The Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe is rich, soft and deeply chocolatey. This cake feels fancy but is very simple to make at home.
You only need basic kitchen tools and easy ingredients. Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe is loved by kids and adults. It is perfect for birthdays, holidays or any sweet craving day.
When you try this Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe, you will taste smooth fudge joy in every bite.
My Experience With This Recipe
I made this cake for a small family dinner first. The smell of chocolate filled my whole home. Everyone walked into the kitchen because they could not wait. The cake came out soft, moist and dark like fudge.
The frosting was creamy and melted in the mouth. I felt proud because it looked bakery-style but was so easy. Since then, I bake it many times every year. It is now one of my most loved desserts.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake
- Servings: 10
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Two round cake pans
- Cooling rack
- Oven
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups white sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
For fudge frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, soft
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- â…“ cup heavy cream or milk
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the pans
Grease cake pans and add parchment paper circles. Dust lightly with cocoa powder to stop the cake from sticking later.
2. Mix dry ingredients
Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl. Whisk gently until everything looks smooth and fully blended together.
3. Add wet ingredients
Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla to the bowl. Beat slowly until batter becomes thick, dark and completely smooth without any visible lumps remaining.
4. Add hot coffee
Pour in hot coffee or water carefully. The batter will look thin, which is normal, and gives very moist cake texture later.
5. Bake the cake
Pour batter into pans evenly. Bake at 350°F or 175°C until set and springy when touched gently in the center.
6. Cool the cakes
Remove pans from oven and cool ten minutes. Turn cakes onto racks and allow them to cool fully before adding frosting anywhere.
7. Make the frosting
Beat butter until fluffy and pale. Add cocoa, powdered sugar, vanilla, salt and cream slowly until creamy and spreadable frosting forms beautifully.
8. Frost the cake layers
Place one cake layer on plate and spread frosting. Add second layer and cover whole cake with thick chocolate fudge frosting smoothly.
9. Chill briefly
Place the cake in the fridge for short time. This helps frosting set nicely and gives cleaner slices when cutting later.
10. Serve and enjoy
Slice the cake with a sharp knife. Serve with milk, ice cream or berries and enjoy deep chocolate happiness today.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe
- Use room-temperature eggs and milk
- Do not overmix the batter
- Measure flour correctly using spoon and level
- Use hot coffee for deeper chocolate flavor
- Let cakes cool fully before frosting
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Baking too long and drying the cake
- Cutting cake while still warm
- Using cold butter for frosting
- Skipping parchment paper in pans
- Adding too much flour by packing the cup
Serving Suggestions
This cake tastes amazing with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh strawberries. You can add chocolate chips on top for extra crunch.
A warm cup of coffee or cold milk pairs beautifully with each slice. Serve small pieces first because it is rich and very fudgy.
Variations You Can Try
- Add chocolate chips to batter
- Add espresso powder for mocha flavor
- Fill cake with raspberry jam
- Make cupcakes instead of layers
- Top with caramel drizzle
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store cake in the fridge for four days
- Keep covered to stop drying
- Freeze slices for three months
- Thaw in fridge overnight
- Warm slices briefly in microwave
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Sugar | 42 g |
Health Benefits
This cake is a treat food, so enjoy in moderation. It can lift mood and bring comfort during celebrations. Sharing dessert builds happy moments with friends and family.
Cocoa contains antioxidants in small amounts, which may support wellness. Balance treats with fruits, water and daily movement for a healthy lifestyle.
Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups white sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
For fudge frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter soft
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- â…“ cup heavy cream or milk
Instructions
Prepare the pans
- Grease cake pans and add parchment paper circles. Dust lightly with cocoa powder to stop the cake from sticking later.
Mix dry ingredients
- Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl. Whisk gently until everything looks smooth and fully blended together.
Add wet ingredients
- Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla to the bowl. Beat slowly until batter becomes thick, dark and completely smooth without any visible lumps remaining.
Add hot coffee
- Pour in hot coffee or water carefully. The batter will look thin, which is normal, and gives very moist cake texture later.
Bake the cake
- Pour batter into pans evenly. Bake at 350°F or 175°C until set and springy when touched gently in the center.
Cool the cakes
- Remove pans from oven and cool ten minutes. Turn cakes onto racks and allow them to cool fully before adding frosting anywhere.
Make the frosting
- Beat butter until fluffy and pale. Add cocoa, powdered sugar, vanilla, salt and cream slowly until creamy and spreadable frosting forms beautifully.
Frost the cake layers
- Place one cake layer on plate and spread frosting. Add second layer and cover whole cake with thick chocolate fudge frosting smoothly.
Chill briefly
- Place the cake in the fridge for short time. This helps frosting set nicely and gives cleaner slices when cutting later.
Serve and enjoy
- Slice the cake with a sharp knife. Serve with milk, ice cream or berries and enjoy deep chocolate happiness today.
Notes
- Use room-temperature eggs and milk
- Do not overmix the batter
- Measure flour correctly using spoon and level
- Use hot coffee for deeper chocolate flavor
- Let cakes cool fully before frosting
FAQs about Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe
1. Can I make this cake without coffee?
Yes, you can replace coffee with hot water. Coffee only boosts chocolate flavor and does not make the cake taste like coffee at all.
2. Why is my cake dry?
Overbaking is the most common reason. Check your oven temperature and remove cake when the center springs back lightly when touched.
3. Can I use butter instead of oil?
Oil keeps the cake extra moist and soft. Butter works too, but the texture may be denser, so use carefully and do not overmix.
4. Can I bake this cake in one pan?
Yes, but it will take longer to cook fully. Always test with a toothpick and allow extra cooling time before removing from the pan.
Final Thoughts
The Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe is rich, moist and truly special. Now you know how to make Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake with simple steps.
With the right Ingredients for Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe, you can bake a cake that impresses everyone. Enjoy each slice, share with loved ones and make sweet memories around your table.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!