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Midnight Fudge Cake: The Ultimate Decadent Recipe

Midnight Fudge Cake: The Ultimate Decadent Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 15 reviews

Indulge in the rich, moist, and intensely chocolatey Midnight Fudge Cake, layered with a silky smooth fudge frosting and topped with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, and chopped nuts. This decadent dessert is perfect for special occasions or when you crave an all-out chocolate treat.

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

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

Decoration

  • Chocolate shavings
  • Fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries)
  • Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes won’t stick.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, 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 thoroughly.
  4. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing the batter.
  5. Add boiling water: Carefully pour the boiling water into the batter and mix on low speed until the batter is smooth and has a thin consistency.
  6. Fill pans and bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Prepare frosting – cream butter: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter until it becomes light and fluffy.
  9. Add powdered sugar and cocoa: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder on low speed until fully incorporated.
  10. Add milk, vanilla, and salt: Slowly add milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then mix on medium speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
  11. Beat frosting for fluffiness: Continue beating the frosting for 2-3 more minutes to make it extra light and fluffy.
  12. Level cakes if needed: If the cakes have domed tops, use a serrated knife to level them for easier stacking.
  13. Assemble the cake – first layer: Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of fudge frosting evenly over the top.
  14. Add second layer: Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosted layer.
  15. Frost entire cake: Cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining fudge frosting using a spatula or knife.
  16. Decorate: Garnish the cake with chocolate shavings, fresh berries such as raspberries and strawberries, and chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for texture and color.
  17. Chill before serving: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting and enhance the flavors before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • To enhance the chocolate flavor, use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder.
  • Make sure the boiling water is added carefully as it thins the batter and helps achieve moistness.
  • If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
  • Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
  • Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Bring chilled cake to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Midnight Fudge Cake, chocolate cake, decadent chocolate dessert, layered cake, fudge frosting, easy chocolate cake recipe, birthday cake

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