. Follow these steps for baking success:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy release after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. The batter will be thick.
Add Boiling Water: Slowly stir in the boiling water, which will thin out the batter. It will be relatively liquid at this stage, but this is what makes the cake moist.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will soon fill with the irresistible scent of baking chocolate.
Cool the Cakes: Once done, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create your fudge frosting. Beat until smooth.
Assemble the Cake: Once cooled, place one layer of the cake on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting on top, and then place the second layer on top. Finish by covering the entire cake with the fudge frosting.

Prep ~ 20 minutes, Cook ~ 35 minutes, Total ~ 55 minutes, Servings ~ 12, Kcal ~ 350 per slice (estimate).

Plan Ahead

Making this fudge chocolate cake can easily be spread out over a couple of days. You can bake the cake layers in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The frosting can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before spreading it on the cake for smooth application.

Storing and Reheating

To keep your fudge chocolate cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer; it can last up to 3 months. To reheat, simply allow the cake to thaw at room temperature for a few hours, and it will be as good as new!

Delightful Pairings

Make your dessert experience even more delightful with these serving ideas:

Serve with freshly whipped cream for a light touch
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that classic combo
Add fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and flavor
Drizzle with extra fudge sauce for the ultimate indulgence
Accompany with a strong cup of coffee to balance the sweetness

Flavor Twists and Substitutions

Get creative with your fudge chocolate cake by trying out these variations:

Nutty Delight: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch.
Mint Chocolate: Incorporate a few drops of peppermint extract into the frosting for a refreshing twist.
Peanut Butter Fudge: Swirl in a bit of peanut butter into the batter before baking for a rich flavor contrast.
Fruit Infusion: Add 1 cup of mashed ripe banana or applesauce to the batter for extra moisture and a hint of fruity flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a friendly option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Pro Tips for Best Results

To ensure your fudge chocolate cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer flavor.
Do not overmix the batter; mix until just combined to keep the cake tender.
Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.
If using a glass or dark pan, reduce the baking time slightly to avoid overbaking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and freeze them. Just frost the cake shortly before serving for the best texture.
Can I use dairy-free ingredients?
Absolutely! Substitute regular milk with almond, soy, or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter for the frosting.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can easily make buttermilk by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
How should I store leftover cake?
Store any remaining cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Is it possible to make a single-layer cake?
Yes! Simply halve the recipe and bake in one 9-inch pan for a delightful single layer of chocolate heaven.

Final Thoughts

This fudge chocolate cake is the ultimate sweet treat that brings people together. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a moment of joy, it’s a delicious option to share with loved ones. The warmth of chocolate, the richness of fudge frosting, and the smiles it brings make it irresistible. Don’t wait too long—gather your ingredients and make this delightful dessert soon!

Fudge Chocolate Cake

Author: patrick
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and decadent fudge chocolate cake with a moist crumb and luscious fudge topping, perfect for special occasions and everyday indulgence.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, mix buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Slowly stir in the boiling water until the batter is well combined.
Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the frosting by mixing cocoa powder, melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Once cooled, frost the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the entire cake.