Moist Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Fudge Frosting: The Ultimate Decadent Dessert Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that is rich, decadent, and irresistibly moist, Moist Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Fudge Frosting is your ultimate treat. Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or a cozy night in, this cake combines a tender chocolate base with creamy, fudgy frosting that will make every bite melt in your mouth. Unlike dry or overly dense chocolate cakes, this recipe balances moisture, flavor, and texture perfectly.

Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is approachable and yields bakery-quality results at home. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a dessert that impresses family and friends alike. Plus, we’ll share tips, variations, and serving suggestions to take your chocolate cake to the next level.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Fudge Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup heavy cream (more if needed for consistency)
• Optional: chocolate shavings or sprinkles for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This ensures your cakes release easily after baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until evenly combined to remove any lumps and ensure even leavening.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogeneous.

Step 4: Create the Batter
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. Slowly pour in the boiling water and mix gently until the batter is smooth and slightly thin – this ensures a moist cake.

Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking, as it can dry out the cake.

Step 6: Cool the Cake
Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Patience here is key; frosting a warm cake can cause it to melt and slide.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well after each addition. Add salt, vanilla, and heavy cream, adjusting consistency to achieve a smooth, spreadable frosting.

Step 8: Frost the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer over it and frost the top and sides evenly. Garnish with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or drizzle melted chocolate for an elegant finish.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Slice generously and serve with a glass of milk or coffee. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Cake

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature to create a smoother batter.
2. Sift Your Cocoa: Sifting cocoa powder prevents clumps and ensures an even chocolate flavor.
3. Don’t Overmix: Once wet and dry ingredients are combined, stop mixing to avoid a dense cake.
4. Use Quality Chocolate: High-quality cocoa powder and chocolate enhance flavor dramatically.
5. Check Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer ensures accurate baking, as slight temperature variations can affect the cake’s texture.

Moist Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Fudge Frosting

Rich, decadent, and moist chocolate cake with creamy fudge frosting, perfect for celebrations or cozy desserts.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cake Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1.5 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs large
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Chocolate Fudge Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 3.5 cups powdered sugar
• 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.25 cup heavy cream

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Cake pans
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare cake pans.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Combine milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
4. Mix wet ingredients with dry ingredients, then add boiling water slowly.
5. Pour batter into pans and bake 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool cakes on wire racks completely.
7. Beat butter for frosting, gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa. Add vanilla and cream, adjust consistency.
8. Frost the cake layers and garnish as desired.

Notes

Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate for best flavor. Ensure cakes are completely cooled before frosting.

Variations

• Mocha Chocolate Cake: Add 1 tsp instant coffee granules to the boiling water for a coffee-infused chocolate cake.
• Chocolate Nut Cake: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Layered Chocolate Delight: Add a layer of raspberry or cherry jam between the cake layers for fruity contrast.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace eggs with flax eggs and milk with almond or oat milk; use vegan butter for frosting.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Pair with fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce for a fruity twist.
• Miniature versions of this cake make perfect party bites or dessert platters.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Chocolate cakes have been beloved worldwide for centuries. Originally a luxury dessert due to the cost of cocoa, chocolate cakes became more accessible in the 19th century with advances in chocolate processing. Fudge frosting, rich and creamy, originated in the United States and quickly became a favorite for celebrations, from birthdays to holidays. This cake blends moist texture with indulgent frosting, capturing the essence of traditional chocolate desserts while offering the simplicity needed for modern home baking.