Ultimate Fudge Chocolate Cake

Ultimate Fudge Chocolate Cake 

Ingredients

• For the Cake

• All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups (310g)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – 1 cup (100g)
• Baking powder – 2 tsp
• Baking soda – 1 tsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Granulated sugar – 2 ½ cups (500g)
• Eggs – 3 large
• Vegetable oil – 1 cup (240ml)
• Whole milk – 1 cup (240ml)
• Hot coffee (or hot water) – 1 cup (240ml)
• Vanilla extract – 2 tsp

• For the Fudge Chocolate Frosting

• Unsalted butter – 1 cup (225g), softened
• Semi-sweet chocolate – 8 oz (225g), melted and cooled
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – ½ cup (50g)
• Powdered sugar – 3 cups (360g), sifted
• Heavy cream – ½ cup (120ml) (add more for creamier texture)
• Vanilla extract – 2 tsp
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In another bowl, beat together sugar, eggs, and oil until light and well combined. Mix in milk and vanilla.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Slowly pour in the hot coffee and mix until smooth and thin (the batter will be runny—this gives the cake its fudgy texture).

Divide the batter evenly among the three pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.

For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add melted chocolate and cocoa powder, mixing until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, and beat until thick, fluffy, and spreadable. Mix in vanilla and salt.

Level the cake layers if needed. Place the first layer on a cake board, spread frosting evenly on top, then repeat with the second and third layers. Frost the outside of the cake with a generous coat, smoothing with a spatula for a sleek finish.

Decorate with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or a drizzle of melted chocolate if desired.