• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Mother's Day
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Contact

The Curly Spoon

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Mother's Day
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Mother's Day
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Cakes

    Published: Apr 13, 2023 · Modified: Jan 9, 2025 by Mallory & Marissa · This post may contain affiliate links

    Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake

    PIN THIS! JUMP TO RECIPE

    This easy chocolate fudge cake is the perfect dessert to satisfy your chocolate craving - it's rich, moist, and absolutely delicious!

    You might also like Triple Chocolate Ganache Cake, Brownies With Frosting, and Chocolate Candy Cake Cupcakes.

    easy-chocolate-fudge-cake-on-cake-stand.
    Jump To
    • The Ultimate Fudge Cake
    • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How To Make This Recipe
    • Recipe Tips and Tricks
    • Decoration Ideas
    • How To Store Leftovers
    • Recipe FAQ’s
    • More Chocolate Recipes You'll Love
    • Recipe

    The Ultimate Fudge Cake

    Are you in the mood for a decadent chocolate dessert that's insanely easy to make? Look no further than this incredibly delicious and easy chocolate fudge cake! 

    With its rich chocolate flavor and moist, fudgy texture it's sure to be your new favorite dessert! Plus, it's topped with a simple two-ingredient chocolate ganache frosting that takes it to the next level. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just want a sweet treat, this recipe is the perfect choice.

    slice-of-chocolate-fudge-cake.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    This moist chocolate fudge cake can be whipped up in no time with only 12 simple ingredients! It's one of the easiest and most delicious cakes you'll ever make. Here are a few more reasons why you'll love this recipe:

    • Simple ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients for this cake in your pantry already.
    • No mixer needed: You’ll just need a whisk and a wooden spoon to combine all of the ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. 
    • Super moist and fudgy: This cake is rich, indulgent, and has the perfect texture.
    • Perfect for any occasion: Whether it's a special celebration or just a casual treat, this cake is an excellent choice.
    • Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves chocolate cake, and this recipe is sure to impress!
    • Two-ingredient chocolate ganache frosting: The simple ganache frosting flawlessly complements the rich fudge cake.
    • Freezes well: You can make this cake in advance and freeze it for later, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

    Ingredients

    easy-chocolate-fudge-cake-ingredients.

    Starting with the right ingredients is key to making the ultimate chocolate fudge cake. Here's everything you'll need to make this recipe.

    All-purpose flour: The flour provides structure and stability to the cake. All-purpose flour is the best choice for this recipe.

    Cocoa powder: We use 100% pure cocoa powder. There are many different brands that will work, but we love Hershey’s.

    Granulated sugar: The granulated sugar adds sweetness to the cake and helps keep it soft and moist.

    Salt: The salt creates a richer flavor and gives dimension to the chocolate taste. It also enhances the sweetness of the other ingredients.

    Baking powder: Baking powder serves as a leavening agent, helping the cake batter rise. It also improves the cake's flavor and texture.

    Eggs: The eggs bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.

    Butter: We prefer to use salted butter in this recipe, but you can use unsalted butter if needed. The butter adds flavor, richness, and tenderness to the cake.

    Chocolate chips: This chocolate fudge cake recipe uses chocolate chips in the cake batter as well as in the chocolate ganache frosting. We like milk chocolate chips but use you can use dark chocolate or semisweet if preferred.

    Pure vanilla extract: It adds the perfect flavor and aroma to this chocolate fudge cake.

    Buttermilk: The buttermilk contributes acidity to the cake, which helps activate the baking soda. It helps ensure the chocolate cake is rich, tender, and moist.

    Hot water: The hot water helps dissolve the cocoa powder and helps being out the chocolate flavor. It also makes the batter smooth and silky. The water should be very hot, nearly boiling.

    Heavy cream: The heavy cream adds a rich flavor and a smooth texture to the chocolate ganache frosting.

    How To Make This Recipe

    prepare the ingredients

    For the best results when making this easy chocolate fudge cake, make sure the eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before starting. This is important to ensure a smooth and even cake batter. You can quickly warm up cold eggs by placing them in a bowl of warm water.

    make the cake

    One of the best things about this recipe is that you don't need a mixer to make it! Using a wooden spoon is the best way to ensure that you don't overmix the batter and end up with a tough, chewy cake.

