Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake: The Ultimate Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with the most decadent chocolate fudge cake you’ve ever made! This recipe delivers a rich, intensely chocolatey experience that’s surprisingly simple. Imagine a cake that’s unbelievably moist and perfectly fudgy, requiring just one bowl and no mixer. You can whip up this delightful dessert with everyday ingredients, promising an ultimate chocolate indulgence for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Fudge Cake

This isn’t just any cake; it’s a testament to simple, delicious baking. Get ready to add this amazing chocolate fudge cake to your repertoire for many reasons:

• Intensely Chocolatey Flavor: Every bite bursts with deep, rich chocolate, satisfying even the most ardent chocoholics.
• Super Moist and Perfectly Fudgy: We achieve that coveted dense, yet tender texture that defines a true fudge cake.
• Simple, Everyday Ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples already, making this a convenient bake.
• One-Bowl Recipe, No Special Equipment: No fancy gadgets are needed; a bowl and a whisk do all the work.
• Virtually Foolproof and Forgiving: Even beginner bakers will find success with this straightforward, easy-to-follow method.
• Easy, Spreadable Chocolate Ganache: Our simple ganache frosting adds a glossy, luxurious finish that’s effortlessly applied.
• Crowd-P\leasing Dessert for Any Occasion: From casual family dinners to special celebrations, this cake is always a hit.

Ingredients for Chocolate Fudge Cake

Here’s what you need to make your incredible chocolate fudge cake:

For the Cake:

• 125g / 4 oz dark chocolate chips (Note 1)
• 100g / 7 tbsp butter, salted (or unsalted butter + 1/4 tsp salt)
• 1 1/4 cups white sugar, caster / superfine best (Note 2)
• 1/4 cup oil (vegetable, canola)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder (Note 3)
• 1 cup flour, plain / all purpose (Note 4)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup boiling hot water
• 1 tbsp coffee granules, optional (Note 5)

For the Chocolate Ganache Frosting:

• 1 cup heavy / thickened cream, 30%+ fat (Note 6)
• 250g / 8 oz dark chocolate chips (Note 1)

Notes & Substitutions

For the best chocolate fudge cake experience, choosing the right ingredients makes a difference. Use dark chocolate chips (50-70% cocoa) for a truly rich flavor in both the cake and ganache. Semi-sweet chocolate chips also work well. While you can use milk or white chocolate for the ganache, be aware it will require adjustments to the cream ratio to achieve the right consistency. Caster or superfine sugar dissolves easily, but granulated sugar is a fine substitute. Dutch processed cocoa powder provides a deeper color and less bitter taste than natural cocoa. Plain or all-purpose flour is ideal, but you can use self-raising flour by omitting the baking powder. The optional coffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. Ensure you use heavy cream with at least 30% fat for a stable, luscious ganache.

Essential Equipment

Gathering your tools before you start ensures a smooth baking process for your chocolate fudge cake.

• 9-inch springform cake pan: This makes removing the cake much easier.
• Mixing bowls: One large, heatproof bowl for the batter.
• Whisk or wooden spoon: Perfect for mixing everything by hand.
• Parchment paper: For lining the cake pan to prevent sticking.
• Cooling rack: Essential for proper air circulation as the cake cools.

How to Make Chocolate Fudge Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions

Baking this incredible chocolate fudge cake is a joyful journey. Follow these simple steps for a perfect, fudgy result every time!

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: First, preheat your oven to 150°C/300°F (standard) or 130°C/265°F (fan-forced). Grease a 22 cm / 9″ springform cake pan thoroughly. Line the base with a circle of parchment or baking paper. This preparation ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases easily.
2. Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a large heatproof bowl, combine the butter and the 125g of dark chocolate chips. Microwave these in 30-second bursts on high, stirring well after each interval, until fully melted and smooth. This creates the rich base for your easy chocolate fudge cake.
3. Add Oil, Vanilla & Sugar: To the melted chocolate mixture, add the oil, vanilla extract, and white sugar. Mix everything together until well combined. The addition of oil keeps the cake wonderfully moist, while the sugar helps to cool down the mixture slightly before adding the eggs.
4. Incorporate Eggs: Crack in the two room-temperature eggs. Mix them into the batter until they are just combined. Avoid overmixing here; you simply want them fully incorporated. Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the batter.
5. Sift Dry Ingredients: Directly into the bowl, sift the cocoa powder, baking powder, and plain flour. If you are using optional coffee granules, sift them in now as well. Mix gently with your whisk or wooden spoon until the batter is smooth. A few small lumps are perfectly fine for this fudgy cake. The batter will be relatively thin at this stage.
6. Add Hot Water: Pour in the cup of boiling hot water. Stir carefully until it is fully incorporated into the batter. This step “blooms” the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor and contributing to the cake’s moist texture.
7. Bake the Cake: Pour the liquid batter into your prepared cake tin. Bake for approximately 1 hour. Start checking at 50 minutes. The cake is done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out moist but clean. Don’t worry if the surface cracks; this is completely normal for a rich chocolate fudge cake and will subside as it cools.
8. Cool Completely: Carefully remove the sides from the springform pan. Transfer the cake to a cooling rack to cool down completely. This is a crucial step; allow it to cool fully before attempting to remove the base or frost it. A warm cake will break apart and melt your ganache.

