It Is the Best: Double Chocolate Fudge Cake

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A dense, moist chocolate cake with two layers of rich fudge, topped with a glossy chocolate glaze that's pure indulgence. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.6 (13 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 12 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together sifted cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until no lumps remain.
  3. Step 3: Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
  4. Step 4: Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in three additions, mixing just until combined after each addition.
  5. Step 5: Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 28-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean with moist crumbs.
  6. Step 6: While cake cools, melt chopped dark chocolate and heavy cream in a double boiler over simmering water, stirring until smooth and glossy.
  7. Step 7: Once cakes are completely cool, spread melted chocolate glaze over top of one cake layer, then place the second layer on top, pressing gently to secure.
  8. Step 8: Drizzle remaining glaze over the top and sides, allowing it to drip down the sides for a decadent finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does It Is the Best: Double Chocolate Fudge Cake take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover It Is the Best: Double Chocolate Fudge Cake?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in It Is the Best: Double Chocolate Fudge Cake?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale It Is the Best: Double Chocolate Fudge Cake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with It Is the Best: Double Chocolate Fudge Cake?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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