Chocolate Fudge Cake with Vanilla Buttercream** Recipe

If there’s one showstopper dessert that’s sure to steal the scene at birthdays, dinner parties, or just your average Tuesday night treat, it’s a Chocolate Fudge Cake with Vanilla Buttercream. This cake is a glorious marriage of rich, moist chocolate layers, a pillowy vanilla buttercream, and a luscious chocolate ganache drizzle—all finished with a playful border of mini chocolate chips. Every bite is pure heaven, making it a must-bake for anyone craving something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of making this Chocolate Fudge Cake with Vanilla Buttercream is just how accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a specific role in delivering bold chocolate flavor, sumptuous texture, and that dreamy vanilla finish that keeps you coming back for more.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and ensures the cake bakes up fluffy yet sturdy.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps lock in moisture.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the cake its deep, chocolatey character that’s irresistible.
• Baking soda & baking powder: This dynamic leavening duo helps the cake rise beautifully.
• Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the chocolate and vanilla notes.
• Buttermilk: Adds tenderness and a touch of tang, ensuring each crumb is super moist.
• Hot strong brewed coffee: Intensifies the chocolate flavor—trust me, you don’t taste the coffee itself!
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly soft and moist even days after baking.
• Eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness.
• Vanilla extract (for both cake and buttercream): Rounds out the flavors with fragrant warmth.
• Unsalted butter: The base for a dreamy, fluffy vanilla buttercream frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sifts into the buttercream, creating that iconic sweet creaminess.
• Heavy cream or milk (for buttercream and ganache): Adds silky richness and perfect consistency to both the frosting and ganache.
• Semi-sweet chocolate: Chopped for a ganache that’s decadent but not overwhelming.
• Mini chocolate chips: For the prettiest (and tastiest) cake base border.
• Pinch of salt (for buttercream): Cuts the sweetness and adds complexity to the frosting.

How to Make Chocolate Fudge Cake with Vanilla Buttercream

Step 1: Prep and Mix the Cake Batter

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease up two 9-inch round cake pans. In a generous-sized bowl, whisk together those classic dry ingredients—flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, blend the buttermilk, hot coffee, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry, and stir just until the batter is smooth, glossy, and completely irresistible.

Step 2: Bake the Chocolate Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans to get even cake layers. Slide them into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean or with just a crumb or two. Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Step 3: Whip Up the Vanilla Buttercream

In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat softened unsalted butter until it’s ultra creamy and pale. Add powdered sugar a little at a time, beating on low so you don’t coat your kitchen in a sugar cloud. Pour in heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then whip on high until the buttercream is fluffy and light enough to swoon over.

Step 4: Make and Cool the Chocolate Ganache

Pour heavy cream into a small saucepan and heat just to a simmer. Dump the chopped semi-sweet chocolate into a heatproof bowl and pour over the hot cream. Let this mixture sit a few minutes—don’t stir yet! After about 5 minutes, whisk until smooth and shiny. Let the ganache cool and thicken for 10-15 minutes; you’ll want it pourable but not runny.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake Layers

Place one cake layer on your favorite cake stand or plate. Slather a generous scoop of vanilla buttercream over the top, smoothing it edge to edge. Gently place the second cake layer over the frosting and then coat the entire cake in a thick, dreamy layer of buttercream. Take your time—this is where you build the cake’s “wow” factor!

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips and Drip Ganache

With the cake all dressed up in buttercream, gently press mini chocolate chips around the base of the cake for a playful border. Pour some of your cooled ganache over the top, nudging it to the edges to create that classic drip effect.

Step 7: Pipe Ganache Swirls and Finish with a Final Ganache Drizzle

Scoop the remaining ganache into a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe elegant swirls across the top. To really pull out all the stops, drizzle a little more ganache over each swirl. Stand back and admire your masterpiece—a true Chocolate Fudge Cake with Vanilla Buttercream in all its glory!

How to Serve Chocolate Fudge Cake with Vanilla Buttercream

Garnishes

For extra flair, I love adding a handful of mini chocolate chips around the cake’s base—their crunch and pop of color invite everyone to grab a slice. Fresh berries, edible flowers, or colorful sprinkles can also jazz things up if you’re feeling festive.

Side Dishes

If you really want to make the most of your Chocolate Fudge Cake with Vanilla Buttercream experience, serve up a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a spoonful of freshly whipped cream, or even a handful of ripe strawberries. Each side adds contrast and keeps the cake front and center.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider using sparklers on top for birthdays, cutting the cake into petite squares for a dessert buffet, or layering the cake in a trifle bowl with extra buttercream and berries for something completely different. There’s really no wrong way to celebrate with a cake this fabulous!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, the cake stays fresh, fudgy, and fluffy for up to 4 days. If you prefer, bring slices to room temperature before enjoying so the buttercream is nice and soft.

Freezing

You absolutely can freeze this cake! For best results, freeze the cake layers (unfrosted) wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. When you want to have the full Chocolate Fudge Cake with Vanilla Buttercream experience, let them thaw at room temperature before frosting and assembling. Fully assembled and frosted cake can also be frozen—just let it thaw gently in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

While this cake is at its best at room temperature, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will refresh a chilled slice, softening the buttercream and making those chocolatey flavors even more decadent. Just be sure not to overheat or you may lose that beautifully fluffy texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute the buttermilk?

If you’re out of buttermilk, simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, fill with milk to the 1-cup line, stir, and let it sit for 5 minutes. This makes a perfect homemade substitute!

Do I have to use coffee in the cake?

No worries if you’re not a coffee drinker—the coffee deepens the chocolate flavor but isn’t noticeable in the finished cake. You can swap it for hot water if you prefer, though coffee is highly recommended for that rich, chocolatey kick!

Can I make the buttercream in advance?

Absolutely! Vanilla buttercream can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Give it a quick whip before using, and add a splash of cream if it needs loosening up.

How do I get smooth sides on my frosted cake?

Start with a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting) and chill the cake for 20 minutes. Then, apply the final layer and use a bench scraper or offset spatula dipped in hot water for pro-level smoothness.

Is this recipe suitable for cupcakes?

Yes! Divide the batter among cupcake liners (about two-thirds full) and bake at the same temperature for 18–22 minutes. The buttercream and ganache work beautifully as cupcake toppings, too.

Final Thoughts

It’s truly hard to find a dessert as impressive and crowd-pleasing as this Chocolate Fudge Cake with Vanilla Buttercream. Don’t wait for a special occasion to indulge—gather up your ingredients, invite some friends, and let this classic cake bring smiles and chocolatey joy to your table. Happy baking!