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Midnight Fudge Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 127 reviews

This Midnight Fudge Cake is a rich, moist chocolate delight perfectly layered with creamy fudge frosting. Featuring deep cocoa flavors enhanced by buttermilk and a smooth, luscious chocolate buttercream, this classic cake is beautifully decorated with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, and nuts, making it an irresistible treat for any chocolate lover.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 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 Ingredients

  • 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 ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
  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. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  5. Add Boiling Water: Carefully pour the boiling water into the batter and mix on low speed until the batter is smooth and thin in consistency.
  6. Divide Batter: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared pans, smoothing the tops if needed.
  7. Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is done when a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool in Pans: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes after baking.
  9. Remove and Cool Completely: Invert the cakes onto wire racks and let them cool completely before frosting.
  10. Prepare Frosting – Cream Butter: Using an electric mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter in a large bowl until it becomes light and fluffy.
  11. Add Powdered Sugar and Cocoa: Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder to the creamed butter, mixing on low speed until well combined.
  12. Add Milk and Vanilla: Gradually pour in the milk and vanilla extract, then mix on medium speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
  13. Balance Flavor: Add a pinch of salt to the frosting to enhance the chocolate flavor and balance sweetness.
  14. Beat Frosting Further: Continue to beat the frosting for an additional 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
  15. Level Cakes: If your cakes have domed tops, use a serrated knife to level them for an even stacking surface.
  16. First Layer Assembly: Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand and spread a generous, even layer of fudge frosting on top.
  17. Add Second Layer: Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosted one.
  18. Frost Entire Cake: Frost the top and sides of the cake evenly with the remaining fudge frosting.
  19. Decorate: Decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries, and chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
  20. Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting and enhance flavors.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
  • Ensure not to overmix the batter once wet and dry ingredients are combined to prevent tough cakes.
  • The boiling water thins the batter and intensifies the cocoa flavor, so handle carefully.
  • Leveling the cake layers helps in achieving a flat surface and a professional finish.
  • Refrigerating the cake before serving ensures the frosting sets nicely and the cake slices cleanly.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk and butter with suitable alternatives.

Keywords: Midnight Fudge Cake, chocolate cake, fudge frosting, rich chocolate dessert, moist chocolate cake

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