Discover the easiest recipe for the ultimate chocolate fudge cake with homemade ganache. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this guide offers simple steps and tips for a moist, rich, and decadent dessert. Ideal for any occasion and so easy to bake!

A slice of rich, decadent chocolate cake becomes an experience, a celebration of flavors that can lift spirits and bring smiles to faces. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that holds a special place in my heart – the easiest, most foolproof Chocolate Fudge Cake you’ll ever make.

But what’s a chocolate cake without a glossy, luscious ganache to crown its glory? My homemade ganache recipe will make you look like a pastry chef in no time. This extra layer of luxury makes this cake so decadent and fancy.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, looking to surprise a loved one, or simply in need of a chocolate fix, this chocolate ganache cake is your answer. It’s designed to be foolproof, ensuring that bakers of all levels, from novices to experts, can achieve chocolate perfection. This might be and easy chocolate fudge cake recipe but that doesn’t make it any less delicious.

Making the Best Chocolate Fudge Cake: A Simple Guide

If you’re after a no-fuss chocolate fudge cake that’s rich, moist, and utterly satisfying, this recipe is for you. It’s perfect for anyone looking to satisfy their chocolate cravings without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. There is so much to love about this recipe, including how easy it is to bake a fudgy chocolate cake.

Ingredients & Prep:

Start with the basics: shop at your local grocery store for all the ingredients.
Use room temperature ingredients to ensure everything blends smoothly. This means letting yourand butter sit out for a bit before you start.
High quality chocolate chips are your secret weapons. The chips add the chocolatey goodness, and you get what you pay for.
Pro tip: a touch of instant coffee (dissolved in hot water) can deepen the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. My grandma used a teaspoon of dissolved instant coffee in her chocolate cakes.

Mixing & Baking:

Mix your dry ingredients in one bowl and wet in another, then combine them gently. Overmixing can make the cake tough.
Don’t skimp on greasing your baking pan. You may also use parchment paper and a bit of butter or oil to make sure your cake comes out cleanly.
Bake until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. This means it’s perfectly done—rich and fudgy, not dry.

The Chocolate Ganache:

For the ganache, heat heavy cream and pour it over chocolate chips. Let it sit, then stir until smooth. Adding a bit of butter makes it extra glossy.
Cool your cake completely before spreading the ganache on top. This keeps the ganache thick and rich, not absorbed into the cake.

Serving & Storage:

This cake tastes even better the next day, so it’s a great make-ahead dessert.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep it moist. If you need to keep it for more than a couple of days, wrap it in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge.

Quick Tips:

Measuring your ingredients with a kitchen scale can help with accuracy. Too much flour or cocoa powder can make the cake dry.
An electric mixer makes quick work of the batter and ganache, but a good whisk can do the job too.
If you’re not a fan of coffee, hot water works fine for dissolving the cocoa powder. It’s all about enhancing the chocolate, not overpowering it.

That’s it! Simple steps, simple ingredients, and a little patience give you the best chocolate fudge cake. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and delivers a deliciously rich chocolate cake every time. Enjoy baking and even more, enjoy indulging in your homemade masterpiece!

Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar (may be swapped for brown sugar)

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Ganache:

1 cup heavy cream

8 ounces miniature semi-sweet chocolate morsels

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.

Gradually stir in the boiling water, mixing until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the frosting: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat.

Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes to melt the chocolate.

Gently stir the chocolate and cream together until smooth and well combined.

Add the softened butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the butter is melted and the ganache is silky.

Allow the ganache to cool slightly for a thicker consistency or let it sit at room temperature for a pourable glaze.

Once the ganache reaches the desired consistency, pour it over the cooled Chocolate Fudge Cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Use an offset spatula to spread the ganache evenly over the top of the cake.

Allow the ganache to set before serving and serving.

Note: You can adjust the ganache consistency by cooling it to your preference – a thicker ganache is perfect for spreading, while a thinner one creates a glossy, drip effect. Enjoy the luscious combination of the ganache and the Chocolate Fudge Cake for a truly indulgent treat.

Yield: 8

Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake

Name: Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar (may be swapped for brown sugar); 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 cup boiling water; For the Chocolate Ganache:; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 ounces miniature semi-sweet chocolate morsels; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar (may be swapped for brown sugar)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup boiling water
For the Chocolate Ganache:
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces miniature semi-sweet chocolate morsels
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
Gradually stir in the boiling water, mixing until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, but that's okay.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the frosting: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes to melt the chocolate.
Gently stir the chocolate and cream together until smooth and well combined.
Add the softened butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the butter is melted and the ganache is silky.
Allow the ganache to cool slightly for a thicker consistency or let it sit at room temperature for a pourable glaze.
Once the ganache reaches the desired consistency, pour it over the cooled Chocolate Fudge Cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
Use an offset spatula to spread the ganache evenly over the top of the cake.
Allow the ganache to set before serving and serving.

The Homemade Chocolate Ganache

The ganache, with its glossy finish and rich taste, is what sets this cake apart. It’s a simple concoction of heavy cream, chocolate morsels, butter, and vanilla extract, but when combined, they create a luxurious topping that elevates the cake to new heights.

Simmer and Pour: Heat the heavy cream until it simmers, then pour it over the chocolate morsels. Let the mixture sit, allowing the heat to melt the chocolate, creating a smooth base.
Stir to Silky Perfection: After adding the butter and vanilla, stir until you achieve a ganache that’s smooth, glossy, and utterly irresistible. The secret to a perfect ganache lies in patience; let it cool to your desired consistency for either a thick spread or a glossy drizzle.
Garnish and Serve: Once your ganache is ready, pour it over the cooled cake. Use an offset spatula to create a smooth, even layer, or let it drip down the sides for a more rustic, indulgent look.

Final Touches and Tips

This Chocolate Fudge Cake, with its homemade ganache, is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in baking. It’s a recipe that invites you to enjoy the process, to indulge in the pleasure of creating something truly special. Remember, the consistency of your ganache can be adjusted to suit your preference; whether you’re after a thick, spreadable frosting or a thin, shiny glaze, the choice is yours. This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration, a moment of joy to be shared.

As you slice into your masterpiece, remember the journey that brought you here – a testament to the fact that baking is not just about following a recipe, but about creating moments of happiness. This Chocolate Fudge Cake, with its rich flavor and sumptuous ganache, is sure to become a cherished recipe, one that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion.

Easiest Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe