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Midnight Fudge Cake Recipe

4.7 from 93 reviews

This Midnight Fudge Cake is a rich and moist chocolate cake layered with a luscious homemade chocolate frosting, perfect for chocolate lovers seeking an indulgent dessert. The cake boasts deep cocoa flavor with a velvety texture, complemented by a smooth and creamy fudge frosting topped with delicate chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

Frosting Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Chocolate shavings, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans to ensure the cakes don’t stick.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these well ensures even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa flavor.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
  5. Add Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the boiling water; the batter will be thin but this helps create a moist cake texture.
  6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  7. Prepare the Frosting: Beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed to combine. Slowly add the milk, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
  8. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake evenly.
  9. Garnish: Decorate the top with chocolate shavings for an elegant and decadent touch.
  10. Serve: Slice and serve the Midnight Fudge Cake at room temperature to fully enjoy its rich, moist texture and luscious chocolate flavor.

Notes

  • Using boiling water in the batter blooms the cocoa powder and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
  • Ensure butter for frosting is softened but not melted for the best texture.
  • You can substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt or milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
  • Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Keywords: Chocolate cake, fudge cake, chocolate fudge frosting, homemade cake, moist chocolate cake, dessert recipe