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If you are craving something rich, indulgent, and wonderfully chocolatey, look no further than this Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe. This cake boasts a perfectly moist crumb with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, thanks to a luscious combination of cocoa, dark chocolate, and cream. It’s the kind of dessert that wraps you in a warm hug with every bite, effortlessly marrying deep chocolate flavor with a fudgy finish. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just need a pick-me-up, this Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe will become your go-to chocolate fix that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s fantastic about this Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are, yet each one plays an essential role in building layers of taste, texture, and richness. From the cocoa powder that sets the chocolatey base to the boiling water that helps create that wonderfully thin batter, every element is key.
- 1 cup plain/all-purpose flour: Provides structure and just the right amount of crumb to balance the fudgey richness.
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened, sifted): Adds intense chocolate flavor and deep color, making the cake irresistibly dark and decadent.
- 3/4 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully without drying it out.
- 3/4 tsp baking soda (sifted if lumpy): Works with the acidic components to give a tender crumb and slight lift.
- 1 cup caster/superfine sugar: Sweetens evenly and dissolves quickly for a smooth batter.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to a moist texture.
- 1/2 cup full fat milk (room temperature): Adds moisture and helps keep the cake soft.
- 75g / 5 tbsp unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly): Brings richness and a tender crumb with buttery notes.
- 1 tbsp oil (canola, veg, or neutral oil): Keeps the cake moist for days, making it irresistible even afterward.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Introduces warm aromatics that complement the chocolate deeply.
- 1/2 cup boiling water: Makes the batter wonderfully thin, helping the cocoa bloom for maximum flavor.
- 1 cup thickened/heavy cream: For making the luscious fudge sauce, adding richness and creaminess.
- 1 1/4 cups dark chocolate melts or chips: Semi-sweet or 60–70% cocoa, they melt into a silky sauce that crowns the cake perfectly.
- Vanilla ice cream: The perfect cold, creamy contrast to the warm, fudgy cake.
How to Make Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan). Grease a 20cm (8-inch) cake pan with butter to ensure the cake releases easily later. Then, line the pan with baking paper for that extra assurance of a smooth unmolding experience.
Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, caster sugar, and salt. This step not only combines but also aerates the mixture, ensuring your cake’s texture is wonderfully light despite its rich flavor.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients Except Boiling Water
In a separate bowl or directly into the dry mixture, add the egg, milk, melted butter, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything thoroughly until the batter starts to take shape. This blend of fats and liquids ensures the cake will stay moist and tender, a hallmark of this Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe.
Step 4: Add Boiling Water and Mix
Carefully pour in the boiling water, then whisk vigorously until the batter is silky smooth. The batter will be quite thin at this stage—that’s exactly how it should be. The boiling water intensifies the cocoa’s flavor and creates the luscious fudgy texture we’re chasing.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, though a slight batter smear is perfectly fine here. Remember, that fudgy gooey center is the star of this Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe.
Step 6: Cool and Invert
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, invert it onto a plate, followed by placing it right side up on a cooling rack or another plate to rest for another 10 minutes. This brief rest lets the cake settle, but it’s still delicious warm—just how we want it!
Step 7: Serve with Flair
Slice the warm cake and serve immediately topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with decadent fudge sauce made from your heavy cream and dark chocolate melts. This is the moment to truly indulge and savor every bite of the Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe in all its glory.
How to Serve Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To showcase the rich texture and flavor, topping the cake with a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic choice that creates a delightful hot-and-cold sensation. For added texture, sprinkle over a handful of chocolate shavings or flaky sea salt to create a subtle, savory contrast that enhances the fudge’s sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a burst of acidity that cuts through the richness. A dollop of lightly whipped cream or a splash of espresso can elevate the experience, making your dessert finish feel truly special without overpowering the cake’s chocolate spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not slice the cake into petite squares and serve as part of a dessert platter, allowing guests to enjoy small bites with various accompaniments? Layering parts of this Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe with more fudge sauce and some whipped cream in glass jars can create an irresistible parfait-style treat that’s perfect for parties or cozy nights in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake keeps beautifully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, letting the flavors mature further. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate it to maintain freshness, but be sure to bring slices back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the perfect fudgy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to three months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight or for a few hours, then bring to room temperature. Freezing preserves the cake’s intense chocolate flavor, making it a great make-ahead dessert option.
Reheating
Warm individual slices gently in a microwave for 15-20 seconds to revive that freshly baked warmth and softness. Pair immediately with your favorite ice cream or a quick drizzle of warmed fudge sauce to recreate that indulgent experience of freshly served Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat milk instead of full-fat milk?
Full-fat milk is recommended for this recipe because it contributes to the cake’s moistness and richness. Low-fat milk may result in a slightly drier cake, but if you have no other option, it will still work, just with a modest change in texture.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking flour blend that measures 1:1 and includes xanthan gum. Be sure to check your cocoa powder and baking agents are gluten-free too for best results.
What if I don’t have a cake pan exactly 20cm/8 inches?
You can use a similarly sized pan, just be mindful that a smaller pan may require longer baking times, and a larger pan could bake the batter faster. Adjust accordingly and keep an eye on the cake’s doneness with the skewer test.
Can I make the fudge sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the fudge sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Warm it gently over low heat or in the microwave before serving to regain its silky consistency.
Why is the batter so thin? Shouldn’t cake batter be thicker?
This batter is intentionally thin because of the boiling water added, which helps bloom the cocoa’s flavor and contributes to the moist, fudgy texture that makes this Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe so special. Trust the process and embrace the thin batter!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comforting, rich, and fudgy warmth of the Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe to lift your spirits or impress friends and family. Its simplicity in ingredients paired with incredible depth of flavor makes it a true crowd-pleaser worth keeping in your recipe collection. So preheat that oven and get ready to indulge in slices of pure chocolate heaven—you won’t regret making this slice of magic any time soon!
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