Chocolate Cake with Fudge Frosting Recipe

Indulge in a rich and moist chocolate cake topped with a creamy fudge frosting that’s perfect for any celebration or as a delightful treat. This recipe combines the bold flavors of Dutch cocoa and strong coffee to enhance the chocolatey taste, while the luscious fudge frosting adds a velvety finish. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this step-by-step guide will help you create a showstopping dessert that’s sure to impress.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 35 minutes
• Cooling & Frosting Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups (195 g) cake and pastry flour
• 1 ⅓ cups (295 g) superfine sugar
• ½ cup (60 g) Dutch process cocoa powder
• ¾ tsp (4 g) baking soda
• ¼ tsp (2 g) salt
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces (cool)
• ½ cup (125 ml) hot, strong brewed coffee
• ½ cup (125 ml) milk
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)

For the Fudge Frosting:

• 12 oz (340 g) semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 ¾ cups (425 ml) whipping cream
• ½ cup (125 ml) sour cream
• ½ tsp (3 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the butter pieces to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the hot coffee, milk, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the liquid to the dry ingredients, mixing on medium speed until smooth.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the batter is fully combined.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
2. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Fudge Frosting

1. Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the whipping cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let sit for 1–2 minutes.
3. Stir the mixture until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Allow it to cool slightly before stirring in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
4. Let the frosting sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, or until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
2. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides, smoothing the frosting with an offset spatula.
3. For a decorative touch, pipe extra frosting around the edges or sprinkle with chocolate shavings.

Serving and Tips

• Slice the cake and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• For best results, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.

This Decadent Chocolate Cake with Fudge Frosting is a dessert lover’s dream. Its perfect balance of rich chocolate flavors and creamy frosting makes it a go-to recipe for birthdays, holidays, or simply when you crave something sweet. Try this recipe and enjoy a slice of happiness in every bite!