Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe

This Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake recipe is rich and moist, which uses unsweetened cocoa powder and a luscious chocolate ganache. It’s a restaurant-quality dessert, ready in just 50 minutes.

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Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee

For the Chocolate Fudge Ganache:

• 8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

How To Make Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake

1. Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Blend wet and dry ingredients: Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
5. Add hot coffee: Gradually pour in the hot coffee and mix until the batter is smooth. Batter will be thin—this is normal.
6. Bake the cake: Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
7. Make the ganache: Heat cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes.
8. Stir until smooth: Add butter and vanilla, stirring until the ganache is glossy and smooth. Let it cool slightly to thicken.
9. Frost the cake: Place one cake layer on a plate and spread with ganache. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides with remaining ganache.

Recipe Tips

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?
  Yes! Bake the layers a day in advance and store them wrapped. Frost the next day.
• What kind of coffee should I use?
  Any hot brewed coffee works. It enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
• Can I substitute buttermilk?
  Yes, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
• How to get clean cake slices:
  Use a hot knife (dip in hot water and dry) to slice cleanly through the ganache.
• How to store leftovers:
  Keep covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.

What To Serve With Chocolate Fudge Cake

This cake is indulgent on its own but pairs beautifully with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Fresh raspberries or strawberries
• Whipped cream
• Espresso or coffee
• A glass of red wine or port

How To Store Chocolate Fudge Cake

Refrigerate:
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Freeze:
Freeze unfrosted layers for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost with fresh ganache when ready to serve.

Chocolate Fudge Cake Nutrition Facts

(Estimated per slice, assuming 16 servings)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 30g
• Calcium: 60mg
• Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portion size.

FAQs

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder?
Yes, just ensure your baking powder is fresh since Dutch cocoa is less acidic.

Why is my batter so thin?
That’s normal for this recipe. The hot coffee helps bloom the cocoa for a deeper flavor.

Can I make this into cupcakes?
Yes, bake in lined cupcake tins at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

Is this cake freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze the layers unfrosted and wrap tightly. Thaw before adding ganache.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Feta Watermelon Salad Recipe
• Ina Garten Rum Raisin Rice Pudding Recipe
• Ina Garten Lemon Poppyseed Cake