Fudge Layer Chocolate Cake (With Ganache) Recipe
A decadent and rich Fudge Layer Chocolate Cake topped with a smooth ganache, perfect for chocolate lovers. This cake features moist chocolate layers filled with creamy fudge and finished with a glossy chocolate ganache for an indulgent dessert experience.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Cake
- 1¾ cups (220 g) flour
- ¾ cup (75 g) cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) hot coffee or hot water
Fudge Filling
- 1 cup (180 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
Ganache Topping
- 1½ cups (270 g) dark or semi-sweet chocolate
- ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for shine)
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch (20 cm) springform pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar thoroughly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture until smooth and well combined, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add Hot Coffee: Gradually pour in the hot coffee (or hot water), mixing slowly; the batter will be runny, which is normal and helps create a moist cake.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the cakes cool completely.
- Prepare the Fudge Filling: Heat the heavy cream gently until warm but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter in a bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes to melt, then stir until smooth. Refrigerate this fudge filling for 15–20 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Assemble the Cake Layers: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Evenly spread the thickened fudge filling over the top. Gently place the second cake layer on top. Refrigerate the assembled cake for 15 minutes to set the filling.
- Make the Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until hot but not boiling. Pour it over the chopped dark or semi-sweet chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and shiny. Optionally, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter for an extra glossy finish.
- Finish the Cake: Pour the ganache over the chilled cake, letting it drip down the sides for a beautiful presentation. Allow ganache to set before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute hot coffee with hot water if you prefer a less intense coffee flavor.
- Ensure the cakes are completely cool before assembling to prevent the fudge filling from melting.
- For extra shine and smoothness, add butter to the ganache while stirring.
- Garnish the cake with chocolate shavings, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt for enhanced flavor and decoration.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: fudge chocolate cake, chocolate ganache cake, layered chocolate cake, rich chocolate dessert, moist chocolate cake