Making the Chocolate Ganache Frosting

A decadent chocolate ganache is the perfect topping for your rich chocolate fudge cake.

1. Melt Chocolate and Cream: Place the 250g of dark chocolate chips and the heavy cream into a separate heatproof bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to let the cream boil; gentle heat is best.
2. Stir Until Smooth: Continue stirring the ganache until it’s perfectly smooth and glossy. If it looks a little runny, that’s okay for now.
3. Chill to Thicken: Refrigerate the ganache for 1 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally until it thickens to a spreadable consistency, similar to peanut butter or soft butter. This patient chilling is key for a perfect frosting.
4. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool and the ganache is spreadable, spoon it over the top and sides of the cake. Use the back of a spoon or a small offset spatula to create beautiful swirls and textures, just like the photos. This simple ganache elevates your homemade chocolate fudge cake to bakery-worthy status!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Fudge Cake

Achieving a perfect chocolate fudge cake is easier with a few insider tricks. Embrace any surface crackage on your cake; it’s a sign of a truly rich, fudgy batter and will be beautifully hidden by the ganache. Always allow the cake to cool completely in the pan and then on a cooling rack before you even think about frosting it. Handling a warm cake can cause it to break or crumble, and warm cake will melt your ganache.

If your ganache is too firm, microwave it for just 5-10 seconds and stir well. If it’s too runny, return it to the fridge for another 15-30 minutes, stirring every so often. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature; they emulsify better and create a smoother batter. Don’t skip the hot water step; it “blooms” the cocoa, releasing its full flavor potential and creating a super moist crumb. Finally, avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Mix only until just combined to prevent a tough cake.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Your freshly baked chocolate fudge cake is a treat on its own, but here are some ideas to enhance the experience.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your luscious chocolate fudge cake plain to let its rich flavor shine.
• Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
• Add fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a burst of color and tartness.
• Garnish with extra chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant finish.

Storage Instructions

• Store your frosted chocolate fudge cake at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, covered loosely to prevent drying out.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• You can also freeze baked, unfrosted cake slices or the whole cake (tightly wrapped in cling film and foil) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Variations

• Transform this recipe into delicious chocolate fudge cake cupcakes; simply reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes.
• For a stunning layer cake, divide the batter between two 8-inch round pans and adjust baking time.
• Stir in nuts like walnuts or pecans, or extra chocolate chunks, into the batter for added texture.
• Experiment with different frostings, like a classic buttercream or a cream cheese frosting, if you prefer.

Nutrition Information

Enjoying a slice of this rich chocolate fudge cake can be part of a balanced diet. Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving based on 12 servings:

Please note this is an approximation and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why use hot water in this chocolate fudge cake recipe?

Hot water, or even hot coffee, helps to “bloom” the cocoa powder. This intensifies the chocolate flavor significantly and contributes to the incredibly moist texture of the cake. The science behind this involves heat activation of flavor compounds in cocoa solids, which expand and release deeper notes when heated with liquid.

What is the difference from chocolate mud cake?

While both are rich, chocolate fudge cake tends to be lighter and more tender in texture than a mud cake. Mud cakes are typically denser and often rely on larger quantities of melted chocolate and butter.

Can I use milk chocolate for this recipe?

You can use milk chocolate for the cake, but it will result in a sweeter, less intense chocolate flavor. For the ganache, using milk chocolate will require adjusting the cream quantity, as milk chocolate has a lower cocoa butter content and will be thinner.

Can this cake be frozen?

Yes, this chocolate fudge cake freezes beautifully! Wrap unfrosted cake slices or a whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months.

Conclusion

You now have the ultimate recipe for an easy chocolate fudge cake that promises pure indulgence with every bite. This simple, one-bowl method yields an incredibly moist, deeply fudgy, and intensely chocolatey dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. We hope you feel empowered to create this crowd-pleasing treat in your own kitchen. Bake this delicious chocolate fudge cake today and share your delightful experiences in the comments below! We love seeing your baking triumphs!