Decadent Chocolate Fudge Cake

Name: Decadent Chocolate Fudge Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 2 oz dark chocolate, chopped; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Family Baking Recipes

I absolutely love baking, and nothing brings me more joy than creating a rich, indulgent dessert. This Decadent Chocolate Fudge Cake is my go-to recipe for special occasions or just when I need a little pick-me-up. The combination of dark chocolate and velvety fudge creates a dessert that is irresistibly moist and satisfying. It’s simple to make yet incredibly impressive. Each bite is filled with deep chocolate flavor that makes this cake a true crowd-pleaser. I can't wait to share this delightful recipe with you!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-30T01:19:31.254Z

Every time I bake this Decadent Chocolate Fudge Cake, I am reminded of the endless possibilities that chocolate brings into our lives. I crafted this recipe after several attempts to achieve the perfect balance between richness and moisture. In my quest, I discovered that the quality of the chocolate used makes a significant difference; I always opt for a high-quality dark chocolate to elevate the flavor.

What I love most about this cake is how forgiving it is. I’ve baked it on rainy days and sunny afternoons, and it always turns out beautifully. A tip I swear by is to allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. This step avoids any melting mishaps, allowing the fudge icing to remain thick and luscious atop the cake.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with a creamy fudge icing
Moist texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or sharing with loved ones

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in the Decadent Chocolate Fudge Cake plays a crucial role in achieving its rich flavor and moist texture. The buttermilk not only adds a pleasant tang but also interacts with the baking soda to create a tender crumb. If you're out of buttermilk, a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice can be a great substitute. Just combine 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar, letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it curdles.

Dark chocolate is another star ingredient here, providing depth and a luxurious mouthfeel. Chopping the chocolate into small pieces before adding it to the batter ensures it melts quickly and evenly when combined. If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can use semi-sweet chocolate; however, be mindful that this will alter the cake's overall flavor profile, making it less intense and slightly sweeter.

Baking and Cooling Tips

Achieving the perfect bake is key to a successful chocolate fudge cake. When pouring the batter into the baking pan, it’s essential to smooth the top with a spatula for even cooking. Keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking; if the edges start to pull away from the pan, it's a sign that it's nearly done. The cake will also develop a slightly domed shape and a matte top, indicating a well-baked interior.

Once out of the oven, don’t rush the cooling process. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes which helps it set and prevents it from breaking when you transfer it. When moving the cake to a wire rack, gently lift it with a spatula to prevent any sticking. Let it cool completely for about 1 hour, ensuring that the fudge icing doesn’t melt upon application.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
4 oz dark chocolate, chopped

For the Fudge Icing

1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 oz dark chocolate, chopped
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Carefully stir in the boiling water and chopped dark chocolate.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Fudge Icing

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chopped dark chocolate until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until the icing is glossy.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the fudge icing generously over the top and sides of the cake. Let the icing set before slicing.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to the cake batter to enhance the chocolate profile. You can also garnish the cake with chocolate shavings or fresh berries for added decoration.

Fudge Icing Variations

The fudge icing is a rich topping that can be customized to your taste. For a hint of espresso, add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules when melting the butter and chocolate. This enhances the chocolate flavor and adds complexity. For those who prefer a lighter icing, consider whisking in a bit more heavy cream to create a ganache-like consistency that can be drizzled rather than spread.

If you're looking for dietary alternatives, swap the unsalted butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free version. You can also experiment with nut milk in place of heavy cream for a lighter variant, keeping in mind that this may slightly alter the texture and richness of the icing.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Storing your chocolate fudge cake properly will keep it fresh and moist for several days. Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it, but be aware that chilling may change the texture slightly. For longer storage, consider freezing the cake; wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil. It can stay frozen for up to three months, and simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

When it comes to serving, this cake shines on its own but can also be paired with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence. Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, can add a lovely tart contrast to the rich fudge flavor, brightening up the dessert experience. A sprig of mint on the plate can also add a touch of color and freshness for special occasions.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary.

→ How should I store the leftover cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I prepare the cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and frost it when you're ready to serve.

→ Is this cake suitable for freezing?

Yes, the unfrosted cake can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 3 months.