    To get started, preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a round 8-inch cake pan with shortening or butter and then lightly coat with flour and set it aside.

    greased-cake-pan.

    In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Set it aside to cool slightly.

    In another small bowl, add the room-temperature eggs. Lightly beat them together with a whisk or fork until the yolks and whites are combined and set aside.

    Then, in a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder. Mix the dry ingredients together with a whisk until they are well combined.

    mix-dry-ingredients-1.
    mix-dry-ingredients-2.

    Next, add the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter and chocolate chip mixture, and buttermilk to the dry ingredients.

    add-chocolate-butter-mixture.
    add-vanilla-egg-mixture.

    Mix them together with a wooden spoon until they are almost fully combined.

    mix-fudge-cake-ingredients.
    chocolate-fudge-cake-batter.

    Finally, add in the hot water and mix with a wooden spoon just until combined. The batter should be smooth with no lumps and have a relatively thin consistency. Be very careful not to overmix.

    add-hot-water.
    fudge-cake-batter-finished.

    Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

    batter-in-greased-cake-pan.
    fudge-cake-in-pan-1.

    Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

    make the ganache frosting

    Place the chocolate chips in a medium bowl. Next, heat the cream on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave (about 60 seconds). Heat it just until it begins to boil, then remove it from the heat.

    Immediately pour the heated cream over the chocolate chips. Let it stand for about 2-3 minutes to allow the cream to melt the chocolate. Then, whisk the mixture until the chocolate fully melts and the consistency is smooth.

    chocolate-ganache-frosting-1.
    chocolate-ganache-frosting-2.

    Let the ganache continue to cool in the refrigerator or freezer for 30-40 minutes, whisking thoroughly every 10-15 minutes. The chilled chocolate ganache should firm up and have a frosting-like consistency.

    At this stage, we like to use a hand mixer to lightly whip the ganache into a slightly thicker whipped ganache frosting—but this step is totally optional.

    chocolate-ganache-frosting-3.
    whipped-ganache-fudge.

    frost and chill the cake

    Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the chocolate ganache frosting evenly across the top and sides of the cake. Add any desired decorations (sprinkles, fresh berries, chocolate shavings, etc.)

    Although you can serve this cake immediately, we highly recommend chilling it first. This makes it extra fudgy! Place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. Then serve and enjoy!

    add-chocolate-ganache-frosting-1.

    Recipe Tips and Tricks

    Use room temperature ingredients. This can make a huge difference in the texture and consistency of your cake. Room-temperature ingredients mix more easily and evenly, resulting in a smoother batter and a more uniform bake. For this recipe, the eggs and buttermilk should be at room temperature before getting started.

    Accurately measure the flour. Measuring flour correctly is key to the success of any cake recipe. Too much flour can result in a dry, dense cake, while too little flour can cause the cake to collapse in the center. To accurately measure flour, use a spoon to scoop the flour into a dry measuring cup and level off the excess with a straight edge.

    Use very hot water. For the very best chocolate fudge cake, you’ll want to use super hot (nearly boiling) water in this recipe. This helps give the cake a smooth, soft, and fluffy texture while also intensifying the chocolate flavor. 

    Don’t overmix the batter. Mix the cake batter gently with a wooden spoon or spatula just until all of the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in a tough and dense cake rather than a soft and moist one.

    Grease the cake pan. Make sure to grease the cake pan really well with butter or shortening. We also recommend lightly flouring it or lining the bottom with parchment paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove once it's baked.

    Don't overbake the cake. Overbaking can result in a dry and crumbly texture. Check the cake at the minimum recommended baking time, and continue baking until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

    Chill the cake before serving. For best results, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help the ganache frosting set and make it easier to slice the cake cleanly.

    Decoration Ideas

    Here are some fun and easy ideas to decorate your chocolate fudge cake and make it look as delicious as it tastes.

