Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake with Chocolate Ganache: The Ultimate Indulgence

This Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake with Chocolate Ganache has become my go-to dessert when I want to seriously impress someone. However, I’ll be honest, the first time I made it, I was terrified I’d mess up the ganache. Fortunately, this recipe is much more forgiving than you’d think, and the result is absolutely divine.

What Is Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake with Chocolate Ganache?

This decadent dessert combines a rich, moist chocolate cake with an incredibly smooth chocolate ganache topping. Moreover, the cake itself has that perfect fudgy texture that’s dense but not heavy. The ganache adds an extra layer of luxury that transforms this from a simple chocolate cake into something truly special.

Ingredients Overview for Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake with Chocolate Ganache

You’ll need two sets of ingredients for this recipe. First, we’ll cover the cake components, then the ganache ingredients. Most importantly, quality chocolate makes a huge difference here, so splurge a little if you can.

For the Fudge Cake:

• Dark chocolate (70% cocoa) – 8 oz, chopped finely. You can substitute with semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer something milder.
• Unsalted butter – 1 cup, at room temperature. Salted butter works too, just reduce added salt by half.
• Granulated sugar – 1¼ cups. Brown sugar can replace up to half for extra moisture.
• Large eggs – 4, at room temperature. Cold eggs can cause the batter to curdle slightly.
• All-purpose flour – 1 cup, sifted. Cake flour creates an even more tender crumb.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – ⅓ cup, Dutch-processed preferred. Natural cocoa works but adds slight tang.
• Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons. Pure vanilla makes a noticeable difference here.
• Salt – ½ teaspoon. This brings out the chocolate flavors beautifully.

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• Heavy cream – 1 cup. Half-and-half creates a lighter ganache, but heavy cream gives the best richness.
• Dark chocolate – 8 oz, finely chopped. Use the same quality chocolate as the cake for consistency.
• Butter – 2 tablespoons, for extra shine and smoothness. This is optional but recommended.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake

Making this Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake with Chocolate Ganache requires some patience, but each step is straightforward. Additionally, I always recommend reading through the entire recipe before starting.

Preparing the Cake Base

Step 1: Set up your workspace. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly. Furthermore, line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Melt the chocolate. Create a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Meanwhile, chop your dark chocolate finely and melt it slowly, stirring occasionally until completely smooth.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. Consequently, this creates the foundation for your cake’s texture.

Step 4: Add eggs gradually. Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and the melted chocolate.

Step 5: Combine dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Importantly, don’t overmix as this can make the cake tough.

Step 6: Bake to perfection. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top gently. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Creating the Ganache

Step 7: Heat the cream. While the cake cools, heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals until hot.

Step 8: Pour over chocolate. Place chopped chocolate in a bowl and pour the hot cream over it. Let it sit undisturbed for 2 minutes, then stir from the center outward until glossy and smooth.

Step 9: Add finishing touches. Stir in the butter until completely melted and incorporated. This step gives your ganache that professional-looking shine that makes the Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake with Chocolate Ganache truly stunning.

Serving Suggestions

This rich dessert pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. Additionally, a cup of strong coffee or a glass of red wine complements the intense chocolate flavors perfectly. For special occasions, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt or gold leaf for an elegant presentation.

Tips For The Perfect Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake

• Room temperature ingredients: Bring eggs and butter to room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter texture.
• Quality chocolate matters: Invest in good chocolate since it’s the star ingredient. Moreover, avoid chocolate chips as they don’t melt as smoothly.
• Don’t overbake: The cake should be slightly underdone for that perfect fudgy texture. A few moist crumbs on the toothpick are ideal.
• Cool completely: Let the cake cool entirely before adding ganache, otherwise it will slide right off the warm surface.
• Ganache consistency: If your ganache becomes too thick, warm it slightly. If it’s too thin, let it cool at room temperature while stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake with Chocolate Ganache ahead of time? Absolutely! The cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop. However, add the ganache no more than 24 hours before serving for the best appearance.

What if my ganache splits or looks grainy? Don’t panic! Add a tablespoon of warm cream and whisk vigorously. Alternatively, you can blend it with an immersion blender to bring it back together smoothly.

Can I freeze this chocolate fudge cake? Yes, wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before adding the chocolate ganache topping.

How should I store leftover cake? Cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Nevertheless, bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor experience.

Why This Recipe Will Become Your Favorite

This Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake with Chocolate Ganache strikes the perfect balance between impressive and achievable. Furthermore, it’s rich enough to satisfy serious chocolate cravings but not so heavy that you can’t finish a slice. The combination of textures creates an unforgettable dessert experience.

My Journey Creating This Recipe

I’ve been perfecting this Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake with Chocolate Ganache for years, and honestly, my first attempt was a disaster. The ganache seized up completely! Through trial and error, I learned the importance of temperature control and quality ingredients. Now, this recipe never fails me, and I love sharing more chocolate inspiration on my Pinterest page where you’ll find dozens of tested dessert recipes.