This is a rich, deeply chocolatey cake with a soft, slightly fudgy texture that melts in your mouth. Paired with a smooth and creamy chocolate fudge frosting, this cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you want something truly indulgent. Despite its bakery-style look, it’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake
1¾ cups (210g) all purpose flour
1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups (200g) dark chocolate
1/3 cup (80g) milk
1 1/2 cups (300g) sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons instant coffee powder
1/3 cup (70g) vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1/2 cup (110g) hot water
For the Chocolate Fudge Frosting
1 cup (226g) cream
4 teaspoons cocoa powder
2 1/2 cups (400g) dark chocolate
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
1 1/3 cups (170g) powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon instant coffee powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
🥣 Instructions
Step 1 Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line two round cake pans.
Step 2 Melt Chocolate & Butter
In a heatproof bowl melt the butter and dark chocolate together until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
Step 3 Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl combine flour cocoa powder baking soda baking powder and salt.
Step 4 Prepare Wet Mixture
In another bowl mix sugar coffee powder oil vanilla and eggs. Whisk until smooth and slightly thick.
Step 5 Combine Everything
Add the melted chocolate mixture into the wet mixture and stir well. Then gradually add the dry ingredients and mix gently. Pour in milk and hot water and mix until smooth.
Step 6 Bake
Divide the batter evenly into the pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7 Cool
Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
Step 8 Make the Fudge Frosting
Heat the cream until warm then pour it over chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for a minute then stir until smooth. Add butter cocoa powder powdered sugar coffee powder salt and vanilla and mix until creamy and spreadable.
Step 9 Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a plate spread frosting evenly then place the second layer on top. Cover the entire cake with frosting and smooth the surface.
🎯 Tips for Best Results
Use good quality chocolate for the best flavor.
Do not overbake to keep the cake moist and fudgy.
Let the cake cool fully before frosting.
Adding coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
❓ FAQ
1 Can I make this cake without coffee
Yes you can skip it or replace with hot water.
2 Why is my cake dry
Overbaking or too much flour can cause dryness.
3 Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark
Yes but the cake will be sweeter and less rich.
4 How do I store this cake
Keep it covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
5 Can I freeze the cake
Yes wrap it well and freeze for up to 2 months.
6 Why is my frosting too soft
Chill it slightly before using to thicken.
7 Can I make this as cupcakes
Yes bake for 18 to 22 minutes.
🧁 Final Thoughts
This simple chocolate cake is rich soft and incredibly satisfying. With its fudgy texture and smooth chocolate frosting it is a perfect homemade dessert that looks impressive and tastes even better.
