Rich, decadent, and unbelievably moist, this Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. Made with deep, dark cocoa and a touch of coffee to intensify the flavor, this cake delivers a bold and fudgy bite in every forkful. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a slice of indulgence, this recipe is simple to follow and sure to impress. Top it with silky ganache or your favorite frosting for a showstopping treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) hot brewed coffee (or hot water for milder flavor)
For the Ganache Topping (optional):
- 1 cup (170g) dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal. - Prepare the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until fully combined. - Mix the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated. - Combine wet and dry
Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined and no flour streaks remain. - Add the coffee
Slowly pour in the hot brewed coffee while stirring. The batter will be thin, which helps create a soft, moist crumb. - Bake the cakes
Evenly distribute the batter between the two prepared pans. Place in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Cool the layers
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. - Optional ganache topping
Warm the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour it over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes, then stir until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly before using. - Assemble the cake
Once the cake layers have cooled, spread your ganache or preferred frosting evenly over the top. Stack, decorate as desired, and serve.
Notes
- Coffee Boost: Using hot coffee in the batter enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste. If you prefer, you can substitute hot water instead.
- Frosting Options: Instead of ganache, try cream cheese frosting, whipped chocolate buttercream, or simply dust the cake with powdered sugar.
- Layer or Sheet Cake: If you want a sheet cake, bake the batter in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust the baking time to about 35 to 40 minutes.
- Make Ahead: You can bake the cake layers a day ahead. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator or freezer to make frosting easier.
- Storage: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to five days.
Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This rich and decadent Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake features a moist, fudgy crumb enhanced with deep cocoa and a hint of coffee. Topped with silky chocolate ganache, it’s the perfect indulgence for any chocolate lover and ideal for celebrations or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
-
1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
-
¾ cup (65g) unsweetened dark cocoa powder
-
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
-
2 teaspoons baking soda
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
2 large eggs
-
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
-
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
-
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-
1 cup (240ml) hot brewed coffee (or hot water)
For the Ganache (optional):
-
1 cup (170g) dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
-
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch pans.
-
Whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
-
Beat eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla; combine with dry ingredients.
-
Stir in hot coffee; batter will be thin.
-
Divide into pans; bake 30–35 minutes.
-
Cool cakes before adding ganache.
-
For ganache, heat cream and pour over chocolate, stir until smooth, then spread on cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
conclusion
This Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake is truly a dream come true for chocolate lovers. Its moist and fudgy texture, combined with a rich and intense chocolate flavor, makes it an ideal dessert for special occasions or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth at home. The smooth ganache topping adds an elegant finish without any extra fuss, making this cake both impressive and easy to prepare. Try this recipe for yourself and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of pure, decadent indulgence.
