Midnight Fudge Cake Recipe

Introduction

Midnight Fudge Cake is a rich, moist chocolate cake perfect for any celebration or chocolate craving. Its deep cocoa flavor paired with a creamy fudge frosting makes it irresistibly decadent and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• Pinch of salt (for frosting)
• Chocolate shavings (for decoration)
• Fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries, for decoration)
• Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, for decoration)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
5. Step 5: Carefully pour in the boiling water and mix on low speed until the batter is smooth and thin.
6. Step 6: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
7. Step 7: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Step 9: For the frosting, cream the softened butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
10. Step 10: Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder to the butter on low speed until combined.
11. Step 11: Slowly add the milk and vanilla extract, then increase mixing speed to medium and blend until smooth and creamy.
12. Step 12: Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and continue to beat the frosting for 2 to 3 minutes until it is light and fluffy.
13. Step 13: If the cakes have domed tops, level them with a serrated knife for even stacking.
14. Step 14: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of fudge frosting over the top.
15. Step 15: Carefully place the second cake layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
16. Step 16: Decorate with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, and chopped nuts as desired.
17. Step 17: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, substitute the boiling water with hot brewed coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure the batter mixes evenly without clumps.
• Try adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the frosting for a subtle mocha twist.
• For a nut-free version, skip the chopped nuts and instead garnish with additional fresh berries or chocolate curls.

Storage

Store the Midnight Fudge Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. Leftover cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or add some to help with structure.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.

Midnight Fudge Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 124 reviews

This rich and indulgent Midnight Fudge Cake features a moist, deeply chocolatey cake paired with a luscious fudge frosting. Perfect for chocolate lovers, it’s layered with creamy cocoa frosting and garnished with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, and crunchy nuts, making it a stunning dessert for any special occasion.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients

• 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 Ingredients

• 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

Decoration

• 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 and flour two 9-inch round cake pans 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 well combined.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
5. Add boiling water: Carefully pour the boiling water into the batter and mix on low speed until the batter is smooth and thin, which helps achieve a moist texture.
6. Divide and bake: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
8. Prepare fudge frosting: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
9. Add liquids to frosting: Gradually pour in the milk and vanilla extract, mixing on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness and enhance chocolate flavor. Beat for an additional 2-3 minutes until frosting is light and fluffy.
10. Level cakes: If the cakes have domed tops, use a serrated knife to level them for an even frosting surface.
11. Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of fudge frosting evenly over the top.
12. Add second layer and frost: Carefully place the second cake layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining fudge frosting.
13. Decorate: Garnish the cake with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, and chopped nuts for added texture and visual appeal.
14. Chill before serving: Refrigerate the finished cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting and enhance flavors before serving.

Notes

• Ensure not to overmix the batter once wet and dry ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
• Boiling water helps intensify the cocoa flavor and creates a moist texture.
• Leveling the cake layers results in a more professional-looking finish.
• Refrigeration helps the frosting set and makes slicing cleaner.
• Use fresh berries and chopped nuts to add contrast in texture and flavor.

Keywords: Midnight Fudge Cake, Chocolate Cake, Fudge Frosting, Layer Cake, Chocolate Dessert