Description
This Chocolate Fudge Layered Cake is a rich, decadent dessert that will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. With layers of moist, fudgy chocolate cake, smooth chocolate frosting, and a drizzle of extra fudge, this cake is perfect for any celebration or a special treat. It’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress with its luxurious flavor and texture. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just indulging in something sweet, this cake is a showstopper!
Ingredients
Scale
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water (or hot coffee for a deeper flavor)
For the fudge frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the fudge drizzle (optional but recommended):
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
Instructions
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Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat 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.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Gradually add the hot water (or hot coffee) to the batter, mixing gently until smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s normal.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
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Make the Fudge Frosting:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and heavy cream together over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Allow the frosting to cool slightly before spreading it on the cake. It should be thick and spreadable.
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Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes have completely cooled, place the first layer of cake on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Spread a generous amount of fudge frosting over the top of the first layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining fudge frosting, smoothing it evenly over the top and sides.
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Make the Fudge Drizzle (optional but delicious):
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Drizzle the chocolate fudge sauce over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the cake to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the rich, chocolatey layers with every bite!
Notes
- For an extra touch, you can sprinkle chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) on top of the cake after drizzling the fudge sauce.
- If you prefer a slightly lighter cake, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cake flour.
- You can also make the cake ahead of time and store the layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days before frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg