If you’re searching for the perfect chocolate cake—rich, moist, deeply flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser—this Ultimate Chocolate Fudge Cake is the only recipe you’ll ever need. With simple ingredients and foolproof steps, this cake delivers a bakery-quality result every single time.
Table of Contents
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a family gathering, or simply craving a decadent slice of chocolate goodness, this cake fits every occasion. The combination of cocoa powder, hot water (or coffee), and a silky chocolate frosting creates a fudge-like texture that melts in your mouth.
Let’s dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and everything you need to make this chocolate masterpiece!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup hot water (or hot coffee for richer flavor)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup heavy cream (add more if needed)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Pinch of salt
How to Make The Ultimate Chocolate Fudge Cake
1. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Add Wet Ingredients
Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
3. Add Hot Water
Slowly pour in the hot water (or coffee). The batter will be thin — that’s exactly what makes the cake super moist!
4. Bake
Pour the batter into two greased 8-inch cake pans.
Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 30–35 minutes.
5. Make the Frosting
Beat the butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth, creamy, and perfect for spreading.
6. Assemble
Spread frosting between the cake layers, then frost the entire cake. Smooth the top to achieve a glossy chocolate finish.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Fudge Cake
- Extremely moist and soft
- Deep chocolate flavor
- Easy recipe with simple ingredients
- Perfect frosting texture
- Ideal for parties, celebrations, or everyday cravings
This cake turns out perfect every single time—no baking experience required!
Ultimate Chocolate Fudge Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup hot water (or hot coffee for richer flavor) Substituting coffee enhances the chocolate flavor.
For the Frosting
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup heavy cream (add more if needed) Adjust the cream for desired consistency.
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
- Slowly pour in the hot water (or coffee). The batter will be thin — that’s exactly what makes the cake super moist!
Baking
- Pour the batter into two greased 8-inch cake pans. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 30–35 minutes.
Frosting
- Beat the butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth, creamy, and perfect for spreading.
Assembly
- Spread frosting between the cake layers, then frost the entire cake. Smooth the top to achieve a glossy chocolate finish.