Description
Midnight Fudge Cake is a rich, moist chocolate layer cake made with a deep cocoa-infused batter and frosted with a creamy fudge frosting. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this classic cake combines the intense flavor of cocoa with a tender crumb and luscious frosting, making it an ideal dessert for celebrations or any special occasion.
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
- Preheat oven and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until uniformly combined. This will provide the structure and chocolate flavor for your cake batter.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully emulsified. This mixture will add moisture and richness to the cake.
- Incorporate wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a mixer on low speed, blend just until the batter is smooth and combined, being careful not to overmix which can result in a dense cake.
- Add boiling water: Carefully pour the boiling water into the batter while mixing on low speed; this step helps to enhance the cocoa flavor and create a moist texture.
- Divide and bake: Evenly split the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Prepare frosting: While the cakes are baking, make the fudge frosting by creaming the softened unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating to combine. Add milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and continue to beat until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
- Cool and frost: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, spread a layer of frosting on the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the entire cake evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish your Midnight Fudge Cake with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, and/or chopped nuts for added texture and presentation. Slice and serve to enjoy a decadent chocolate treat.
Notes
- Be careful when adding boiling water to the batter to avoid splashing and burns.
- Ensure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- The buttermilk can be substituted with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if needed.
- For deeper chocolate flavor, consider using Dutch-process cocoa powder but reduce baking soda slightly.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate cake, Fudge cake, Layer cake, Moist cake, Chocolate dessert, Classic chocolate cake
