This Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake is everything a chocolate lover dreams of—intensely rich, perfectly moist, and crowned with a silky ganache that melts in your mouth. The combination of melted chocolate and cocoa powder gives it a deep, luxurious flavor that’s far more satisfying than your average chocolate cake.
It’s a forgiving recipe that requires just one bowl and zero special equipment, making it ideal for beginners or anyone short on time. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just indulging your sweet tooth, this cake is your go-to for a flawless chocolate fix every single time.
Full Recipe:
For the Cake:
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125g (4 oz) dark chocolate chips
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100g (7 tbsp) salted butter (or unsalted + 1/4 tsp salt)
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1 1/4 cups white sugar (caster or superfine preferred)
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1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 cup plain/all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 cup boiling hot water
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1 tbsp instant coffee granules (optional)
For the Ganache:
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250g (8 oz) dark chocolate chips
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1 cup heavy or thickened cream (30%+ fat)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F) standard or 130°C (265°F) fan-forced. Grease and line a 22 cm (9”) springform cake pan.
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Melt chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl using 3 x 30-second microwave bursts, stirring in between.
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Stir in oil, vanilla, and sugar until well combined.
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Mix in the eggs until incorporated.
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Sift cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and coffee granules (if using) into the bowl. Mix gently until smooth.
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Carefully pour in hot water and mix until batter is fully combined and smooth (it will be thin).
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Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50–60 minutes or until a skewer comes out with moist crumbs.
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Let cake cool in the pan, then remove and transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely before frosting.
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For the ganache, microwave chocolate and cream together in 3 x 30-second bursts, stirring each time. Do not boil.
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Chill for 1–2 hours until ganache thickens to a peanut butter consistency. Spread over cooled cake with a spoon for a textured finish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 473 kcal | Servings: 12–16
A Love Letter to the Ultimate Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake
When it comes to indulgent desserts, few treats captivate quite like a decadent chocolate cake. But among the endless options of layer cakes, molten centers, and frosted towers, the Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake holds a special place. It’s not just chocolatey—it’s unapologetically rich, moist, and deeply satisfying. It strikes the perfect balance between a traditional chocolate cake and a dense mud cake, offering all the flavor and texture we crave without the fuss of complex techniques or tools.
This cake isn’t just about taste—it’s about comfort, ease, and the kind of baking experience that brings joy even before the first bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a weekend warrior in the kitchen, this recipe delivers a chocolate experience that exceeds expectations without overwhelming your time or patience.
What Makes This Cake So Special?
The charm of this chocolate fudge cake lies in its texture and flavor. While many chocolate cakes lean toward light and airy, this one takes inspiration from brownies and mud cakes—dense, moist, and rich without being overly heavy. The result is a satisfying mouthfeel that melts gently, leaving a luxurious finish of chocolate on the palate.
The secret to this texture is the clever combination of melted chocolate, cocoa powder, and hot water. Together, they create a batter that’s deeply flavored and smooth, ensuring that every slice is moist from edge to center. Unlike a typical sponge cake, this version isn’t meant to be tall and fluffy. Instead, it’s more compact, but it makes up for that with intense flavor and luscious texture.
Ganache: The Ultimate Finishing Touch
If the cake itself weren’t indulgent enough, it’s finished with a glossy, thick layer of chocolate ganache. This isn’t just any frosting—ganache is made by melting chocolate with cream to create a smooth, spreadable topping that’s rich yet refined. When cooled to the right consistency, it becomes like soft peanut butter, easy to swirl on top of the cake for an effortlessly elegant look.
Ganache adds depth and creaminess that complements the fudgy base. It elevates the cake from everyday dessert to dinner-party showstopper. No need for fancy piping or delicate decoration—the natural swirls of ganache bring a rustic beauty that makes this cake perfect for both casual gatherings and special celebrations.
