Introduction
Chocolate cakes are a classic dessert that brings comfort and joy to many. This moist and rich fudge cake is complemented perfectly by a luxurious chocolate fudge sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to impress friends and family.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Dry Ingredients:
1 cup plain/all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda (bi-carb), sifted if lumpy
1 cup caster/superfine sugar (or substitute with ordinary white sugar)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
1 large egg, at room temperature
1/2 cup full-fat milk, at room temperature
75g (5 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 tablespoon oil (canola, vegetable, or other neutral oil)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup boiling water
Chocolate Fudge Sauce:
1 cup thickened/heavy cream or pure cream (not low fat)
1 1/4 cups dark chocolate melts or chips (semi-sweet chips) or finely chopped 60–70% cocoa chocolate block
Serving:
Vanilla ice cream
Prep Time
Preparation time for this delicious cake is approximately 15 minutes.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is about 40 minutes, giving you a total time of around 55 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields one 20cm (8-inch) fudge cake, perfect for serving approximately 8 people.
To make this delightful chocolate fudge cake, follow the instructions carefully, and enjoy every bite alongside the rich fudge sauce and creamy vanilla ice cream.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preparation of Oven and Cake Pan
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) for fan-forced ovens. Grease a 20cm (8-inch) cake pan with butter and line it with parchment paper.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
Combining Wet Ingredients
Add the wet ingredients (except the boiling water) to the dry mixture: egg, milk, melted butter, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
Incorporating Boiling Water
Pour in the boiling water and whisk until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin.
Pouring Batter into Cake Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
Baking the Cake
Bake for 40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. A slight smear of batter is acceptable for a fudge cake.
Cooling the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Invert it onto a plate, then onto a cooling rack or another plate to cool right side up. Let it cool for an additional 10 minutes; the cake will still be warm for serving.
Chocolate Fudge Sauce
Heating the Cream
Heat the cream until hot, just before boiling point, using a saucepan or microwave.
Combining Chocolate and Cream
Place the dark chocolate melts or chips in a bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate, ensuring all pieces are submerged. Cover with a plate and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Mixing into a Sauce
After 5 minutes, mix vigorously with a whisk or rubber spatula until the cream and chocolate combine into a silky chocolate sauce.
Cooling the Sauce
Allow the sauce to cool for 20 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir before serving.
Serving
Cutting the Cake
Cut slices of the warm cake.
Topping with Ice Cream
Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pouring the Sauce
Pour the warm chocolate fudge sauce over the ice cream and cake.
Enjoying the Dessert
Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure that the egg and milk are at room temperature for better mixing.
Cooling Time for Cake
The cake should cool slightly before serving to enhance its fudgy texture.
Chocolate Selection
For the sauce, use high-quality chocolate melts or chips for best flavor and consistency.
Storage Information
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat slightly before serving again.
Cook techniques
Measuring Dry Ingredients
When measuring flour and cocoa powder, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. Avoid packing it down for accurate measurements.
Sifting Ingredients
Sift cocoa powder and baking soda if they appear lumpy. Sifting aerates the ingredients, helping to create a lighter cake.
Whisking Batter
Whisk the dry and wet ingredients together until smooth, but avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a dense cake.
Incorporating Boiling Water
Carefully add boiling water to the batter and whisk immediately. This step helps to dissolve the cocoa and create a thinner, more fluid mixture.
Testing for Doneness
Insert a skewer into the center of the cake; it should come out mostly clean, with only a few moist crumbs for a fudge-like texture.
Resting and Cooling
Allow the cake to rest in the pan before inverting it, as this helps prevent it from breaking apart.
Making Chocolate Fudge Sauce
Heat the cream just to boiling point before pouring over chocolate. Allowing it to sit helps melt the chocolate evenly, ensuring a smooth sauce.
Serving Warm
Serve the cake warm for the best texture, pairing it with cold vanilla ice cream to create a delicious contrast.
FAQ
Can I use different types of flour?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, but the texture of the cake may vary.
What can I substitute for eggs?
For a vegan option, you can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for the large egg.
Can I use milk alternatives?
Yes, you can use non-dairy milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk, in place of full-fat milk.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I make the fudge sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the fudge sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving.
What if I don’t have dark chocolate chips?
You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips, but the fudge will be sweeter. Adjust sugar in the recipe if preferred.
Conclusion
This decadent chocolate fudge cake combined with rich fudge sauce and vanilla ice cream creates a delightful dessert experience. Perfect for any occasion, it highlights the perfect balance of flavors while satisfying your sweet tooth. Enjoy this indulgent treat warm for the best results and relish in every bite.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Combine chocolate chips with your batter for classic chocolate chip fudge cake.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cake
Add dollops of peanut butter to the batter before baking for a creamy and nutty twist.
Mint Chocolate Variation
Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing mint chocolate fudge cake.
Chocolate Coconut Delight
Incorporate shredded coconut into the batter and top with coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
Spiced Chocolate Cake
Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into your dry ingredients for a warm spiced flavor.
Berry Topped Cake
Serve slices topped with fresh berries for a fruity and refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.
Caramel Drizzle Addition
Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the fudge cake for an added layer of sweetness and texture.
Chocolate Fudge Brownies
Use the same batter in a brownie pan for a thicker, chewy chocolate fudge brownie experience.
