If you’re a chocolate lover, you know the sheer joy of biting into a rich, moist, and intensely chocolatey cake. Enter the Chocolate Fudge Cake – a decadent dessert that satisfies your deepest chocolate cravings. It’s a little bit like a chocolate mud cake, but lighter and more forgiving. With a texture that’s fudgy yet not overly dense, this cake is the perfect marriage between a brownie and a traditional chocolate cake. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment, just a bowl, a wooden spoon, and a love for chocolate.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this divine cake, from melting the chocolate to whipping up a silky ganache frosting. By the end, you’ll have a cake that not only tastes amazing but also looks irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, this Chocolate Fudge Cake will become your go-to recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Fudge Cake
1. Intensely Chocolatey
This cake boasts a deep chocolate flavor, thanks to the combination of both melted dark chocolate and cocoa powder. The result is a cake that tastes truly of chocolate – rich, satisfying, and utterly indulgent.
2. Moist and Fudgy Texture
The texture of this cake is what dreams are made of. It’s beautifully moist and fudgy, much like a brownie, but with a slight lift that keeps it from being too dense. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving you craving more.
3. Foolproof and Easy to Make
Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can still make this cake with ease. There’s no need for a stand mixer or electric beater – a wooden spoon will do just fine. Plus, the recipe is incredibly forgiving. You can bake it at different temperatures and for varying times, and it still turns out delicious.
4. Simple Ingredients
The ingredients for this cake are simple and likely already in your pantry. There’s no need for specialty items; just everyday ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and eggs. Yet, when combined, they create something truly magical.
5. Chocolate Ganache Frosting
To top it all off, we’ll be making a luxurious chocolate ganache frosting. This frosting is made with just two ingredients – cream and chocolate – and it’s as easy to make as it is delicious. When spread over the cake, it adds an extra layer of decadence that takes this dessert to the next level.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 125g / 4 oz dark chocolate chips (use good quality chocolate for the best flavor)
- 100g / 7 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted butter with a pinch of salt)
- 1 1/4 cups white sugar (caster or superfine sugar works best)
- 1/4 cup oil (vegetable or canola oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (pure vanilla extract for a rich flavor)
- 2 eggs (at room temperature for better incorporation)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (use unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor)
- 1 cup flour (plain or all-purpose flour)
- 1 tsp baking powder (to give the cake a slight lift)
- 1 cup boiling hot water (helps to bloom the cocoa)
- 1 tbsp coffee granules (optional, enhances the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee)
For the Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy/thickened cream (must be 30%+ fat to set properly)
- 250g / 8 oz dark chocolate chips (again, good quality chocolate is key)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Cake Batter
a. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 150°C/300°F for a standard oven or 130°C/265°F if you’re using a fan-forced oven. Grease a 22 cm / 9″ springform cake pan and line it with parchment or baking paper. This will ensure that your cake doesn’t stick to the pan and comes out easily.
b. Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a heatproof bowl, combine the butter and dark chocolate chips. Melt them together using a microwave. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize up.
c. Mix in Oil, Sugar, and Vanilla
Once the chocolate and butter mixture is melted and smooth, add the oil, vanilla extract, and sugar. Mix until well combined. This step helps to cool down the batter slightly, making it easier to incorporate the eggs without them scrambling.
d. Add the Eggs
Next, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The eggs should be at room temperature to ensure they incorporate smoothly into the batter. This will give the cake its fudgy texture.
e. Sift in the Dry Ingredients
Sift the cocoa powder, flour, and baking powder directly into the bowl. If you’re using coffee granules, sift them in as well. Mix until the batter is smooth. It will be quite thin, but that’s okay – the boiling water we add next will make it even more liquid.
f. Add Boiling Water
Carefully pour in the boiling hot water and mix until fully incorporated. The batter will be thin, but that’s what gives the cake its moist and fudgy texture. The hot water helps the cocoa powder to bloom, enhancing the chocolate flavor.
2. Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 1 hour, checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark. The cake is done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The surface of the cake may crack during baking, but don’t worry – this is normal and adds to the cake’s rustic charm. Plus, the cracks will be covered with ganache later.
3. Cooling the Cake
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the sides of the springform pan and transfer the cake to a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before attempting to remove the base of the pan. The cake is delicate while warm, so handle it gently to avoid breaking.
4. Making the Chocolate Ganache Frosting
While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the chocolate ganache frosting.
a. Heat the Cream
In a heatproof bowl, combine the heavy cream and dark chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to let the cream come to a boil, as this can cause the ganache to become grainy.
b. Cool and Thicken the Ganache
Once the ganache is smooth, refrigerate it for 1 to 2 hours, or until it thickens to a spreadable consistency. It should resemble peanut butter – thick, but easy to spread. If you accidentally leave it in the fridge for too long and it becomes too stiff, simply microwave it for 10 seconds and stir to soften.
5. Frosting the Cake
Once the ganache is ready, it’s time to frost your cake. Place the cake on a serving plate or cake stand. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the ganache over the top and sides of the cake. Use a swirling motion to create a textured surface, giving the cake a rustic and appealing look.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chocolate Fudge Cake
1. Use Good Quality Chocolate
Since chocolate is the star of this recipe, it’s important to use good quality dark chocolate. This will ensure that the cake has a rich, deep chocolate flavor. Avoid using eating chocolate, as it doesn’t melt as smoothly and can result in a grainy texture.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
When incorporating the dry ingredients, mix just until the batter is smooth. Overmixing can cause the cake to become tough. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps in the batter – they will disappear during baking.
3. Check for Doneness Early
Every oven is different, so it’s a good idea to start checking the cake for doneness at the 50-minute mark. Insert a skewer into the center of the cake – if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If there’s still wet batter on the skewer, continue baking and check again in 5 minutes.
4. Handle with Care
This cake is very moist and fudgy, making it more delicate than a traditional chocolate cake. Be gentle when removing it from the pan and transferring it to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before handling it to avoid any breakage.
5. Customize Your Ganache
While the recipe calls for a classic dark chocolate ganache, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. For a milk chocolate ganache, simply substitute milk chocolate for the dark chocolate. If you prefer a white chocolate ganache, use white chocolate and reduce the cream slightly, as white chocolate is softer and requires less liquid to set.
Serving and Storing the Cake
This Chocolate Fudge Cake is best served at room temperature, where the ganache is soft and the cake is at its fudgiest. However, it also tastes incredible when served slightly chilled, as the ganache takes on a more truffle-like texture.
Storing the Cake
To store the cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warm climate, it’s best to store the cake in the fridge to prevent the ganache from melting. If refrigerating, bring the cake to room temperature before serving to allow the ganache to soften.
Freezing the Cake
This cake freezes beautifully, making it a great option for make-ahead desserts. To freeze, wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake overnight in the fridge, then frost with ganache before serving.
Variations and Add-Ins
1. Chocolate Fudge Cake with Raspberries
For a fruity twist, add a layer of fresh raspberries between the cake and ganache. The tartness of the raspberries pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate, adding a refreshing contrast to each bite.
2. Nutty Chocolate Fudge Cake
For a bit of crunch, stir in a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts, into the cake batter. The nuts add texture and a toasty flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
3. Chocolate Orange Fudge Cake
For a citrusy kick, add the zest of one orange to the cake batter. The orange flavor will enhance the chocolate, creating a cake that’s reminiscent of a chocolate orange truffle.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking a Chocolate Fudge Cake. It’s a cake that’s both simple and sophisticated, rich and indulgent, yet easy enough to whip up on a whim. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this cake is sure to impress. And the best part? It’s so versatile – you can dress it up for a special occasion or keep it simple for an everyday treat. So, the next time you’re craving something chocolatey, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Happy baking!