Double Chocolate Fudge Cake

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment.

Step 2

Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.

Step 3

Beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, ~3 minutes. Scrape bowl.

Step 4

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Add vanilla and beat until combined.

Step 5

Add flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with hot water, starting and ending with flour.

Step 6

Divide batter evenly between pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

Step 7

Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs, 25-28 min.

Step 8

Cool cakes in pans for 15 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 9

Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Whisk in cocoa powder until smooth.

Step 10

Remove from heat. Sift powdered sugar into the pan and whisk until glossy and spreadable.

Step 11

If frosting is too thick, add water 1 tbsp at a time. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Step 12

Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread a quarter of the frosting evenly over the top.

Step 13

Top with second cake layer. Frost the top and sides with remaining frosting.

Step 14

Let frosting set for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve at room temperature.