Quick Description

Midnight Fudge Cake is the ultimate chocolate indulgence — a deep, dark, ultra-moist cake layered and topped with a thick, glossy fudge frosting that drips luxuriously down the sides. With intense cocoa flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s a chocolate lover’s dream come true. Perfect for birthdays, dinner parties, or those nights when only the richest dessert will do.

Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 12 generous slices
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
  • Cooling & Assembly Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process for deeper color)
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water for milder flavor)

For the Fudge Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • ⅔ cup whole milk (more if needed for consistency)
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment circles).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
  4. Reduce speed and carefully stir in hot coffee — the batter will be thin, but that’s what makes it moist.
  5. Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans.
  6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Fudge Frosting

  1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat.
  2. Stir in cocoa powder until smooth and fragrant.
  3. Remove from heat and alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating well after each addition until smooth and spreadable.
  4. Stir in vanilla and salt.
  5. If frosting becomes too thick, add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
  2. Spread a generous layer of fudge frosting over the top.
  3. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with remaining frosting, letting it drip over the edges for that decadent look.
  4. For extra shine, you can warm a small amount of frosting and drizzle it over the top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Garnish with chocolate curls or shavings for an elegant finish.
  • Pair with strong coffee or red wine for a gourmet experience.

Tips for Success

  • Darkest Flavor: Use Dutch-process cocoa for a rich, almost black cake color.
  • Moisture Trick: The hot coffee deepens chocolate flavor and keeps the cake tender.
  • Frosting Smoothness: Sift powdered sugar and cocoa to avoid lumps.

If you’d like, I can now expand this into a full 3000+ word Lanthy blog-style version with:

  • Cake chemistry tips for ultra-moist texture
  • Variations (like Midnight Mocha Cake)
  • Layering & decorating techniques
  • Party presentation ideas
  • Freezer & make-ahead guide

Do you want me to create the extended, luxury-style recipe version for this cake?