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Midnight Fudge Cake: Indulge in Decadent Chocolate Delight! Recipe

4.4 from 73 reviews

A rich and moist Midnight Fudge Cake featuring deep chocolate flavor with a velvety cocoa buttercream frosting, perfect for satisfying any chocolate lover’s cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

Frosting

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Garnish

  • Chocolate shavings
  • Fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries)
  • Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and lightly dust them with flour to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined and evenly distributed.
  3. Blend wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
  4. Combine dry and wet mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender cake crumb.
  5. Add boiling water: Carefully pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed until the batter is smooth and homogenous. The batter will be thin, which is normal for this recipe.
  6. Divide and bake: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans. Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool layers: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Prepare frosting: Beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with milk, and continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance flavor, mixing well.
  9. Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate, spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
  10. Garnish: Optionally, decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure the cake layers are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • Use room temperature butter and eggs for better mixing and texture.
  • Boiling water makes the cake batter thin but helps to bloom the cocoa for a richer chocolate flavor.
  • This cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
  • Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature before serving for best texture and taste.

Keywords: Midnight Fudge Cake, chocolate cake, fudge cake, chocolate dessert, homemade cake, chocolate frosting, rich chocolate cake