If you’re a chocolate lover, get ready to fall in love with this decadent, fudgy, and ultra-moist Chocolate Fudge Cake! This cake is rich, soft, and indulgent, with layers of deep chocolate flavor, thanks to a combination of dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and a secret ingredient—boiling water!
What makes this cake stand out? The texture! It’s moist, fluffy, and fudgy all at once, paired with a silky-smooth chocolate fudge frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a celebration, or simply to
satisfy a chocolate craving, this cake will always be a winner.
Let’s dive in and learn how to make this show-stopping Chocolate Fudge Cake!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Fudge Cake
✔️ Super Moist & Fudgy – Thanks to boiling water, the cake stays soft and tender.
✔️ Deep Chocolate Flavor – Cocoa powder, melted chocolate, and a hint of coffee make the flavor irresistible.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this cake perfect for any baker.
✔️ Silky Ganache Frosting – The chocolate fudge frosting is rich, smooth, and pairs beautifully with the cake.
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because—you can’t go wrong with chocolate cake!
What’s the Secret to the Perfect Chocolate Fudge Cake?
The key to the best chocolate fudge cake comes down to a few simple tricks:
🔥 Boiling Water:
Adding boiling water to the batter is the game-changer! Here’s why:
- It moistens the cake, keeping it fresh for longer.
- It intensifies the chocolate flavor, especially when combined with cocoa powder.
- It reacts with the baking powder, creating a lighter, fluffier cake texture.
☕ Coffee (Optional but Recommended!):
A little instant coffee powder enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. If you don’t have instant coffee, you can use 1 cup of brewed coffee instead.
🍫 High-Quality Chocolate:
Using good quality dark cooking chocolate ensures a deep, not overly sweet flavor. Avoid regular eating chocolate—it won’t work the same way!
Now, let’s get to the recipe!
Ingredients for Chocolate Fudge Cake
For the Cake:
- 200g (7 oz) dark cooking chocolate – Use high-quality baking chocolate for best results.
- 175g (¾ cup) unsalted butter – If using salted butter, omit extra salt in the recipe.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil – Sunflower oil works as well.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract – High-quality vanilla makes a difference.
- 200g (1 cup) caster sugar (superfine sugar) – Helps create a smooth, soft texture.
- 3 large eggs – Room temperature for best mixing.
- 50g (½ cup) unsweetened cocoa powder – Gives the cake a rich, chocolatey taste.
- 175g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour (plain flour) – No need for cake flour.
- 2 tsp baking powder – Helps create a light and fluffy cake.
- 1 tsp instant coffee powder (optional) – Enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 250ml (1 cup) boiling water – The secret to a moist and fluffy cake!
For the Chocolate Fudge Frosting:
- 300g (10 oz) dark cooking chocolate – The base of the ganache.
- 150g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter – Adds a silky texture.
- 75g (⅓ cup) brown sugar – Deepens the flavor and adds a slight caramel note.
How to Make Chocolate Fudge Cake
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate & Butter
- In a heatproof bowl, add the chopped dark chocolate and butter.
- Melt together using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time.
- Once smooth, remove from heat and let cool for 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Pour in the cooled chocolate mixture, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder.
- Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix!
Step 4: Add Boiling Water
- Dissolve the instant coffee powder in the boiling water, then slowly pour into the batter.
- The batter will be thin and runny—this is normal!
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly into two greased and lined 8-inch cake tins.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool & Level the Cake
- Let the cakes cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Once fully cool, use a serrated knife to level the tops (optional).
How to Make Chocolate Ganache Frosting
Step 1: Melt the Ingredients
- In a heatproof bowl, add chocolate, butter, and brown sugar.
- Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until fully melted.
Step 2: Cool & Whip
- Let the ganache cool slightly—it will thicken as it sets.
- Whip until smooth and spreadable.
Assembling & Decorating the Cake
- Stick the First Layer: Add a little frosting to your serving plate to keep the cake in place.
- Spread the Ganache: Cover the first layer with a generous amount of frosting.
- Stack the Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top and gently press down.
- Frost the Entire Cake: Use the remaining ganache to cover the cake, smoothing it out.
- Decorate: Pipe decorative swirls using a 1M piping tip for an elegant finish.
Tips for Recipe Success
✔️ Weigh Ingredients: Baking is science! Using grams instead of cups ensures accuracy.
✔️ Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs, butter, and milk mix better when not too cold.
✔️ Thin Batter is Normal: The batter will be runny—don’t worry, it bakes into a perfect cake!
✔️ Use High-Quality Chocolate: Cheap chocolate won’t give the same deep flavor.
✔️ Chill Before Cutting: Refrigerate the cake before slicing for cleaner cuts.
FAQs About Chocolate Fudge Cake
How Should I Store This Cake?
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Cake Without Coffee?
Yes! The coffee is there to enhance the chocolate flavor, but you can simply use plain boiling water instead.
Can I Make Cupcakes with This Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe makes about 12-14 cupcakes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes.
Final Thoughts: Try This Chocolate Fudge Cake Today!
Rich, moist, and loaded with intense chocolate flavor, this Chocolate Fudge Cake is pure indulgence! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple, foolproof, and guaranteed to impress.
Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments! Also, tag me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest—I love seeing your creations! 🍫✨