Craving something rich, decadent, and utterly irresistible? Then look no further than this Hot Fudge Sundae Cake! This easy recipe transforms a simple cake into a spectacular dessert, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any day you need a little extra sweetness in your life. Forget those store-bought cakes – homemade is always best, and this recipe proves it! It's a delicious combination of moist chocolate cake, creamy vanilla frosting, and a generous drizzle of homemade hot fudge sauce. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with this amazing recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Vanilla Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Hot Fudge Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Baking the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the boiling water to the batter, mixing until just combined. The batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Vanilla Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
- Add the milk and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Preparing the Hot Fudge Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and cocoa powder. Whisk until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until melted and combined.
Assembling the Hot Fudge Sundae Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of vanilla frosting.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top.
- Frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Drizzle the hot fudge sauce generously over the frosted cake.
- Garnish with your favorite sundae toppings, such as whipped cream, sprinkles, cherries, and chocolate shavings.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overmix the cake batter, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting them to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
- The hot fudge sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Add chocolate chips or nuts to the cake batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Use a different type of frosting, such as chocolate frosting or cream cheese frosting.
- Get creative with your toppings! Use different candies, nuts, or fruits.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 500-600 (depending on serving size and toppings)
This recipe provides a delicious and easy way to make a stunning dessert. Enjoy this truly decadent Hot Fudge Sundae Cake! It’s perfect for sharing (or not!).