Chocolate Fudge Cake is a rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey dessert with a dense yet soft texture, topped with a smooth and creamy chocolate fudge frosting. This indulgent cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or when you simply crave a decadent chocolate treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Intensely chocolatey with a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture
Moist and rich, thanks to buttermilk and melted chocolate
Simple ingredients, yet tastes like a gourmet dessert
Can be made as a layer cake, sheet cake, or cupcakes
Pairs beautifully with ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chocolate Fudge Cake:

All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Buttermilk
Vegetable oil or melted butter
Vanilla extract
Hot water or brewed coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)
Melted dark chocolate (for extra richness)

For the Fudge Frosting:

Unsalted butter, softened
Powdered sugar
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Melted chocolate
Heavy cream or milk
Vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions

Prepare the Cake Batter:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugars.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract.
Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. Stir in melted chocolate.
Add Hot Water or Coffee: Slowly mix in hot water or coffee. The batter will be thin, but this ensures a moist cake.
Bake: Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Fudge Frosting:

Beat Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until smooth and creamy.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
Mix in Melted Chocolate: Add melted chocolate, vanilla extract, and salt.
Adjust Consistency: Add heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is thick yet spreadable.

Assemble the Cake:

Frost the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of fudge frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
Decorate: Smooth the frosting and garnish with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10-12 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

Extra Fudgy: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers.
Nutty Twist: Fold chopped walnuts or hazelnuts into the batter.
Salted Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the frosting.
Mocha Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.
Reheating: Microwave slices for 10-15 seconds for a warm, fudgy texture.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, but mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

What makes this cake so moist?

The combination of buttermilk, oil, and hot water (or coffee) ensures a soft and moist texture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost them before serving.

Can I make this as a sheet cake?

Yes, bake in a 9×13-inch pan at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes.

What’s the best chocolate to use for the frosting?

Use high-quality dark chocolate for a rich, fudgy taste.

Can I make cupcakes with this batter?

Yes, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.

How do I make the frosting extra smooth?

Beat the frosting well and add heavy cream gradually until light and creamy.

Can I add a fruit filling?

Yes, raspberry or cherry jam pairs beautifully with chocolate fudge cake.

How do I prevent dry cake?

Do not overbake, and measure ingredients accurately.

What’s the best way to slice the cake cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.

Conclusion

Chocolate Fudge Cake is the ultimate chocolate dessert, rich in flavor and irresistibly moist. Whether for birthdays, celebrations, or a sweet indulgence, this cake is sure to satisfy every chocolate craving. Serve it with ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for an extra-special treat!