Forgiving and Foolproof Baking
Another standout feature of this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need a stand mixer, electric beaters, or multiple bowls. In fact, the entire batter comes together with just one bowl and a wooden spoon. It’s an ideal bake for anyone intimidated by elaborate baking techniques or long ingredient lists.
The cake is incredibly forgiving in terms of baking time. Because of its fudgy nature, it remains moist even if slightly overbaked. It doesn’t rely on a delicate rise, so a few extra minutes in the oven won’t ruin it. Even the cracks that appear on top—reminiscent of brownie crust—are part of the cake’s rustic charm. And those cracks? They disappear under the layer of ganache, so perfection isn’t necessary.
Flavor Notes and Enhancements
This cake doesn’t just look good—it packs an incredible flavor punch. The use of both cocoa powder and melted chocolate ensures layers of chocolate depth, from bitter undertones to creamy sweetness. There’s also an optional addition of coffee granules, which, though subtle, help amplify the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
For those who want to personalize the flavor profile, the recipe welcomes a few tweaks. Adding a touch of orange zest can brighten the richness, while a pinch of cinnamon introduces warmth and complexity. For the adventurous, a splash of bourbon or a swirl of raspberry jam between cake and ganache can turn this classic dessert into a gourmet delight.
Perfect for All Occasions
Despite its richness, the Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake is surprisingly versatile. It’s equally at home as a midweek family dessert as it is on a holiday table. Its single-layer presentation keeps things simple and accessible, but don’t let that fool you—it slices like a dream and serves beautifully.
Planning a birthday party? Add sprinkles or a scoop of ice cream. Hosting a dinner party? A garnish of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream adds contrast. It also holds up well for a couple of days at room temperature, making it a great make-ahead option for busy schedules.
Tips for Success
While the recipe is straightforward, a few best practices can elevate your results:
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Use quality chocolate: Since chocolate is the star, opt for dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips with good flavor. Avoid milk or white chocolate, which won’t set properly in the ganache.
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Don’t skip the boiling water: It might seem unusual, but hot water helps “bloom” the cocoa, enhancing its taste. It also thins the batter, allowing the cake to bake evenly.
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Cool completely before frosting: The cake must be fully cool before spreading the ganache, or you risk melting it into a chocolate puddle.
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Handle gently: Because the cake is so moist, it’s more delicate than a standard cake. Use care when transferring or slicing.
Is It a Fudge Cake or a Mud Cake?
This question often arises, and the answer reveals just how perfectly this cake straddles both categories. Traditional mud cakes are incredibly dense—almost truffle-like—while fudge cakes still retain a cake-like crumb. This particular recipe finds the sweet spot in between.
It’s richer and denser than a standard chocolate cake, but it still offers a softness and lift that sets it apart from pure mud cake. In many ways, it’s a hybrid: the best of both worlds. It satisfies those looking for indulgence without feeling like they’re biting into a block of chocolate.
Why This Cake Belongs in Every Home Baker’s Repertoire
Whether you’re baking for yourself or for others, this cake delivers in every way. It’s a recipe you can turn to when you need something reliable but impressive—something that tastes like it took hours but comes together with ease. With minimal cleanup, pantry-friendly ingredients, and rave-worthy results, it’s bound to become a household staple.
Beyond just flavor, this cake brings with it a sense of nostalgia and joy. The aroma of chocolate wafting from the oven, the swirl of ganache as you frost, and the satisfying sighs of guests enjoying each bite—these are the moments that make baking worthwhile.
Conclusion: A Cake That’s More Than the Sum of Its Parts
In a world full of flashy desserts and trend-driven baking, the Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake remains a timeless classic. It reminds us that true culinary magic lies not in complexity, but in simplicity done well. With rich chocolate flavor, effortless preparation, and a texture that hits all the right notes, this cake isn’t just dessert—it’s comfort, celebration, and indulgence in every bite.
So whether you’re craving a moment of sweetness or planning your next special occasion, this is the cake to make. Keep it simple or dress it up—the result is always decadent, delightful, and deeply satisfying.