Best Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake Recipes

THE BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPE {EVER}

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350º F. Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by spraying with baking spray or buttering and lightly flouring.

BEST-EVER CHOCOLATE FUDGE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Chop 2 oz. chocolate. Beat cake mix, dry pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, oil and water in large bowl with mixer until blended. Stir in chopped chocolate. Pour into 2 (9-inch) round pans sprayed with cooking spray.
• Bake 30 to 35 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 min. Loosen cakes from sides of pans. Invert onto wire racks; gently remove pans. Cool cakes completely.
• Microwave COOL WHIP and remaining chocolate in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 min. or until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after 1 min. Let stand 15 min. to thicken.
• Stack cake layers on plate, filling and frosting with COOL WHIP mixture. Sprinkle with nuts.

THE BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH FUDGE FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350° F (177°C). Prepare four 8-inch round cake pans with parchment rounds, and grease the sides. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, sift flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Whisk to combine, set aside.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, 4-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
• Lower the speed to medium-low and add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until just combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
• In a small bowl, combine the vanilla and instant coffee granules. Add the sour cream to the batter along with the vanilla coffee mixture and beat on medium speed until combined.
• Alternately add dry ingredients in thirds and buttermilk in 2 additions to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat each addition just until combined. Divide batter equally between the cake pans, a little over 2 cups per pan.
• Bake two layers at a time for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and cake springs back when lightly touched.
• Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool in pans for about 10 minutes, then turn onto cooling racks to cool completely before frosting. Or at this point, you can wrap all the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze or refrigerate until ready to assemble.
• Put chocolate in a heat-safe bowl and heat in the microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Set aside to cool.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with a hand-held mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 5-6 minutes. \
• Turn the mixer to low, and gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, along with the cocoa powders.
• Once incorporated, add hot water, sour cream, vanilla and salt and beat until combined. Pour in cooled melted chocolate and mix on low to combine.
• Once the chocolate is combined, increase mixer speed to high and whip until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Once cake layers are completely cooled, place one layer on a turntable. Using an offset spatula, spread about 1 cup of the fudge frosting on top. Repeat with all layers, placing the final layer upside down.
• Frost the entire cake in a thick layer of fudge frosting. Use the back of a spoon to create swirls in the frosting. Top with mini chocolate chips of fresh fruit. Enjoy!

FUDGE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Line three greased 9-in. round baking pans with waxed paper and grease the paper; set aside. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in chocolate. Combine the cake flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with water, beating well after each addition. , Pour into prepared pans. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, all-purpose flour, milk and egg until smooth. Add the dates. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Stir in walnuts and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate., For frosting, combine the cream, sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat; stir in chocolate and butter until melted. Transfer to a small bowl. Refrigerate until spreadable, stirring occasionally. , Place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread with half of the filling. Repeat. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread frosting over top and sides of cake. Store in the refrigerator.

