Brown Sugar Fudge Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Rich and moist brown sugar fudge cake with deep chocolate flavor, perfect for celebrations or special occasions, complemented by creamy chocolate frosting between and atop layers.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 1-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate, melted
  • 2 1/4 cups sifted cake flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • creamy chocolate frosting

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening and gradually add sugar, beating at medium speed.
  2. Add eggs, beating well after each addition, then add melted unsweetened chocolate and beat well.
  3. Combine sifted cake flour and baking soda, then add to the cream mixture and stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Pour batter into 3 greased and floured 8-inch round cake pans.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool on wire racks, spread creamy chocolate frosting between layers and on top.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Make sure to sift your cake flour to avoid lumps, and always measure flour accurately for the best results. This cake also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of Brown Sugar Fudge Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert. It also pairs nicely with a cup of coffee or tea. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad like Creamy Summer Fruit Salad to balance the sweetness.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice a piece and microwave it for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy a warm treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Brown Sugar Fudge Cake contains roughly 421 calories, with 2g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 470mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).

421 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.2g 4% DV
Total Fat 18.3g 23% DV
Carbs 56.4g 20% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 47.6g 95% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 469.6mg 20% DV
Potassium 148.2mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 5.9mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19.1mcg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 87.9mg 7% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made ahead of time. You can bake the layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of shortening?

If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer taste. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but it will still yield a delicious cake.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of this cake, substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. It's essential to ensure that the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture. Follow the same measurements as the original recipe.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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