Chocolate Fudge Cake Squares
What if you could make a decadent dessert that’s easier than boxed cake mix but tastes like it came from a fancy bakery? These Chocolate Fudge Cake Squares deliver rich, moist texture and deep cocoa flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this recipe balances simplicity with indulgence.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder use Dutch-process for extra richness
- ½ cup milk dairy or plant-based
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 2 eggs or flax eggs for vegan option
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup hot water enhances cocoa flavor
For the chocolate glaze:
- 1 cup chocolate chips semisweet or dark
- ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free
- 1 tbsp butter or vegan butter
Optional garnish:
- Grated chocolate or cocoa powder
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until no lumps remain.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until the batter is smooth and glossy.
- Gradually pour in the hot water, stirring gently. The batter will be thin—this ensures a moist texture.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. A toothpick inserted should have a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
- For the glaze, heat chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cake squares and top with grated chocolate if desired.
Notes
For cleaner slices, chill the cake for 20 minutes before cutting and glaze just before serving.