The Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake is a dream come true for anyone with a serious chocolate craving. Inspired by classic mud cake but less dense and more cake-like, it blends melted dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and just the right touch of vanilla into a deeply fudgy masterpiece. The texture is perfectly moist with just a hint of lift — enough to keep each bite feeling light, yet rich and satisfying.
What truly sets this dessert apart is its silky chocolate ganache frosting. Made with just two ingredients—cream and chocolate—it’s easy to prepare and lusciously spread over the top and sides. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, dinner party, or simply to treat yourself, this cake will impress with both its taste and simplicity. Every bite is a celebration of chocolate!
Full Recipe:
Cake:
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125g / 4 oz dark chocolate chips
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100g / 7 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted + 1/4 tsp salt)
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1 1/4 cups white sugar (caster/superfine preferred)
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1/4 cup oil (vegetable or canola)
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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 coffee granules (optional but enhances chocolate flavor)
Ganache Frosting:
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250g / 8 oz dark chocolate chips
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1 cup heavy/thickened cream (30%+ fat)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 150°C/300°F (130°C/265°F fan). Grease and line a 22 cm / 9″ springform cake pan.
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Melt butter and chocolate together in a heatproof bowl in the microwave (3 x 30-second bursts, stirring in between). Mix until smooth.
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Add oil, vanilla, and sugar. Mix until combined.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
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Sift in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and coffee granules (if using). Stir until just combined; batter will be thin.
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Pour in boiling water and stir until fully incorporated.
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Transfer batter to prepared pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out moist but not wet.
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Cool completely in the pan before removing.
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For the ganache, microwave chocolate and cream in a bowl (3 x 30-second bursts). Stir until smooth.
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Let ganache cool and thicken in the fridge for 1–2 hours until spreadable. Frost the cake with swirls using a spoon.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 473 kcal per slice | Servings: 12–16
The Ultimate Chocolate Fudge Cake Experience
When it comes to desserts, few things can match the comforting richness and deep flavor of a well-made chocolate cake. But among all the variations out there, the Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake stands out as a showstopper. This cake doesn’t just satisfy your sweet tooth—it elevates the chocolate experience to a new level of indulgence. Fudgy, moist, and generously topped with a luscious ganache, it’s the kind of dessert that makes an impression from the very first bite.
Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a casual weekend treat, or simply to indulge in some serious chocolate therapy, this cake is designed to please. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly forgiving, and always delivers rich, chocolatey goodness.
Why This Cake is a Crowd Favorite
What makes this chocolate fudge cake so beloved is its unique texture and flavor balance. It borrows the density and decadence of a mud cake but avoids being too heavy or cloying. The texture is fudge-like, but with a slightly lighter crumb, creating a satisfying mouthfeel that is rich without being overly dense.
The cake uses both melted dark chocolate and cocoa powder, giving it an intensity and complexity that pure cocoa-based cakes often lack. And to top it all off, it’s finished with a silky chocolate ganache that brings everything together. The result is a dessert that feels elegant yet approachable—perfect for both special occasions and everyday indulgence.
Origins and Inspiration Behind the Recipe
This recipe was created by Australian food blogger Nagi from RecipeTin Eats, who designed it as a more enjoyable alternative to traditional chocolate mud cakes. Unlike the ultra-dense, almost doughy texture of a classic mud cake, this version has just enough lift to feel cake-like while still keeping that irresistible fudge quality.
Interestingly, the inspiration came from brownies, which explains the cake’s deep chocolate base and the crinkly, slightly cracked surface. That same surface settles into a smooth layer once cooled and gets completely hidden under the rich ganache, giving the finished cake a polished, professional look.
Texture and Taste: What to Expect
The defining characteristic of this cake is its deep, dark chocolate flavor, which comes from the combination of ingredients working in harmony. The cocoa powder offers depth, while the melted chocolate adds richness and smoothness. Unlike many chocolate cakes that promise intensity but end up tasting bland or overly sweet, this one delivers an authentic, bittersweet chocolate taste that lingers on the palate.
The texture is dense but not heavy, making each bite feel indulgent yet not overwhelming. The crumb is moist and soft, with just the right amount of structure to hold up to a generous layer of ganache. The ganache itself—made with heavy cream and dark chocolate—is the perfect complement. It’s silky, glossy, and spreads like a dream.
Baking Made Simple and Foolproof
One of the major appeals of this chocolate fudge cake is that it’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need a stand mixer, electric beater, or any special equipment. The whole recipe can be prepared in one bowl using just a wooden spoon. This makes it ideal for beginner bakers or those who simply want a no-fuss recipe that turns out perfectly every time.
The recipe is also very forgiving. It doesn’t rely on a delicate rise or precise cooking time to succeed. Whether you slightly underbake or overbake it, the fudge-like nature of the cake ensures it remains moist and enjoyable. That’s because it’s not supposed to rise much—so you won’t find yourself anxiously watching the oven.
Chocolate Ganache: The Finishing Touch
The ganache deserves a spotlight of its own. Traditional frostings made from butter and icing sugar can be overly sweet and sometimes grainy, but a ganache offers a smooth, luxurious alternative. Made simply with chocolate and heavy cream, this ganache sets beautifully to a spreadable consistency and creates a professional-looking finish.
When warmed, it’s a pourable chocolate sauce that could easily be used as a drizzle or glaze. But for this cake, it’s cooled to a thick, peanut butter-like texture that’s ideal for frosting. It spreads easily and can be styled with simple swirls using a spoon or spatula—no piping skills required.
Customization Ideas for Flavor and Texture
The beauty of this cake is that it can be adapted to suit your preferences without losing its signature character. Here are some fun ways to customize it:
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Add nuts like chopped hazelnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch.
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Infuse orange zest or peppermint extract for a festive twist.
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Stir espresso powder into the hot water to deepen the chocolate flavor even more.
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Layer with fruit preserves, like raspberry or cherry, between the cake and ganache for a Black Forest-style variation.
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Top with sea salt flakes to contrast the sweetness with a touch of savory.
It’s also possible to turn this into cupcakes or mini-cakes for individual servings. Just reduce the baking time accordingly and frost as desired.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This cake is a true all-rounder. It’s impressive enough for a birthday, holiday gathering, or dinner party, yet simple enough for a casual Sunday treat. Its rich flavor and elegant look make it a great choice for entertaining, and it can be made ahead of time, stored, and even frozen.
You can easily double the recipe for a two-layer cake or halve it for a smaller gathering. It also travels well, making it a thoughtful homemade gift or a reliable potluck dessert.
Storage and Serving Tips
To keep the cake at its best:
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Store it covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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Let the cake come to room temperature before serving, as the ganache will soften and become more flavorful.
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For longer storage, wrap it well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then let sit at room temp before serving.
When slicing, use a warm knife (run it under hot water and wipe dry) for cleaner cuts, especially if the ganache is cold and firm.
Conclusion: A Must-Have Chocolate Cake in Your Baking Repertoire
In the world of chocolate cakes, the Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake holds a special place. It delivers on all fronts—taste, texture, ease, and elegance. With its rich flavor, moist crumb, and indulgent ganache topping, it’s the kind of dessert that leaves a lasting impression and keeps people coming back for seconds.
This isn’t just another chocolate cake recipe; it’s a modern classic that combines the comfort of homemade baking with the decadence of a bakery treat. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, adding this recipe to your collection is a decision you won’t regret.
From everyday cravings to special occasions, the Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake is a foolproof way to delight, impress, and indulge.