Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake 🍫🎂

A rich, moist chocolate cake with luscious layers of silky chocolate fudge frosting—perfect for any chocolate lover!

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📋 Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, let sit for 5 min)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee or hot water

For the Fudge Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup melted dark chocolate (for extra fudginess)

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📝 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
4. Gradually pour in the hot coffee or hot water, stirring until the batter is smooth (it will be thin—this is normal!).
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Step 2: Make the Fudge Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy.
2. Sift in the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing on low speed until combined.
3. Slowly add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
4. Mix in the melted dark chocolate for a rich, fudgy texture.

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Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of fudge frosting over the top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
3. Smooth out the sides and top, or create decorative swirls using a spatula.

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Step 4: Garnish & Serve

1. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or chocolate curls.
2. Add a drizzle of chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent touch.
3. Let the cake sit for at least 30 minutes before slicing for the best texture.

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🍫 Variations & Add-Ons

✅ Salted Caramel Fudge Cake – Drizzle caramel sauce between the layers.
✅ Chocolate Raspberry Cake – Spread raspberry jam between the layers for a fruity contrast.
✅ Triple Chocolate Cake – Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness.

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🎉 Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. Moist, rich, and packed with deep chocolate flavor, it’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because!

Would you like a gluten-free version or a smaller batch recipe? 😊