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Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake

Sophia
This Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake features a rich chocolate cake base topped with a glossy brigadeiro-style fudge layer made from sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and milk chocolate.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings 12
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Cake

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil 120 ml
  • 1 cup granulated sugar 180 g
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 55 g
  • 1 cup hot brewed coffee 240 ml
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour 280 g
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder 15 g

Brigadeiro Filling and Topping

  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk 395 g
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 30 g, 50% cocoa content preferred
  • 2 cartons heavy cream 400 g total
  • 100 g milk chocolate chopped

Instructions
 

Prepare the chocolate batter

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 20 x 30 cm (8 x 12 inch) baking pan. In a blender, add the eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and hot brewed coffee. Blend for about 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. Pour the liquid mixture into a large mixing bowl. Gradually add the cocoa powder and all-purpose flour, whisking or stirring until no dry streaks remain. Add the baking powder and gently fold it in with a spatula. Avoid overmixing once the baking powder is added, as that can deflate the batter.

Bake the cake

  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 to 45 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. The toothpick should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack while you prepare the topping. A slightly warm cake is fine, but a fully cooled cake helps the brigadeiro set faster.

Prepare the brigadeiro

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and heavy cream. Whisk until the cocoa is dissolved and no lumps remain. Add the chopped milk chocolate. Place the saucepan over low to medium heat. Stir continuously with a silicone spatula, scraping the bottom and sides of the pan to prevent sticking or burning. Cook until the chocolate completely melts and the mixture becomes smooth, glossy, and slightly thickened. This usually takes 5 to 7 minutes. The brigadeiro should still be pourable and spreadable. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes. If it thickens too much while cooling, gently reheat with a splash of milk.

Assemble the cake

  • Pour the brigadeiro over the cooled chocolate cake. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly across the entire surface. Work quickly while the topping is still warm and fluid. If desired, sprinkle chocolate shavings, grated chocolate, or chocolate sprinkles on top for extra texture and visual appeal.

Serve

  • Allow the brigadeiro to set at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing. For a richer, fudgier texture, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Serve at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference.

Notes

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. For a warm dessert, microwave individual slices for 10 to 15 seconds.