ULTIMATE 6-LAYER CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350° F (177°C). Grease the bottom and sides of 1 or 2 ( 8-inch) round cake pans with non-stick spray. Place parchment rounds on the bottom. Set aside. If you only have 1 or 2 8-inch pans, take out 4-5 bowls to divide your batter in later.
• In a large bowl, sift flour, cocoa, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Whisk to combine, set aside.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, 4-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
• Lower the speed to medium-low and add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until just combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
• In a small bowl, combine the vanilla and instant coffee granules. Add the sour cream to the batter along with the vanilla/coffee mixture and beat on medium speed until combined. Batter will be curdled.
• Alternately add dry ingredients in thirds and buttermilk in 2 additions to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat each addition just until combined.
• Divide batter equally in 6 portions. I added a scoop of batter to 2 cake pans, then a scoop to 4 bowls and repeated until all the batter was done. Cover the other bowls of batter and set aside.
• Bake two layers at a time for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and cake springs back when lightly touched.
• Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool in pans for about 10 minutes, then turn onto cooling racks to cool completely before frosting.
• Bake another 2 layers and repeat. Once those are cooled, bake the final 2 layers. Wrap all the cooled layers and store them in the refrigerator to chill and set up to make it easier to handle. See post above for tips on how to handle the layers without breaking.
• Place chopped chocolate in a medium bowl. Set aside.
• Heat 1/4 cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan, stirring constantly until it just begins to simmer.
• Remove hot cream from the heat then pour it over the chocolate, and slowly stir until smooth. Cover the bowl and transfer to the refrigerator to cool down, stirring every 5-10 minutes for about 20-30 minutes or until ganache is completely cooled. Alternatively, you can let it cool at room temperature.
• Once ganache has cooled, whip 1/2 cup of heavy cream with the powdered sugar in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, or in a medium stainless steel mixing bowl using a hand mixer, on high speed until it reaches stiff peaks, about 2-3 minutes.
• Remove the ganache from the refrigerator and stir to loosen. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the whipped cream into the ganache, about 1/3 at a time until fully incorporated and no white streaks remain.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, placing the wrap directly onto the mousse surface. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight.
• Place the chopped chocolate and butter pieces into a large bowl. Set aside.
• Heat the heavy cream in a medium saucepan until it just begins to simmer.
• Remove hot cream from heat then pour it over the chocolate and butter. Cover the bowl and allow it to sit for 5 minutes.
• Remove cover and gently stir mixture until it forms a smooth ganache.
• Place bowl in the refrigerator and stir every 20 minutes until the ganache is a thick, spreadable consistency. This took me around an hour, but it really depends on the coldness of your refrigerator.
• Use an offset spatula to place a dollop of ganache onto a cake board or serving platter that's on a turntable. Place one cake layer on top and spread about 1/2 cup of the ganache on top.
• Add a second layer on top and spread on half of the mousse.
• Repeat with all layers, alternating between ganache and mousse. You should have 3 layers of ganache and 2 layers of mousse. Place the final layer upside down.
• Chill the cake for 30 minutes so the layers can set back up. Stir remaining ganache occasionally to keep it loose.
• Once chilled, remove the cake from the refrigerator and frost the top and sides with the remaining ganache.
• Pour mini chocolate chips into a bowl and grab large handfuls to press up the sides of the cake. You may want to have a large pan or container under the cake to catch any spills. 7. Go around the cake once with the chocolate chips, then go back to fill any gaps.
• Carefully cut your chocolate squares in half and place on top of the cake. Slice and serve!

FUDGE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Sift together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a small mixing bowl.
• In a separate bowl, cream 3/4 cup butter and white and brown sugars at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla. At low speed, begin by adding a little of the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Alternate with buttermilk until all are blended together. Start and end with flour.
• Line bottoms of 2 9-inch pans with waxed paper; grease and flour. Pour batter in.
• Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 25-30 minutes. Test with toothpick. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before turning onto racks to cool completely.
• To Make Frosting: Cream together 3/4 cup butter and confectioners' sugar. Slowly add melted chocolate and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy. Frost cooled cake.

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans, line with parchment paper, then grease the parchment paper. Parchment paper helps the cakes seamlessly release from the pans.
• Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder (if using) together in a large bowl. Set aside. Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or you can use a whisk) mix the oil, eggs, and vanilla together on medium-high speed until combined. Add the buttermilk and mix until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, add the hot water/coffee, and whisk or beat on low speed until the batter is completely combined. Batter is thin.
• Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 23-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking times vary, so keep an eye on yours. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. (Note: Even if they're completely done, the cooled cakes may *slightly* sink in the center. Cocoa powder is simply not as structurally strong as all-purpose flour and can't hold up to all the moisture necessary to make a moist tasting chocolate cake. It's normal!)
• Remove the cakes from the oven and set on a wire rack. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
• With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy - about 2 minutes. Add confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder, 3 Tablespoons heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to high speed and beat for 1 full minute. Do not over-whip. Add 1/4 cup more confectioners' sugar or cocoa powder if frosting is too thin or 1-2 more Tablespoons of cream if frosting is too thick. (I usually add 1 more.) Taste. Add another pinch of salt if desired.
• If cooled cakes are domed on top, use a large serrated knife to slice a thin layer off the tops to create a flat surface. This is called "leveling" the cakes. Discard or crumble over finished cake. Place 1 cake layer on your cake stand or serving plate. Evenly cover the top with frosting. Top with 2nd layer and spread remaining frosting all over the top and sides. I always use an icing spatula and bench scraper for the frosting. Garnish with chocolate chips, if desired.
• Refrigerate cake for at least 30-60 minutes before slicing. This helps the cake hold its shape when cutting.
• Cover leftover cake tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

