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Midnight Fudge Cake Recipe

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5 from 124 reviews

Midnight Fudge Cake is a rich and moist chocolate layer cake with a deep chocolate fudge frosting. This decadent dessert is made with a blend of cocoa powder, buttermilk, and boiling water to create an intensely chocolaty and tender crumb, topped with a creamy homemade fudge frosting. Garnished with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, and chopped nuts, it’s the perfect indulgence for special occasions or anytime you crave a classic chocolate cake.

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

Fudge 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

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 and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, vegetable oil, large eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: 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 becomes smooth and thin; this step helps intensify the cake’s chocolate flavor and moisture.
  6. Divide Batter and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 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 before inverting them onto wire racks to cool completely to room temperature.
  8. Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder on low speed until combined.
  9. Add Liquids and Finish Frosting: Slowly mix in the milk and vanilla extract on medium speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness and beat the mixture for another 2-3 minutes for a light, fluffy texture.
  10. Level Cakes: If the cake layers have domes, use a serrated knife to level them for even stacking.
  11. Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of fudge frosting evenly over the top.
  12. Stack and Frost: Carefully place the second layer on top of the frosted layer. Apply the remaining fudge frosting over the top and sides of the cake, creating a smooth finish.
  13. Decorate: Garnish the cake with chocolate shavings, fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries, and chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added texture and visual appeal.
  14. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Ensure the boiling water is carefully added to avoid splashing and adjust batter consistency.
  • Don’t overmix after adding boiling water to keep the cake moist and tender.
  • Use room temperature eggs and butter for better mixing and texture.
  • For extra moisture, you may substitute some buttermilk with sour cream.
  • Keep the cake refrigerated after frosting to maintain the structure and freshness.
  • Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.

Keywords: chocolate cake, fudge cake, chocolate layer cake, homemade frosting, rich chocolate cake, baked chocolate cake, layered cake recipe

Find it online: https://stirringwithstella.com/midnight-fudge-cake-recipe/