Moist Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Fudge Frosting
This Moist Chocolate Cake is rich, decadent, and topped with a creamy chocolate fudge frosting that melts in your mouth. It’s a perfect dessert for chocolate lovers, with a soft crumb and an irresistibly smooth topping.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 2 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup coffee (room temperature)
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Fudge Frosting:
- 2 cups unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparing the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, coffee, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Bake the cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Tap the pans lightly on the counter to remove air bubbles. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs attached. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Making the Chocolate Fudge Frosting:
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips with honey and heavy cream. Stir until smooth, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the room-temperature butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, and continue beating until the mixture is fluffy and combined.
- Incorporate the melted chocolate: Pour in the melted chocolate mixture and the vanilla extract, then beat the frosting until creamy and fully combined.
Assembling the Cake:
- Layer the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Repeat with the second layer, then add the final cake layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Decorate: Optionally, you can add chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or other toppings to enhance the presentation.
Storage Tips:
- To refrigerate: Wrap the leftover cake in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- To freeze: Freeze the fully assembled cake by placing it uncovered in the freezer for 1 hour. After it has slightly hardened, wrap it in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature.
This cake is ideal for special occasions, and the rich chocolate fudge frosting makes it a truly indulgent treat. Enjoy it with a glass of cold milk or your favorite coffee for the ultimate dessert experience!