Ultimate Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe (2024)

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With rich, tender chocolate sponge and a simple, elegant and deeply smooth fudge frosting, this ultimate chocolate fudge cake recipe is a real show stopper.

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It's perfect to make for a special birthday, celebration or gathering as it makes a glossy, delicious centrepiece.

And the best news: it's super easy to make with simple ingredients you can easily pick up in the supermarket.

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To make the three sponges, you'll whisk eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, butter and sugar, then whisk in melted chocolate before folding in flour and bicarbonate of soda.

The bicarb reacting with the buttermilk is what gives the sponges great rise.

Once the sponges are baked, you'll make the fudge frosting simply by melting chocolate and then whisking cream into it until irresistibly thick glossy.

After that, it's a simple case of stack the sponges up with layers of the frosting and you're done!

I originally baked this decadent triple layer chocolate fudge cake back in 2015 in collaboration with Dr Oetker andthe gorgeous Stacey Solomon. You can watch us make the cake:

Here's the full ultimate chocolate fudge cake recipe, complete with lots of photos to show you what to look for at every stage.

Ingredients

For the chocolate cake

  • 100 g (3.5 oz) milk chocolate chopped or broken into pieces
  • 100 g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate 70% (bittersweet) chopped or broken into pieces
  • 3 medium free range eggs
  • 300 ml ( cup) buttermilk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 125 g (9 tbsp) unsalted butter softened
  • 275 g ( cups) white caster sugar (superfine sugar) superfine
  • 250 g (1⅔ cups) plain white flour (all purpose flour)
  • 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)

For the fudge frosting

  • 300 g (10.5 oz) milk chocolate
  • 100 g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate 70% (bittersweet)
  • 450 ml ( cups + 2 tbsp) double cream (heavy cream) room temperature

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180C (160C Fan, 350F).

Grease and line the bottom of 3 x 20cm (8 inch) sandwich tins.

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Make the sponges

Put the milk chocolate and dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Melt in the microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring between each blast and taking care not to overheat the chocolate. When there are only a few solid pieces left, you can stop heating as they will melt from the residual heat. Set aside to cool.

Put the eggs in a large bowl.

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Whisk!

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Add the buttermilk, vanilla, butter and sugar.

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Whisk until everything is combined.

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Add the melted chocolate.

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Whisk again.

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Sift in the flour and bicarbonate of soda and fold together.

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Immediately divide the mixture between the three prepared tins and level off.

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Put the tins in the oven - you may need to use two shelves. Bake for 25-30 minutes until risen and firm to the touch.

Allow the cakes to cool in their tins for minutes before removing from the tins and transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Make the fudge frosting

Put the milk chocolate and dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl and melt in the microwave in the same way as before. Allow to cool until only slightly warm to the touch. This could take up to 20 minutes

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Whilst whisking the chocolate, gradually pour in the cream.

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Keep pouring and whisking until thick and glossy.

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Assemble the cake

Place the first sponge on a board.

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Top with one third of the fudge frosting.

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Spread just shy of the edges (it will spread more when the subsequent layers are placed on top).

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Put the next cake on top and top with a further a third of the fudge frosting.

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Position the final cake on top, then pile on the remainder of the frosting, using your spoon of a palette knife to add attractive swirls and peaks.

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Your cake is ready to serve. For neat slices, chill the cake for 30 minutes before serving.

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Enjoy! Who will you share this delicious chocolate fudge layer cake with?

Next up, why not this matchmaker cake!

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Ultimate Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe (22)

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4.8 from 9 votes

Ultimate Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe

With tender chocolate sponge and a simple, smooth fudge frosting, this ultimate chocolate fudge cake recipe is a real show stopper.

