Chocolate Fudge Cake

This decadent Chocolate Fudge Cake is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. With its rich, moist crumb and velvety fudge icing, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving something sweet, this cake is sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings!

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus 1 tablespoon (divided)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda (divided)
• ½ pound unsalted butter
• ¼ cup sweetened cocoa powder (e.g., Ghirardelli ground chocolate)
• 1 cup water
• 2 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup milk
• ½ tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Icing

• ¼ cup sweetened cocoa powder (e.g., Ghirardelli ground chocolate)
• ¼ pound unsalted butter
• 6 tablespoons milk
• 1 pound powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Grease and flour a 9×12-inch cake pan , ensuring the entire surface is well-coated. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients

1. In a small cup, combine ½ cup milk and ½ tablespoon vinegar . Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle slightly (this creates a buttermilk-like effect). Set aside.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, salt, and baking powder . Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Base

1. In a small saucepan, combine butter, cocoa powder, and water . Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Remove from heat and pour the hot chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients in the medium bowl. Beat well with a whisk or mixer until smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients

1. Stir 1 teaspoon of baking soda into the milk-vinegar mixture. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, toss chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake. Set aside.
3. Add the eggs to the chocolate-flour mixture and beat well.
4. Gradually add the milk mixture and vanilla extract , mixing until the batter is smooth and well combined.
5. Gently fold in the floured chocolate chips.

Step 5: Bake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Prepare the Fudge Icing

1. Five minutes before the cake is done, start preparing the icing.
2. In a small saucepan, combine butter, cocoa powder, and milk . Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth.
3. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the icing is smooth and glossy.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

1. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Spread the warm fudge icing evenly over the top of the cake while it’s still in the pan.
3. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy every bite of this rich, chocolatey delight!

Tips for Success

• Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality cocoa powder like Ghirardelli for the best flavor and texture.
• Flour Coating for Chocolate Chips: Tossing the chocolate chips in flour helps them stay suspended in the batter rather than sinking to the bottom.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chocolate Fudge Cake is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate enthusiasts. The combination of a rich, moist cake layer and a silky fudge icing creates a dessert that’s both comforting and luxurious. Whether you’re serving it for birthdays, holidays, or just because, this cake is sure to impress. Dive into this decadent treat and savor the magic of homemade chocolate perfection!