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Midnight Fudge Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 133 reviews

This decadent Midnight Fudge Cake features rich chocolate layers made with cocoa and buttermilk, topped with a smooth and creamy fudge frosting. Perfectly moist and intensely chocolatey, it’s garnished with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, and chopped nuts for a delightful texture and flavor contrast. Ideal for celebrations or a luxurious dessert treat.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Fudge 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

Decorations

  • 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 thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended.
  4. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined without overmixing to ensure a tender crumb.
  5. Add boiling water: Carefully pour the boiling water into the batter and mix on low speed. The batter will be thin and smooth – this is correct for a moist cake.
  6. Pour into pans: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops slightly.
  7. Bake: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool in pans: Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes to set.
  9. Invert and cool completely: Carefully invert the cakes onto wire racks and allow them to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding frosting.
  10. Prepare fudge frosting – cream butter: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter until it becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  11. Add powdered sugar and cocoa: Gradually add the powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder while mixing on low speed until combined and no lumps remain.
  12. Add milk and vanilla: Slowly pour in the milk and vanilla extract, increasing the mixer speed to medium and continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
  13. Add salt and beat: Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor, then beat the frosting for an additional 2-3 minutes until it is light and fluffy.
  14. Level cake layers: If the cake layers have domed tops, carefully level them with a serrated knife for even stacking.
  15. 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.
  16. Add second layer: Place the second cake layer carefully on top of the frosted first layer.
  17. Frost the cake: Use the remaining fudge frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake evenly and smoothly.
  18. Decorate: Garnish the cake with chocolate shavings, fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries, and chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
  19. Chill before serving: Refrigerate the finished cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set properly and enhance flavors before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the boiling water is added gradually to avoid splattering and to achieve a smooth batter.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
  • Cooling the cakes completely before frosting prevents the frosting from melting.
  • Use room temperature butter for frosting to achieve the best creamy texture.
  • The pinch of salt in the frosting balances the sweetness and heightens the chocolate taste.
  • Store leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.

Keywords: chocolate cake, fudge cake, homemade cake, chocolate dessert, chocolate frosting, celebration cake

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