Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe
This Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe is the definition of chocolatey bliss, promising a supremely moist and rich cake with minimal effort. With humble pantry ingredients, just one bowl, and mere minutes of prep, you’ll be amazed by the deep cocoa flavor and fudgy texture that’s both nostalgic and impressive. Whether you dress it up with ganache, serve it warm with ice cream, or slice it for a snack, this treat never fails to bring joy and satisfy those chocolate cravings. If you’re searching for a foolproof dessert that wows every crowd, look no further than this Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this cake lies in how straightforward, yet essential, each ingredient is. Every component brings something special—moisture, richness, or that indulgent chocolatey depth that makes this cake a keeper. Here’s what you need and why they matter:
- All-purpose flour: This forms the cake’s backbone, giving it structure while keeping the crumb tender.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetness is key, and sugar also lends moisture and ensures the cake bakes up soft.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: The star of the show—choose a good-quality cocoa for deepest chocolate flavor.
- Baking powder: Adds lift, helping your fudge cake rise to fluffy heights.
- Baking soda: Works with the sour cream and cocoa for an even lighter texture.
- Salt: A pinch of salt sharpens and balances all the sweet, chocolatey flavors.
- Large eggs: Eggs bind the cake and contribute to that rich, fudgy interior.
- Vegetable oil: Locks in moisture for that irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- Sour cream: Adds luxurious moisture and just a hint of tang, making each slice extra tender.
- Hot water or brewed coffee: Either will intensify the chocolate flavor, and coffee won’t make it taste like coffee—I promise!
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and gives the cake a cozy, sweet aroma.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional): For chocolate lovers, these morsels melt into gooey pockets throughout the cake.
How to Make Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan or square baking dish with parchment paper. This not only ensures an easy release later but also keeps the cake edges beautifully soft.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Grab your biggest mixing bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first guarantees they’re evenly distributed—no bitter bites of baking soda or clumps of cocoa in sight.
Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, vegetable oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract right into the dry mixture. Use a spatula or whisk to combine until everything just comes together. Resist the urge to overmix—keeping it minimal will reward you with a fluffy, tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Hot Water or Coffee
Slowly pour in the hot water or brewed coffee as you gently stir. The batter will look thin, and that’s exactly what you want. This step is the secret to that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines an Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
If you’re after ultimate fudge factor, gently fold in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. They’ll melt into rich puddles throughout, turning every bite into a chocolate lover’s dream.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the glossy batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick poked in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs—underdone means extra gooey!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes before lifting it onto a wire rack to finish cooling. Now comes the best part: slice, serve as-is, or top with ganache or whipped cream for even more decadence.
How to Serve Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The classic way to finish this Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe is with a dusting of powdered sugar, a silky chocolate ganache, or a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. A few chocolate curls or berries on top never hurt either—they bring color and a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
This cake is blissful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a handful of fresh raspberries, or a glass of cold milk. If you’re entertaining, a dessert platter with strawberries and chocolate sauce makes for a memorable finish.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn each slice into something special by transforming squares into mini layer cakes with whipped cream between, or serve warm straight from the pan for a rustic, ooey-gooey treat. Little ramekins of fudge cake make charming individual desserts for dinner parties, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe slices keep perfectly at room temperature for up to two days if covered tightly with plastic wrap. For longer storage, pop them into an airtight container in the fridge where they’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to five days.
Freezing
For make-ahead convenience, this cake freezes like a dream. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months, ready for a last-minute dessert emergency or late-night chocolate craving.
Reheating
To bring that just-baked warmth back, simply zap a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge or warm up gently in a low oven. A little warmth revives the rich, fudgy texture that makes the Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use Dutch-process cocoa instead of natural?
Absolutely! Dutch-process cocoa will make the cake darker and give it a slightly smoother, richer chocolate flavor. Just make sure your baking powder and soda remain in the recipe to ensure a good rise.
Can I make this cake gluten free?
Yes, you can substitute a one-to-one gluten free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Be mindful to check that all other ingredients are gluten free if needed.
Why do you add coffee to the batter?
Coffee accentuates the chocolate, making it taste extra rich and deep without coming through as a coffee flavor. If you prefer to leave it out, hot water works beautifully as well.
Is the cake supposed to be this moist?
Yes! The signature of every Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe is its incredibly moist, fudgy crumb. That’s why it’s so beloved and perfect for those who think chocolate cakes often turn out dry.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Totally! Simply double all the ingredients and bake the batter in a 9×13 inch pan. Be sure to adjust the baking time, keeping a close eye until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
If you love a treat that never fails and feels a little extra-special without any fuss, this Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe deserves a spot in your baking rotation. Try it for your next gathering (or late-night chocolate craving)—I promise, one bite and you’ll be hooked.
Print
Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent goodness of this Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake. A moist and flavorful treat that is simple to whip up for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup hot water or brewed coffee
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for extra fudgy texture)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the cake pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs, oil, sour cream, and vanilla. Slowly add hot water or coffee.
- Optional: Fold in chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool before serving with ganache or whipped cream.
Notes
- Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without overpowering it.
- Top with chocolate ganache or serve warm with ice cream for a richer dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
