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Midnight Fudge Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 103 reviews

A rich and moist Midnight Fudge Cake featuring a deeply chocolatey batter paired with a luscious fudge frosting. This classic layered cake is perfect for chocolate lovers, decorated with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, and chopped nuts for added texture and elegance. Easy to make and ideal for celebrations or any special occasion.

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 and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
  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 well combined.
  3. Combine 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, mixing on low speed just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough.
  5. Add Boiling Water: Carefully pour in the boiling water and mix on low speed until the batter is smooth and thin, enhancing the cake’s moist texture.
  6. Fill Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans for even baking.
  7. Bake: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the center; it should come out clean.
  8. Cool Cakes 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.
  10. Prepare Frosting – Cream Butter: Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy to create a smooth base for the frosting.
  11. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder while mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
  12. Add Liquid Ingredients: Slowly pour in the milk and vanilla extract, mixing on medium speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
  13. Season Frosting: Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor, then beat for an additional 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  14. Level Cakes: If the cake layers have domed tops, level them with a serrated knife for even stacking and a polished look.
  15. Layer Cakes: Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand and spread a generous layer of fudge frosting evenly over the top.
  16. Add Second Layer: Carefully place the second cake layer on top and spread frosting over the entire top and sides of the cake.
  17. Decorate: Garnish the cake with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, and chopped nuts to add texture and visual appeal.
  18. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the completed cake for at least 30 minutes to help the frosting set and improve slicing.

Notes

  • Ensure not to overmix the batter once wet and dry ingredients are combined to maintain cake tenderness.
  • Boiling water helps the cocoa powder bloom, intensifying the chocolate flavor and giving the cake a moist texture.
  • Use room temperature butter for the frosting to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
  • If buttermilk is unavailable, 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.
  • The cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • Let the cake come to room temperature before serving if refrigerated to enjoy optimum flavor and texture.

Keywords: midnight fudge cake, chocolate cake, fudge frosting, layered chocolate cake, rich chocolate dessert

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