BEST-EVER CHOCOLATE FUDGE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• HEAT oven to 350 degrees F.
• CHOP 2 chocolate squares. Beat cake mix, dry pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, oil and water in large bowl with mixer on low speed just until moistened. Beat on medium speed 2 minute Stir in chopped chocolate. Pour into 2 greased 9-inch round pans.
• BAKE 30 to 35 minute or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minute Loosen cakes from sides of pans. Invert onto racks; gently remove pans. Cool cakes completely.
• PLACE COOL WHIP and remaining chocolate squares in microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1-1/2 minute or until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after 1 minute Let stand 15 minute to thicken. Stack cake layers on plate, filling and frosting with COOL WHIP frosting. Garnish with nuts. Keep refrigerated.

BEST EVER CHOCOLATE FUDGE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350.
• Chop 2 oz. chocolate. Beat cake mix, dry pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, oil & water in large bowl with mixer until blended. Stir in chopped chocolate. Pour into 2 (9 in.) round pans sprayed with cooking spray.
• Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Loosen cakes from sides of pans. Invert onto wire racks: gently remove pans. Cool cakes completely.
• Microwave cool whip & remaining chocolate on high 1 1/2 minutes or until chocolate is completely melted & mixture is well blended, stirring after 1 minute. Let stand 15 minutes to thicken.
• Stack cake layers on plate, filling & frosting with cool whip mixture. Sprinkle with nuts.
• keep refrigerated.

ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH FUDGE FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350ºF. Butter and line two 8-inch round baking pans with parchment paper. Butter parchment.In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt, whisking until thoroughly combined. Add eggs, buttermilk, water, oil, and vanilla and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until all dry ingredients are incorporated. Divide evenly among prepared pans.Bake for 40 to 45 minutes (30 to 35 minutes for a 6-inch cake) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack until cool enough to handle. Run a small knife around the edges of each pan, then gently invert onto wire racks. Cakes should come out cleanly. Peel off parchment and allow cake layers to cool completely. At this point, the cakes can be frozen until ready to use, up to 1 month. Simply wrap each layer individually in a double layer of plastic wrap and then store inside a large zip top bag (I find frozen cakes to be much easier to work with later, and always freeze mine even if I'm finishing the cake the next day).To prepare frosting, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter on medium speed until very pale and creamy, about 5 minutes. Add sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder and mix to combine. Add sour cream, hot water, vanilla and salt and mix on low speed until the liquid is incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. It may look slightly curdled at this point, but don't worry. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until smooth, another 2-3 minutes. Add lukewarm chocolate and mix until smooth and glossy. At this point you have about 30 minutes at cool room temperature (longer in the summer) to work with the frosting before it begins to harden (this frosting doesn't do particularly well when made ahead of time).To assemble, level your cake layers first if necessary (if there is any sort of domed top, you want to trim that off with a serrated knife). Place one layer, bottom side up, on a cake stand or serving platter (on a piece of parchment if you will need to move it). Spread about 1 cup of frosting in an even layer, then place second layer on top, flat side up, pressing gently to adhere.Cover the entire cake with a thin layer of buttercream using an offset spatula. This "crumb coat" will seal in the cake crumbs and make the final layer of frosting easier. If your cakes were frozen this should firm up pretty quickly, otherwise refrigerate for about 10 minutes to set.Slather with remaining buttercream in a thick layer, reserving some for piping decorative details if desired.