If you love rich chocolate desserts, this Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe is pure heaven. It is moist, soft and packed with deep chocolate flavor. The smooth fudge frosting makes every bite extra special.
This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays or weekend baking. It looks impressive but is simple enough for home bakers. This Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe is always a crowd favorite.
If you want to learn how to make Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe, keep reading.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
- The secret behind this cake is quality chocolate.
- Good cocoa powder creates a deep flavor.
- Hot coffee helps bring out the chocolate taste.
- Buttermilk keeps the cake moist and soft.
- The fudge frosting adds richness and smooth texture.
- Another secret is not overbaking the cake.
- A slightly moist center makes the cake taste better.

Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe
- Servings: 12 servings
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour plus cooling time
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 520 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Two 9-inch cake pans
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients You Need for Chocolate Fudge Cake
Here are the ingredients for Chocolate Fudge Cake:
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup warm coffee
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Fudge Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup melted chocolate
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Set oven to 350°F and grease cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
Whisk eggs, buttermilk, coffee, oil and vanilla.
4. Combine Batter
Slowly add wet ingredients to dry ingredients.
5. Pour Batter
Divide batter evenly into cake pans.
6. Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool Cakes
Let cakes cool completely before frosting.
8. Make Frosting
Beat butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, cream, vanilla and melted chocolate.
9. Frost Cake
Spread frosting between layers and over the cake.
10. Serve
Slice and enjoy rich chocolate goodness.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use dark cocoa for deeper flavor.
- Add chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Do not skip coffee. It boosts flavor.
- Chill frosting for thicker texture.
- Add berries for garnish.
- Use ganache for extra shine.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 68g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Sugar | 52g |
Nutrition values are approximate.
Serving Suggestions
This cake tastes amazing with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh strawberries
- Coffee
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate sauce
Perfect for celebrations.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep at room temperature for 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze slices for up to 2 months.

Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup warm coffee
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Fudge Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup melted chocolate
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Set oven to 350°F and grease cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- Combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- Whisk eggs, buttermilk, coffee, oil and vanilla.
Combine Batter
- Slowly add wet ingredients to dry ingredients.
Pour Batter
- Divide batter evenly into cake pans.
Bake
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool Cakes
- Let cakes cool completely before frosting.
Make Frosting
- Beat butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, cream, vanilla and melted chocolate.
Frost Cake
- Spread frosting between layers and over the cake.
Serve
- Slice and enjoy rich chocolate goodness.
Notes
- Use dark cocoa for deeper flavor.
- Add chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Do not skip coffee. It boosts flavor.
- Chill frosting for thicker texture.
- Add berries for garnish.
- Use ganache for extra shine.
FAQs About Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe
Can I skip coffee?
Yes, use hot water instead.
Can I make cupcakes?
Yes. Adjust baking time to 18–20 minutes.
Why is my cake dry?
It may be overbaked.
Can I use milk chocolate?
Yes, but flavor will be sweeter.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Bake layers a day early.
Conclusion
This Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe is rich, moist and packed with chocolate flavor. It is perfect for celebrations or everyday cravings. Now you know how to make Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe at home. Try it once and enjoy an unforgettable dessert.

Eliza Lane is a home cook and recipe creator at ElizaKitchen.com, sharing easy, tested recipes made with simple ingredients. Her goal is to make cooking simple, comforting and enjoyable.












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