There’s nothing quite like a rich, moist Chocolate Fudge Cake to satisfy your chocolate cravings. This classic dessert is indulgent and deeply chocolatey, with a dense, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for celebrations or any time you want a comforting treat, this cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to baking, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, fudgy texture that’s soft yet dense
- Intense chocolate flavor that’s deeply satisfying
- Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps
- Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or casual indulgence
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and well combined.
- Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin—that’s normal and makes the cake extra moist.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Serving Tips
Serve your Chocolate Fudge Cake slightly warmed or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream. For extra indulgence, drizzle warm chocolate ganache or caramel sauce on top. This cake also makes a fantastic base for layered desserts or trifles.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Chocolate Fudge Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake layers well in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag; freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slices briefly in the microwave or oven to restore that fudgy softness.
Timing Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Optional Variations
- Chocolate chips: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for extra melty pockets of chocolate.
- Espresso boost: Mix 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder into the boiling water to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Frosting swap: Try cream cheese frosting or peanut butter frosting instead of traditional chocolate ganache.
- Vegan option: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and plant-based milk for a vegan Chocolate Fudge Cake.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free Chocolate Fudge Cake.
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Conclusion
This Chocolate Fudge Cake is a timeless favorite that combines rich chocolate flavor with a moist, fudgy texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a delicious way to satisfy any chocolate craving.
FAQs
Q: Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa instead of natural cocoa powder?
A: Yes, but reduce the baking soda slightly and consider adding a bit of baking powder to balance acidity.
Q: How do I know when the cake is done?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
Q: Can I make this cake in one pan instead of two?
A: Yes, but increase the baking time by about 10–15 minutes and check doneness regularly.
Q: What frosting pairs best with Chocolate Fudge Cake?
A: Classic chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or peanut butter frosting all work wonderfully.
Q: Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
A: It’s best to bake the batter fresh, but you can mix it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
📖 Recipe
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Chocolate Fudge Cake
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
There’s nothing quite like a rich, moist Chocolate Fudge Cake to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Ingredients
1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup (240ml) whole milk
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) boiling water
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and well combined.
4. Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin—that’s normal and makes the cake extra moist.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Notes
Serve your Chocolate Fudge Cake slightly warmed or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream. For extra indulgence, drizzle warm chocolate ganache or caramel sauce on top. This cake also makes a fantastic base for layered desserts or trifles.
Store leftover Chocolate Fudge Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake layers well in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag; freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slices briefly in the microwave or oven to restore that fudgy softness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Desserts