Name: Chocolate Bundt Cake with Chocolate Fudge Icing
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter (melted, for greasing the Bundt pan); 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (to dust the Bundt pan); ¾ cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder; 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate (60% cacao, finely chopped); 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder ((optional)); ¾ cup boiling water; 1 cup sour cream (at room temperature); 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (at room temperature); 2 cups light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; ½ cup unsalted butter (for the icing); ½ cup cocoa powder (the base of the fudge icing); 6 tablespoons evaporated milk; 3 cups powdered sugar (for sweetening and thickening the icing); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for added flavor in the icing); ¼ teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness of the icing)

There’s something undeniably magical about a Chocolate Bundt Cake with Chocolate Fudge Icing. The rich, moist chocolate cake, paired with a glossy fudge icing, creates a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday gathering, or a simple afternoon treat, this cake is sure to impress. As you take your first bite, you’ll find the depth of chocolate flavor perfectly complemented by the smoothness of the fudge icing. Let’s dive into how to create this showstopper that will undoubtedly become a family favorite.

Why It Deserves a Spot

This Chocolate Bundt Cake is not just any cake; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. The combination of bittersweet chocolate and natural cocoa powder creates a cake that’s rich yet balanced. The addition of sour cream keeps it moist, while the optional espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without overpowering it. Drizzling it with a luscious chocolate fudge icing takes it over the top, making it a dessert that is both elegant and comforting. It’s a cake that invites you to indulge and savor every bite.

Ingredient Rundown

To create the perfect Chocolate Bundt Cake with Chocolate Fudge Icing, you’ll want to gather the following ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter, melted – For greasing the Bundt pan.
1 tablespoon cocoa powder – To dust the Bundt pan, ensuring easy release.
¾ cup (64.5g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder – Key for rich chocolate flavor.
6 ounces (170.1g) bittersweet chocolate, 60% cacao, finely chopped – Adds depth and richness.
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional) – Enhances the chocolate taste.
¾ cup (187.5ml) boiling water – Helps to bloom the cocoa and chocolate.
1 cup (230ml) sour cream, at room temperature – Keeps the cake moist and tender.
1 ¾ cups (218.75g) all-purpose flour – The structure of the cake.
1 teaspoon baking soda – Provides leavening for a light texture.
1 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
1 ½ cups (170.25g) unsalted butter, at room temperature – Creates a rich and tender crumb.
2 cups (440g) light brown sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Essential for flavor.
5 eggs, at room temperature – Provides structure and moisture.
½ cup (113.5g) unsalted butter – For the chocolate fudge icing.
½ cup (43g) cocoa powder – The base of the fudge icing.
6 tablespoons evaporated milk – Adds creaminess to the icing.
3 cups (450g) powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the icing.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For added flavor in the icing.
¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness of the icing.

Toolbox for This Recipe

Bundt pan – A classic shape that adds elegance to your cake.
Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients.
Whisk – Perfect for mixing dry ingredients and wet ingredients.
Rubber spatula – For scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in ingredients.
Electric mixer – Ensures a light and fluffy batter.
Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
Cooling rack – Essential for cooling the cake before icing.
Small saucepan – For melting the chocolate and butter for the icing.

Stepwise Method: Chocolate Bundt Cake with Chocolate Fudge Icing

Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your Bundt pan with melted butter and dust it with cocoa powder, ensuring every crevice is covered to allow for easy cake release.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped bittersweet chocolate and optional espresso powder. Pour the boiling water over it and let sit for a minute. Stir until smooth and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and light brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Mix in the sour cream and the melted chocolate mixture until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Chocolate Fudge Icing

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the cocoa powder and evaporated milk until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the icing is glossy and pourable.

Step 9: Ice the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the chocolate fudge icing over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides of the Bundt cake.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake and serve it on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

If You’re Out Of…

Bittersweet chocolate – Use semisweet chocolate or a combination of semisweet chocolate and unsweetened cocoa powder.
Sour cream – Substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a similar texture and tang.
Evaporated milk – Use whole milk or heavy cream as a substitute in the icing.
Light brown sugar – Dark brown sugar will work just as well and add a deeper flavor.

What I Learned Testing

The quality of your chocolate greatly affects the final flavor; opt for high-quality bittersweet chocolate.
Letting the cake cool completely before icing is crucial to prevent the icing from melting off.
Incorporating the dry ingredients gradually helps maintain the cake’s fluffy texture.
Using room temperature ingredients leads to a smoother batter and a better rise in the oven.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide

To keep your Chocolate Bundt Cake with Chocolate Fudge Icing fresh:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving.
For freezing, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Quick Q&A

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve with this cake?

This cake pairs beautifully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries for a delightful contrast.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.

Can I use a different pan for this recipe?

While this recipe is designed for a Bundt pan, you can use two 9-inch round cake pans. Just adjust the baking time to around 25-30 minutes.

Make It Tonight

Now that you have the perfect recipe for Chocolate Bundt Cake with Chocolate Fudge Icing at your fingertips, why not treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful dessert tonight? The combination of rich chocolate, moist cake, and creamy fudge icing is simply irresistible. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and create a masterpiece that will shine on any dessert table. Enjoy every moment of baking and, most importantly, every bite of this decadent cake. You won’t regret it!