Prep Time30 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr

Course: cakes and bakes

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings: 12 slices

Author: Emily Leary & Dr. Oetker

Ingredients

For the chocolate cake

  • 100 g (3.5 oz) milk chocolate chopped or broken into pieces
  • 100 g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate 70% (bittersweet) chopped or broken into pieces
  • 3 medium free range eggs
  • 300 ml ( cup) buttermilk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 125 g (9 tbsp) unsalted butter softened
  • 275 g ( cups) white caster sugar (superfine sugar) superfine
  • 250 g (1⅔ cups) plain white flour (all purpose flour)
  • 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)

For the fudge frosting

  • 300 g (10.5 oz) milk chocolate
  • 100 g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate 70% (bittersweet)
  • 450 ml ( cups + 2 tbsp) double cream (heavy cream) room temperature

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180C (160C Fan, 350F).

  • Grease and line the bottom of 3 x 20cm (8 inch) sandwich tins.

Make the sponges

  • Put the milk chocolate and dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Melt in the microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring between each blast and taking care not to overheat the chocolate. When there are only a few solid pieces left, you can stop heating as they will melt from the residual heat. Set aside to cool.

  • Put the eggs in a large bowl and whisk.

  • Add the buttermilk, vanilla, butter and sugar. Whisk until everything is combined.

  • Add the melted chocolate and whisk again.

  • Sift in the flour and bicarbonate of soda. Fold together,

  • Immediately, divide the mixture between the three prepared tins and level off.

  • Put the tins in the oven - you may need to use two shelves. Bake for 25-30 minutes until risen and firm to the touch.

  • Allow the cakes to cool in their tins for minutes before removing from the tins and transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the fudge frosting

  • Put the milk chocolate and dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl and melt in the microwave in the same way as before. Allow to cool until only slightly warm to the touch. This could take up to 20 minutes

  • Whilst whisking the chocolate, gradually pour in the cream, whisking until thick and glossy.

Assemble the cake

  • Place the first sponge on a board and top with one third of the fudge frosting, spreading just shy of the edges (it will spread more when the subsequent layers are placed on top).

  • Put the next cake on top and top with a further a third of the fudge frosting.

  • Position the final cake on top, then pile on the remainder of the frosting, using your spoon of a palette knife to add attractive swirls and peaks.

  • Your cake is ready to serve. For neat slices, chill the cake for 30 minutes before serving.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 669kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 118mg | Sodium: 158mg | Potassium: 319mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 919IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 4mg

* Note: nutritional information is estimated, based on publicly available data. Nutrient values may vary from those published. Information on this website should not be taken as medical advice. Cuisines identify the primary region of inspiration for a dish.

Tried this recipe?Snap a pic and tag @amummytoo on Instagram or tag @EmilyLearyCooks on Twitter. I can't wait to see your posts!

This was a commissioned post for Dr. Oetker in 2015 and was revised and reshot in 2022.

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Get Your Kids to Eat Anything is an achievable 'how to' for parents in the battle to overcome picky eating and 'make new the norm'. Emily Leary's unique 5-phase programme looks at the issue of 'fussy eating' in a holistic way that links imagination with food, and which situates parents alongside - not in opposition to - their children.

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Ultimate Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between chocolate cake and chocolate fudge cake? ›

Fudge cake packs a thicker, denser cake layer, a velvet departure from the more delicate, fluffy cake layers found in a chocolate cake. Think of the textural difference between a block of fudge and a block of chocolate. The chocolate melts in your mouth, while the fudge lingers with every chewy bite.

Does chocolate fudge cake need to be refrigerated? ›

You only need to refrigerate cakea that have a very perishable frosting or filling (such as whipped cream).

What frosting goes best on chocolate cake? ›

Chocolate ganache, the world's simplest frosting, requiring two ingredients — cream and chocolate — is also the classiest. Drench or drizzle your favorite chocolate cake with warm ganache, or cool the ganache and whip it into a fluffier frosting for filling layer cakes or topping cupcakes.

How to enhance chocolate flavor in cake? ›

Coffee is a natural chocolate enhancer. Its bitterness coaxes out the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. The key is to add the right amount at the right time—admittedly, too much coffee in any chocolate cake recipe will make it taste like mocha.

