Appetizer & Dessert

Best Chocolate Cake With Fudge Frosting Recipe – Treat Indulgently

Name: Best Chocolate Cake With Fudge Frosting Recipe – Treat Indulgently
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon espresso powder; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 3/4 cup vegetable oil or light olive oil; 1 cup hot water; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups white granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 1/4 cups Dutch-processed cocoa powder, sifted; 10 ounces dark chocolate, melted and cooled to lukewarm; 1/2 cup hot water; Pinch of fine sea salt; 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature; 2 cups unsalted butter, softened

Rachel Ortiz April 15, 2025

Servings: 12 Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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When it comes to pairing with chocolate cake and fudge frosting, the goal is to complement the rich, indulgent flavors of the cake while introducing elements that refresh and balance.

Vanilla ice cream is a classic choice—its creamy texture and coolness perfectly balance the dense sweetness of the chocolate, creating a harmonious combination.

Fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a burst of tartness, providing a refreshing contrast to the sweet, rich cake and cutting through the chocolate’s depth.

A warm cup of coffee is another excellent pairing, as its bold, slightly bitter flavor enhances the deep chocolate notes of the cake, making it a perfect afternoon treat. Whipped cream, light and airy, adds a gentle sweetness and luxurious texture that amplifies the decadence of the chocolate cake.

Lastly, fresh mint, whether in the form of leaves or mint tea, offers a bright, refreshing note that can cleanse your palate between bites, allowing you to savor every mouthful of your chocolate cake.

Together, these pairings elevate the chocolate cake experience into something even more delightful.

Best Chocolate Cake With Fudge Frosting Recipe

What is the Best Chocolate Cake with Fudge Frosting?

Simply put, this cake is an invitation to treat yourself. We’re talking about a moist chocolate cake that dances on your palate with each bite, followed by a thick, glossy fudge frosting that’s nothing short of divine.

The ingredients meld together in perfect harmony. There’s an emphasis on quality cocoa and butter here, resulting in a cake that is dense yet tender.

What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?

Imagine a rich tapestry of flavors. The chocolate is the star, expressing deep, earthy notes. The fudge frosting adds a layer of sweetness with a slight bitterness from the dark chocolate. Touches of espresso and vanilla emphasize the chocolate, bringing forth a bouquet of warmth that envelops your senses.

This cake is not overly sweet; instead, it celebrates the bittersweet elements of high-quality cocoa and the creamy depth of butter.

Why You’ll Love This

This cake is not just about the taste. It’s about the experience. The process of mixing, baking, and finally, frosting is a delightful journey. It invites you into the kitchen. You will love how simple it is, yet how impressive it looks when served.

Plus, I’ve crafted it in a way that even beginner bakers can feel like pros. And I can assure you, there’s nothing that brings people together quite like a beautifully frosted chocolate cake.

Ingredients

To bask in the joy of making this cake, here’s what you’ll need:

For Cake:

1 tablespoon espresso powder
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
¾ cup vegetable oil or light olive oil
1 cup hot water
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white granulated sugar

For Fudge Frosting:

2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon honey
1 ¼ cups Dutch-processed cocoa powder, sifted
10 ounces dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa), melted and cooled to lukewarm
½ cup hot water
Pinch of fine sea salt
½ cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

Best Chocolate Cake With Fudge Frosting Copycat Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You want them prepped and ready for the magic.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, espresso powder, vanilla extract, and oil. After this, add hot water slowly, mixing well to create a batter that’s smooth and lightly runny.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Avoid over-mixing. The batter will be thin, which is perfect for a moist cake.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 6: Prepare the Fudge Frosting

While your cakes cool, let’s tackle that decadent frosting. In a bowl, mix the melted chocolate with the butter until well combined. Next, add in the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, honey, salt, and sour cream. Mix this until it’s smooth and creamy.

If it’s too thick, add a bit of hot water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, it’s frosting time! Place one layer on a serving platter and generously spread a layer of fudge frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake as well. Be generous; this is the best part!

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once frosted, slice, serve, and declare your delightful masterpiece. This cake is perfect for any occasion, or just because.

Tips & Tricks

Here are some handy tips that can help boost your baking game:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter.
Use High-Quality Cocoa: Not all cocoa is created equal. Investing in good quality cocoa can make a profound difference in flavor.
Double Check Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your temperature is spot on for even baking.
Let Cakes Cool Completely: If you frost a warm cake, the frosting may melt and slide off. Patience is key here!
Layer Your Cake Properly: To keep the layers stable, make sure to use a serrated knife to level the tops of your cakes before stacking.

How Can You Store This Best Chocolate Cake with Fudge Frosting?

Storing the cake properly is essential if you want to enjoy it later. If there are leftovers (rare, but it happens!), cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to three days.

If you need to store it longer, consider refrigeration. Just allow it to come back to room temperature before serving, as the flavors will shine more when the cake is at this temperature.

Ingredient Alternatives

Sometimes, you might find yourself short on specific ingredients. Here are some alternatives to consider:

Buttermilk: Substitute with a mixture of 1 cup milk and 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about five minutes before using.
Eggs: In a pinch, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana for a moist alternative.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can be used as a 1:1 substitute for sour cream. It will give a similar tangy flavor and creaminess.

Chocolate Cake With Fudge Frosting Recipe

Conclusion

In embracing this recipe, you’re not just baking a cake; you’re creating a memory. From the sweet smell that fills your home to the faces of loved ones upon their first taste, each moment is worth cherishing.

I hope this journey into the depths of chocolate decadence inspires you to make the best chocolate cake with fudge frosting your own.

Enjoy every scrumptious bite, and remember: good things come to those who bake (and eat!). Happy baking!

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Print Recipe

Best Chocolate Cake With Fudge Frosting Recipe – Treat Indulgently

Author: Rachel Ortiz Cuisine: American Courses: Appetizer & Dessert

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 2 hrs Cook Time 45 mins Total Time 2 hrs 45 mins

Servings: 12 Calories: 578 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Everyone has that one recipe that takes them back home. For me, it’s my grandmother’s best chocolate cake with fudge frosting. It’s more than just a cake; it’s a celebration of joy, warmth, and family gatherings.

Each bite is a journey through rich cocoa flavors and velvety textures. In this article, I’ll share with you the secrets to this indulgent cake that will surely become a cherished recipe for you, too.