Deluxe Fudge Cake is a rich, decadent chocolate layer cake that combines the deep, bittersweet flavor of melted unsweetened chocolate with a moist, tender crumb. This vintage recipe balances sweetness with the boldness of cocoa, creating a perfect base for its luscious chocolate frosting. Baked in three layers and finished with a smooth, creamy frosting, this cake has stood the test of time as a beloved dessert for birthdays, holidays, and celebrations. The classic preparation method uses pantry staples but delivers a timeless chocolate indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- ¾ cup butter (softened)
- 2 ¼ cups sugar
- 3 eggs (large )
- 3 oz unsweetened chocolate (melted)
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups cake flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups water
For the Chocolate Frosting
- 2 oz chocolate
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 ½ tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in melted chocolate and vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Mix the Batter
- Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture in three additions, alternating with water.
- Begin and end with dry ingredients. Beat until smooth.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting
- In a saucepan, combine chocolate, sugar, milk, cornstarch, and water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat, add butter and vanilla, and stir until smooth.
- Allow frosting to cool to spreading consistency.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, and repeat with remaining layers.
- Frost the top and sides for a smooth finish.
Tips
- Use room-temperature butter and eggs for best texture
- Check doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center
- You may bake as cupcakes instead of layer cakes; adjust time to ~18–22 minutes
- Substitute coffee for part of the water to deepen chocolate flavor
- Add chopped nuts to frosting if desired
- For extra moistness, brush layers with simple syrup before frosting
- Line cake pans with parchment rounds to prevent sticking
- Cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
- For thicker frosting, add additional powdered sugar
- Make ahead: cake layers may be frozen unfrosted and thawed later
Nutrition
Calories: 460kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 5gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 290mgPotassium: 170mgFiber: 2gSugar: 45gVitamin A: 450IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 2.2mg
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