Name: One-Bowl Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake with Creamy Ganache Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 200 g dark chocolate; 150 g unsalted butter; 90 g vegetable oil; 7 g vanilla extract; 400 g caster sugar; 3 large eggs (55g each, room temperature); 45 g unsweetened cocoa powder; 250 g all-purpose flour (plain flour); 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 300 g boiling water; 10 g instant coffee powder (optional); 840 g dark cooking chocolate; 125 g unsalted butter; 60 g glucose syrup (corn syrup); 375 g heavy cream (whipping cream)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 80 reviews

If you’re looking for a cake that checks every box—rich, decadent, and incredibly simple to make—then you’re going to adore this One-Bowl Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake with Creamy Ganache Recipe. Imagine biting into a cake so perfectly fudgy and moist, each forkful melting into creamy, velvety ganache that feels like a chocolate hug. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at a chocolate masterpiece for the first time, this recipe brings that bakery-quality magic right into your kitchen with just one bowl and a handful of accessible ingredients. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share a slice!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a rich chocolate cake with one main layer of smooth, dark brown chocolate frosting covering the entire cake. Around the top edge, there is a thick ring of chocolate frosting swirls, each swirl tightly piped and textured with soft curves and ridges, giving a fluffy look. The cake sits on a white plate against a white marbled surface background. The lighting highlights the creamy texture and deep color of the chocolate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is a shining example of how just a few carefully selected ingredients can come together to create something unforgettable. Each component plays a vital role—dark chocolate for deep cocoa flavor, butter and oil for that luxurious moistness, and a touch of instant coffee powder to elevate the chocolate notes to new heights.

Dark chocolate (200 g): Use good-quality chocolate as it forms the flavor foundation of the cake.
Unsalted butter (150 g): Adds richness and a tender crumb to the cake.
Vegetable oil (90 g): Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and soft.
Vanilla extract (7 g): Enhances the chocolate with a subtle sweetness.
Caster sugar (400 g): Provides balanced sweetness and contributes to the cake’s texture.
Large eggs (3): Bind the cake, adding structure and extra moisture.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (45 g): Boosts the chocolate intensity without overpowering.
All-purpose flour (250 g): The base that gives your cake structure, sifted for lightness.
Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): Helps the cake rise beautifully without heaviness.
Bicarbonate of soda (1/4 tsp): Balances acidity and adds a tender crumb.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances and balances all the sweet flavors.
Boiling water (300 g): Unlocks the cocoa flavor and makes the batter luxuriously smooth.
Instant coffee powder (10 g, optional): Intensifies the chocolate taste without adding a coffee flavor.
Dark cooking chocolate (840 g): For the luscious, creamy ganache that tops it all off.
Unsalted butter for ganache (125 g): Ensures the ganache has that silky smooth texture.
Glucose syrup (60 g): Adds shine and gloss to the ganache, making it irresistibly glossy.
Heavy cream (375 g): Creates the rich, luxurious body of the ganache.

How to Make One-Bowl Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake with Creamy Ganache Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 150°C fan-forced (or 170°C if you don’t have a fan). Grease two 20cm cake tins with oil and line the bottoms with baking paper. This ensures your cake will come out cleanly and keep that perfect shape.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter

Combine the dark chocolate and unsalted butter in a heatproof bowl and microwave in 30-second bursts. Stir between each session until smooth and fully melted. This warm, chocolaty base is the heart of your cake.

Step 3: Mix in Sugar, Oil, and Eggs

Add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and caster sugar to your chocolate mixture and stir well. Then crack in the eggs and whisk until the batter is nice and even, smoothing out every last bit of chocolate goodness.

Step 4: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt directly over the chocolate mixture. Folding these in gently with a spatula preserves the airy texture that makes this cake so moist and tender.

Step 5: Add Boiling Water and Coffee

Mix the instant coffee powder into the boiling water, then add this to your batter. Whisk until smooth. It might look runny, but trust it—this step unlocks incredible moistness and bold flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Split the batter evenly between the prepared cake tins and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Let the cakes cool for 20 minutes in their tins before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Creamy Ganache

For the ganache, combine dark cooking chocolate, heavy cream, butter, and glucose syrup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until silky smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler and stir gently until melted.

Step 8: Set and Soften the Ganache

Cover the ganache surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin and leave it at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours. When ready to frost, gently warm the ganache for about 10 seconds to a spreadable consistency.

Step 9: Assemble Your Cake

Place your first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread one-quarter of your ganache evenly over it. Stack the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining ganache. For an extra special touch, pipe some swirls on top using a Wilton 1M tip. Now, your masterpiece is ready to wow!

How to Serve One-Bowl Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake with Creamy Ganache Recipe

The image shows a two-layer chocolate cake on a white plate, sitting on a white marble surface. The cake is covered in smooth, dark chocolate frosting. The top edge is decorated with thick, wavy chocolate frosting swirls that create a ring around the center. The middle layers are dark and moist, with a thick layer of chocolate frosting between them. A slice is removed, revealing the rich inside and some crumbs on the plate. The overall look is rich and creamy with a neat finish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of cocoa powder or a few fresh raspberries can enhance the deep flavors. Even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or some chocolate shavings adds a deluxe finish that feels special yet effortless.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. For a more adult twist, a shot of espresso or a glass of dessert wine will highlight those rich, indulgent chocolate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving slices on elegant plates with a drizzle of caramel or raspberry coulis for a burst of color and contrast. For parties, cut into small squares and arrange on a decorative platter so guests can grab a perfect bite of the One-Bowl Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake with Creamy Ganache Recipe anytime.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake tightly covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator to maintain its moisture and freshness. Use an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other odors.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cake layers without ganache wrapped in cling film and foil for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then add your ganache fresh for a just-baked feel whenever you want.

Reheating

If your cake feels a little chilled or firm, warm it gently at room temperature or microwave a slice for 10 seconds to bring back that soft, luscious texture that’s so addictive.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Milk chocolate has a higher sugar content and lower cocoa solids, so it will make the cake sweeter and less intense in chocolate flavor. For the best fudgy and rich results, stick with dark chocolate as recommended.

Is the instant coffee powder necessary?

While optional, instant coffee powder enhances the chocolate’s depth and complexity without making the cake taste like coffee. It’s a neat little trick to boost flavor that’s worth trying.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum. Results might vary slightly in texture, but the richness and moistness will still shine.

What if I don’t have glucose syrup for the ganache?

If glucose syrup isn’t available, you can replace it with light corn syrup or skip it entirely, though the ganache may be a bit less glossy and slightly firmer once set.

How do I ensure the cake is moist every time?

Measure your ingredients carefully and avoid overbaking. The addition of boiling water and oil in this recipe is what gives it its famously moist, fudgy texture, so follow these steps closely.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the One-Bowl Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake with Creamy Ganache Recipe that keeps me coming back to it time and time again. Its ease of preparation, coupled with a decadent finish, makes it an irresistible treat for any occasion. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try baking this cake yourself—you’ll be rewarded with smiles and requests for seconds before you know it!