    • Fresh berries
    • Chocolate shavings
    • Powdered sugar
    • Sprinkles
    • Whipped cream
    • Toasted nuts
    • Caramel sauce
    • Edible flowers

    Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to decorating your cake, so feel free to get creative and have fun with it!

    chocolate-fudge-cake-close-up.

    How To Store Leftovers

    This chocolate fudge cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover it well with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to ensure it stays moist and fudgy. 

    It also stores extremely well in the freezer for up to 3 months, frosted or unfrosted. This makes it an excellent make-ahead dessert! Allow the cake to thaw before frosting and/or serving.

    Recipe FAQ’s

    Can I add chocolate chips to this cake?

    Yes, adding chocolate chips to this cake will make it even richer and more chocolatey. It will also add some additional texture.

    Can I add coffee or espresso powder to the cake batter?

    Yes, you can add coffee or espresso powder to the cake batter. It will enhance the chocolate flavor and give the cake a deeper, more complex taste.

    Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

    Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before frosting and serving. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it thaw before frosting and serving.

    What’s the difference between fudge cake and mud cake?

    Mud cake is a type of chocolate cake that has an incredibly dense and rich texture. It is typically made with a higher proportion of chocolate and less flour than a traditional chocolate cake, which gives it a fudgier texture that resembles mud. Fudge cake, on the other hand, has a slightly lighter, fluffier texture while still being super moist, rich, and fudgy.

    What’s the difference between chocolate cake and chocolate fudge cake?

    Chocolate cake is a lighter, fluffier cake that is made with cocoa powder. Chocolate fudge cake is a denser, moister cake that is made with melted chocolate.

    What’s the difference between fudge and fudge cake?

    Fudge is a sweet confection that is made from sugar, butter, and milk or cream. Fudge cake is a type of cake that has a dense, moist texture and a rich chocolate flavor.


    What is chocolate ganache?

    Ganache is a versatile chocolate mixture made by heating cream and pouring it over chopped chocolate. The mixture is then stirred until smooth and used as a glaze, frosting, or filling for cakes, cupcakes, truffles, and other desserts.


    Is oil or butter better for cake?

    Both oil and butter can be used in cake recipes, but oil tends to produce a moister cake with a more tender crumb, while butter adds flavor and richness. We prefer the rich flavor provided by the butter in this recipe.


    Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache frosting?

    Absolutely! We like milk chocolate for this fudge cake but you can use dark chocolate or semisweet chocolate, depending on your personal preference.


    Can I double this recipe to make a two-layer cake?

    Yes, you can double this recipe to make a two-layer cake or two single-layer cakes.

    More Chocolate Recipes You'll Love

    • mini-chocolate-cupcakes-featured.
      Mini Chocolate Cupcakes with Homemade Buttercream
    • whipped-chocolate-ganache-featured.
      Whipped Milk Chocolate Ganache
    • chocolate-ganache-cake-featured.
      Moist Chocolate Ganache Cake
    • homemade-america-brownies-with-chocolate-frosting-featured.
      Chocolate Frosted Brownies

    Recipe

    easy-chocolate-fudge-cake-featured-1.

    Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake

    April 13, 2023
    Author: Mallory & Marissa
    This easy chocolate fudge cake is the perfect dessert to satisfy your chocolate craving - it's rich, moist, and absolutely delicious!
    5
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 45 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 434 kcal

    Equipment

    • Mixing Bowls
    • Wooden Spoon
    • whisk
    • Round 8-inch cake pan
    • Wire Cooling Rack

    Ingredients
      

    FOR THE CAKE

    • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
    • ½ cup cocoa powder
    • 1¼ cups granulated sugar
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1½ teaspoon baking powder
    • 2 eggs room temperature
    • ½ cup salted butter melted
    • ½ cup chocolate chips melted
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • ¾ cup buttermilk room temperature
    • ¾ cup hot water

    FOR THE GANACHE FROSTING

    • 8 oz chocolate chips
    • 1 cup heavy cream

    Instructions
     

    FOR THE CAKE

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease and flour an 8-inch cake pan.
    • In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
    • In another small bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a whisk or fork until the yolks and whites are combined. Set aside.
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder.
    • Add the eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter and chocolate chip mixture, and buttermilk to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon until almost fully combined.
    • Add in the hot water and mix with a wooden spoon just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
    • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
    • Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling.

