If you’re a true chocolate lover, this Triple Chocolate Cake is pure heaven. Rich chocolate cake layers are frosted with creamy chocolate buttercream and finished with a silky hot fudge sauce that takes every bite to the next level. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or when you simply crave an indulgent dessert.
Table of Contents
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour (plus cooling time)
- Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water for a milder flavor)
For the Chocolate Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup whole milk (adjust as needed)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Hot Fudge Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup corn syrup
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment paper).
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until smooth.
- Slowly stir in the hot coffee (or hot water). The batter will be thin — that’s normal.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
2️⃣ Prepare the Chocolate Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Add cocoa powder and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk, beating until fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Adjust milk as needed for a smooth, spreadable consistency.
3️⃣ Make the Hot Fudge Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, corn syrup, cocoa powder, and sugar.
- Stir continuously until the mixture begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and stir in dark chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and stir well.
- Let cool slightly before using (it will thicken as it cools).
Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of chocolate frosting on top.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
- Drizzle warm hot fudge sauce over the top, letting it drip down the sides for a dramatic finish.
For extra indulgence, serve each slice with an additional spoonful of warm fudge sauce.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Cake
- Hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
- Make sure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting.
- For ultra-clean slices, wipe your knife between cuts.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.