Best Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipes – Rich, Moist & Ultra-Delicious

Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipes – A slice of chocolate cake can turn any moment into a celebration, but nothing compares to the irresistible charm of a rich and decadent Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe. Soft, moist, and intensely chocolatey, this cake is loved for its velvety texture and fudgy depth that melts instantly in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, anniversary, holiday gathering, or simply craving a heavenly treat, this chocolate fudge cake is guaranteed to satisfy every sweet tooth.

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Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American / Dessert

• Course: Cake / Baking

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Active Time: 15 minutes

• Resting Time: 30 minutes cooling

• Baking Time: 30–35 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

• Servings: 10–12 slices

• Calories: ~420 calories per slice

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• ½ cup brown sugar

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk)

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1 cup hot brewed coffee (or hot water)

For Fudge Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)

• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar

• ¾ cup cocoa powder

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Equipment Needed

• Two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans

• Mixing bowls

• Electric mixer or whisk

• Sifter

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Rubber spatula

• Cooling rack

• Offset spatula (for frosting)

• Parchment paper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease the cake pans with butter or oil.

• Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

• Dust the sides lightly with cocoa powder.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, sift together:

  • Flour

  • Cocoa powder

  • Baking soda

  • Baking powder

  • Salt

• Add granulated and brown sugar.

• Whisk until evenly combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• In another bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.

• Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract.

• Mix until fully blended.

Step 4: Create the Cake Batter

• Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture.

• Mix on medium speed for 1–2 minutes.

• Slowly pour in hot coffee, mixing gently as it thins the batter.

• Batter will be runny—this is what creates a moist cake.

Step 5: Bake

• Divide the batter evenly between the two pans.

• Bake for 30–35 minutes.

• Check doneness with a toothpick—should come out clean or slightly moist.

• Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes.

• Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make Fudge Frosting

• Beat softened butter until creamy.

• Add powdered sugar + cocoa powder gradually.

• Pour in heavy cream and vanilla; beat until fluffy.

• Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

• Frosting should be thick, smooth, and fudgy.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

• Place one cake layer on a plate.

• Spread a thick layer of fudge frosting.

• Add the second layer.

• Spread frosting over the top and edges.

• Smooth using an offset spatula.

• Add decorative swirls, sprinkles, or chocolate shavings.

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Fudge Cake

• Use hot coffee to deepen the chocolate flavor (you won’t taste the coffee).

• Avoid overmixing to keep the cake soft.

• Use room-temperature ingredients for an even texture.

• For extra richness, add ½ cup melted dark chocolate to the batter.

• Replace milk with buttermilk for an ultra-tender crumb.

Storage

• Room Temperature: 2 days in an airtight container.

• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze slices for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Conclusion

This rich, moist, and heavenly chocolate fudge cake is designed to impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply craving a luxurious homemade dessert, this recipe provides the perfect balance of deep chocolate flavor and irresistible fudge frosting. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a bakery-quality cake right in your own kitchen. Enjoy it warm, chilled, or paired with ice cream—the result will always be melt-in-your-mouth delicious.