What's the secret to a moist cake? ›

Try switching out any water in your recipe for full-fat milk or buttermilk for a moist, decadent texture. Another ingredient that can enhance the moisture of your cake is mayonnaise. Adding a dollop of mayonnaise to your batter can help make your freshly baked cake softer with an added boost of moisture.

Why is it called Devil chocolate cake? ›

There are a few theories as to how it got its name. One, it's the decadent counterpart to angel food cake. Two, it's sinfully delicious. Finally, devil's food cake came about during a time when food that was spicy, rich, or dark was described as deviled, like deviled ham and deviled eggs.

Can I eat a 2 week old cake? ›

Most cakes can last for about a week in the refrigerator before it's time to toss them in the trash.

Can you eat chocolate cake left out overnight? ›

If your cake is frosted with buttercream, it will last covered at room temperature for up to four days. However, it is best to refrigerate cakes with other frostings such as cream cheese or ganache. A fully covered unfrosted cake will last for up to 2 days at room temperature.

Why should you not refrigerate fudge? ›

Fudge is best stored at room temperature for 2 to 3 weeks wrapped up in its original wax paper. NEVER REFRIGERATE your fudge as this will draw out the moisture and leave you with dry, crumbly fudge.

What kind of frosting do most bakeries use? ›

American Buttercream Frosting

It's a creamy frosting that complements the flavors of most sponge cakes and sheet cakes. Simple buttercream is commonly used to decorate cakes because it's easy to prepare and bakers can add vanilla, chocolate, or lemon flavorings to enrich a cake's flavor profile.

What frosting do professionals use for cakes? ›

Both Swiss Meringue Buttercream and Italian Meringue Buttercream are commonly used by professional bakers, with Swiss meringue being slightly more popular. Both these buttercreams are made by whipping granulated sugar and egg whites into a meringue and then whipping butter into that meringue.

What flavor buttercream goes with chocolate cake? ›

Whipped Coconut Buttercream Frosting

We mentioned how easy adding flavor to buttercream frosting is, and we weren't lying. With just a touch of shredded coconut, this Whipped Coconut Buttercream Frosting turns into a tropical masterpiece that tastes excellent when combined with chocolate cake and brownies.

What does adding coffee to chocolate cake do? ›

Coffee is made for baking. Its rich, bittersweet flavour adds depth to cakes, cheesecakes, pies, cookies, muffins, loaves, and soufflés. It boosts the chocolatey appeal of Fudge Layer Cake with Chocolate Avocado Icing, Coffee Brownies and soft, fudgy Coffee Chocolate Crinkle Cookies.

Which flavor is best in chocolate cake? ›

No one disputes that one of the very best chocolate cake flavour combinations is fruity. If the cake that you're making uses white or milk chocolate and is very sweet, then something more acidic like passion fruit will work brilliantly to balance out the fat and sugar.

Can I use coffee instead of cocoa powder? ›

Brewed Coffee or Espresso Powder: While not a direct substitute, adding brewed coffee or espresso powder can enhance the chocolate flavour of your recipes, making it possible to reduce the amount of cocoa powder required. This is particularly useful in recipes where chocolate is not the sole flavour profile.

Is there a difference between chocolate and fudge? ›

Although fudge often contains chocolate, fudge is not the same as chocolate. Chocolate is a mix of cocoa solids, cocoa butter and sometimes sugar and other flavorings and is hard and brittle. Fudge is a mixture of sugar, dairy and flavorings that is cooked and cooled to form a smooth, semi-soft confection.

What is the meaning of chocolate fudge cake? ›

Fudge cake – Generic term for a chocolate cake with a consistency, flavor, or richness reminiscent of fudge, sometimes from the use of dark brown sugar or a rich icing.

What is the difference between devil food cake and chocolate fudge cake? ›

Home cooks, recipe developers, and restaurants don't always know that a Devil's food cake is different from other types of decadent chocolate cakes either, so your error is understandable. The truth is, Devil's food cake is richer, darker, and fluffier thanks to the use of cocoa powder and a bit extra baking soda.

References

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