    FOR THE GANACHE FROSTING

    • Place the chocolate chips in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan or in the microwave, heat the cream just until it begins to boil, remove from heat.
    • Immediately pour the heated cream over the chocolate. Let stand for 2-3 minutes. Whisk until the chocolate fully melts and the consistency is smooth.
    • Let the ganache cool in the refrigerator for 30-40 minutes, whisking thoroughly every 10-15 minutes until it firms up and has a frosting-like consistency.

    FROST & CHILL

    • Once completely cooled, spread the ganache frosting evenly across the top and sides of the cake. Add any desired decorations.
    • Although you can serve this cake immediately, we highly recommend chilling it first. This makes it extra fudgy!! Place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. Then serve and enjoy.

    Notes

    • For a fluffier frosting, try making our whipped milk chocolate ganache!
    • For best results, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for a super fudgy texture!
    • The eggs and buttermilk should be at room temperature before getting started.
    • Measure the flour by using a spoon to scoop the flour into a dry measuring cup and level off the excess with a straight edge.
    • Use super hot (nearly boiling) water. 
    • Mix with a wooden spoon to avoid overmixing.
    • Grease the pan with butter or shortening. Then, lightly flour it or line the bottom with parchment paper.
    • Check the cake for doneness with a toothpick before removing it from the oven. Be careful not to overbake.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 434kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 244mg | Potassium: 199mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 592IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

    Tried this Recipe? Tag us Today!Mention @thecurlyspoon or tag #thecurlyspoon!

    More Cake Recipes

    • lemon-loaf-cake-sliced-featured-PS.
      Glazed Lemon Loaf Cake
    • strawberry-whipped-cream-cake-featured.
      Strawberry Whipped Cream Cake
    • orange-cranberry-cake-featured-1.
      Orange Cranberry Cake With Glaze
    • old-fashioned-cinnamon-walnut-coffee-cake-featured.
      Best Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake
    FacebookTweetPinEmail

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jacquline Morgan says

      April 13, 2023 at 3:08 pm

      5 stars
      I made this cake and it was fantastic! Thank you

      Reply
    5 from 4 votes (3 ratings without comment)

    Leave A Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Marissa and Mallory Baking

    Hi! We're Mallory & Marissa, Founders of The Curly Spoon Blog.

    We are two sisters from Texas who have a love of good food and spending lots of quality time in the kitchen.

    More about us →

    Follow Us On Social Media

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Mother's Day Brunch

    • slices-of-banana-bread-stacked-featured.
      Moist Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread
    • waffle-brunch-ideas-breakfast-charcuterie-board-featured.
      How To Make A Breakfast Charcuterie Board
    • mini-fruit-pizza-cookies-with-cream-cheese-frosting.
      Mini Fruit Pizza Cookies With Cream Cheese Frosting
    • thick-cinnamon-brioche-french-toast-featured.
      Cinnamon Brioche French Toast (Extra Thick)
    • lemon-loaf-cake-sliced-featured-PS.
      Glazed Lemon Loaf Cake
    • crepes-with-strawberries-and-cream-featured.
      Crepes with Strawberries and Cream

    Popular Recipes

    • fruit-platter-presentation-ideas-featured.
      11 Simple Fruit Platter Presentation Ideas
    • smoothie-king-copycat-recipe-pineapple-surf-featured.
      Copycat Smoothie King Recipe: Pineapple Surf
    • old-fashioned-cinnamon-walnut-coffee-cake-featured.
      Best Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake
    • how-to-make-box-brownies-better-featured.
      How To Make Box Brownies Better
    • biscoff-cookie-butter-blondies-drizzle-featured.
      Biscoff Blondies
    • lemon-blueberry-bundt-cake-featured.
      Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake

    Footer

    About Us

    Our Story

    Privacy Policy

    Accessibility Policy

    Blog

    Recipe Index

    Contact Us

    Don't Miss Out

    Sign up for our newsletter to receive free recipes, discount codes, and more!

    © 2022 The Curly Spoon

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.