This dessert is the ultimate dream for anyone who craves a deeply rich and ultra-fudgy chocolate treat. The cake is dense, moist, and filled with tiny walnut pieces for the perfect texture, while the thick glossy frosting on top sets into a smooth, silky layer that melts beautifully with every bite. It’s a simple, nostalgic, and irresistibly decadent chocolate cake that looks exactly as indulgent as it tastes.
- Do you prefer your chocolate cake dense and fudgy or light and airy?
- Would you keep the walnuts inside or remove them for a smoother texture?
- How thick do you like your chocolate frosting?
- What’s your favorite drink to pair with a rich chocolate dessert?
Full Recipe
Ingredients
For the Fudgy Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
For the Thick Glossy Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Bake the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a rectangular pan (9×13 inches).
- In a saucepan, melt the butter with water and cocoa powder over medium heat. Stir until fully smooth.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour and sugar together.
- Pour the hot cocoa mixture over the dry ingredients and mix gently.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and slightly thick.
- Fold in the finely chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs (not dry — this keeps the fudgy texture).
- Make the Thick Glossy Frosting
- In a saucepan, melt butter with cocoa powder and milk over medium heat until smooth and steaming.
- Remove from heat and immediately whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until very thick, glossy, and creamy.
- Pour the frosting over the cake while it’s still warm so it forms the same smooth, shiny, thick layer seen in the picture.
- Let it cool completely before slicing.
Professional Serving Method
Allow the cake to cool fully, then slice it into neat squares using a warm sharp knife for clean edges. Serve each piece individually on a neutral-colored plate to highlight the glossy frosting. For a refined touch, add a small spoon mark on the plate or a light cocoa dusting along the rim.
Indulge in a chocolate cake that delivers pure comfort in every bite. Dense, fudgy, and layered with a thick glossy frosting, this recipe is a guaranteed favorite for chocolate lovers. With its rich flavor and smooth finish, it’s a timeless dessert that fits every occasion.