Dense, rich, and unapologetically chocolaty, the Chocolate Fudge Delight is everything you crave in a dessert. With its deep cocoa flavor, smooth texture, and melt-in-your-mouth ganache topping, it’s the kind of cake that leaves a lasting impression — perfect for celebrations, date nights, or just satisfying a serious sweet tooth.
Ingredients
For the Fudge Cake Base:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter
- 1¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (90g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ cup (120ml) hot coffee or hot water (enhances chocolate flavor)
For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for shine)
Method of Preparation
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Fudge Batter
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Stir in the hot coffee or water to create a smooth, pourable batter.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 4: Make the Ganache
- In a saucepan, heat the cream until just simmering — don’t boil.
- Pour over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir until smooth, then add butter for extra shine (optional).
- Let the ganache cool slightly, then pour over the cooled cake and smooth it out with a spatula.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to set the ganache. Slice into squares or wedges and serve at room temperature for the best texture.
Optional Toppings
- Sea salt flakes for contrast
- Fresh berries or sliced strawberries
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate curls or crushed nuts
Tips for Fudge Perfection
- Use good-quality chocolate — it makes all the difference.
- Don’t overbake — this cake should be dense and fudgy.
- Want an even richer version? Add ½ cup chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
Best Served With
- Espresso or dark roast coffee
- A glass of red wine or port
- Cold milk or almond milk
Final Thoughts
The Chocolate Fudge Delight is not just a dessert — it’s an experience. Moist, intense, and silky, it’s the perfect ending to any meal or a sweet moment all on its own. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself baking it again and again.