Real Fudge Cake
Decadent fudge cake with rich chocolate flavor, moist texture, and smooth frosting, perfect for chocolate lovers and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine 2/3 cup sugar, 1/2 cup milk, a slightly beaten egg, and chocolate.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate melts and the mixture comes just to boiling.
- Cool to room temperature.
- Stir shortening to soften.
- Gradually add 1 cup sugar, creaming together until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla.
- Add remaining eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift together the dry ingredients: 2 cups sifted cake flour and 1 teaspoon soda.
- Add to the creamed mixture alternately with 1 cup milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, beating after each addition.
- Blend in the cooled chocolate mixture.
- Pour batter into two paper-lined round pans.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until done.
- Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pans.
- Frost and fill cooled layers with chocolate frosting.
- Trim with curls of shaved unsweetened chocolate.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using high-quality dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate. If you don't have cake flour, you can substitute all-purpose flour by removing 2 tablespoons per cup and replacing it with cornstarch. Make sure to sift the flour to ensure a light texture. Always let the chocolate mixture cool completely before adding it to the batter to prevent cooking the eggs.
Serving Suggestions
This decadent fudge cake is perfect for celebrations or as a sweet treat after dinner. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in flavors. It also pairs beautifully with Pearlie'S Cherry Crisp, adding a fruity touch to your dessert spread. Consider dusting the top with powdered sugar or serving it with fresh berries for an elegant finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and serve at room temperature or warm it gently in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Real Fudge Cake contains roughly 470 calories, with 6g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein.
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, you can prepare the cake layers a day in advance. Allow them to cool completely, wrap them tightly, and store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to frost them the day you plan to serve to maintain freshness. This method works well for special occasions or when preparing for a gathering.
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 or even coconut oil for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that using butter will give the cake a richer flavor, while coconut oil will add a subtle coconut taste. Both options will work well in this recipe.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this fudge cake gluten-free, substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Make sure to check that all your other ingredients, such as baking soda and chocolate, are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a rich, chocolaty cake without the gluten.
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).