Classic Chocolate Cake with Fudge Frosting

The Classic Chocolate Cake with Fudge Frosting is a timeless dessert that never fails to impress. It’s rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey — the kind of cake that feels like a warm hug in every bite. The cake itself is soft and fluffy, while the luscious fudge frosting adds a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth texture that completes this decadent experience.

Whether it’s for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or simply to satisfy your chocolate craving, this cake brings joy to every occasion.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it perfectly balances indulgence and simplicity. The cake is moist, tender, and intensely flavored without being overly sweet, and the fudge frosting is smooth, glossy, and sinfully delicious.

It’s a go-to recipe for celebrations because it never fails — it’s beginner-friendly yet tastes like something straight from a bakery. Plus, it fills your kitchen with the heavenly aroma of chocolate, which makes baking it an experience as delightful as eating it!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This chocolate cake is a must-try for so many reasons:

• It’s soft, rich, and packed with chocolate flavor.
• The fudge frosting is creamy and silky, adding a perfect finish.
• Simple ingredients, yet the result feels luxurious.
• Perfect for birthdays, parties, or even an indulgent treat.
• Can be made ahead and customized with toppings or fillings.

It’s everything a true chocolate cake should be — moist, fudgy, and unforgettable!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 30–35 minutes
• Frosting Preparation: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings & Calories

• Servings: 10–12 slices
• Calories: ~420 kcal per slice

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American / European-inspired
• Course: Dessert / Celebration Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) hot water or freshly brewed coffee (for deeper flavor)

For the Fudge Frosting:

• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Mix dry ingredients.
2. Add wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
3. Bake until fluffy and set.
4. Prepare the fudge frosting.
5. Frost the cooled cake generously.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment paper).

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another bowl, beat together sugar, eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture.
4. Slowly pour in the hot water or coffee, mixing until the batter is smooth and thin (don’t worry — that’s what makes it moist!).

Step 3: Bake the Cake

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

Step 4: Prepare the Fudge Frosting

1. In a medium bowl, sift cocoa powder to remove lumps.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy.
3. Add cocoa powder and mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk or cream, beating continuously until smooth and fluffy.
5. Mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
6. Adjust consistency by adding a bit more milk (for smoother frosting) or sugar (for thicker frosting).

Step 5: Assemble and Frost the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread a thick layer of fudge frosting on top.
3. Place the second layer and cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
4. Smooth with a spatula for a clean look or swirl for a rustic finish.

How to Serve

• Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate ganache.
• Decorate with chocolate shavings, strawberries, or nuts for an elegant touch.
• Perfect alongside coffee or milk for a comforting dessert experience.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use hot coffee instead of water to deepen the chocolate flavor.
• Don’t overbake — it can dry the cake. Check at 30 minutes.
• Let the cake cool fully before frosting, or the icing may melt.
• For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe after each cut.
• Add a pinch of espresso powder to intensify flavor (optional).

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🔄 Variations

• Chocolate Ganache Topping: Pour glossy ganache over the top for a shiny finish.
• Layered Cake with Filling: Add whipped cream or chocolate mousse between layers.
• Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or almonds over the frosting.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter; replace eggs with flax eggs.
• Cupcake Version: Pour batter into muffin tins and bake for 18–20 minutes.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

• Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Freezing:

• You can freeze the cake layers (without frosting) for up to 2 months.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
• Frosted cake can also be frozen for up to 1 month (thaw in fridge overnight).

Special Equipment Needed

• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula and offset knife
• Cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes! Replace each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water.

Q2: Why is my cake dense or dry?
Overmixing or overbaking can make it dense. Ensure ingredients are at room temperature and bake only until just done.

Q3: Can I make this as a single-layer cake?
Absolutely! Bake in a 9×13-inch pan for about 35–40 minutes.

Q4: What’s the best cocoa to use?
Use unsweetened natural cocoa powder for classic flavor, or Dutch-process cocoa for a smoother, deeper taste.

Q5: Can I add extra frosting?
Yes! Double the frosting recipe for thicker layers or decorative piping.

Conclusion

The Classic Chocolate Cake with Fudge Frosting is pure indulgence — rich, moist, and filled with deep chocolate flavor that satisfies every craving. Whether you bake it for a birthday celebration or just to treat yourself, this timeless dessert never disappoints.

The silky fudge frosting complements the soft, tender cake layers perfectly, making each bite a luxurious experience. Simple to make yet impressive in taste and presentation, it’s a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.