Today, I’m excited to share with you how to make Delia Smith’s Chocolate Fudge Cake. This cake is super rich and moist, with a smooth chocolate frosting that tastes amazing. It’s great for special occasions, fancy dinner parties, or just a nice dessert for your family. This recipe is easy to follow and will make a cake everyone will love.
Designed to serve 6-8 people, this delightful creation can be prepared in about 1 to 1.5 hours. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, I’ll guide you through the process of making this exquisite cake, sharing essential tips and tricks to ensure your success.
What is Delia Smith Chocolate Fudge Cake?
Delia Smith’s Chocolate Fudge Cake is a masterpiece of baking, featuring a moist and tender chocolate cake, layered and covered with rich, creamy chocolate fudge icing. It stands as a testament to the perfect harmony of texture and flavor, making it a beloved choice for chocolate enthusiasts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The deep, chocolatey essence is pure bliss for chocolate lovers.
- Perfect Texture: Achieve a moist cake with a velvety smooth icing that’s just the right consistency.
- Versatile Occasions: Ideal for any celebration or a luxurious everyday treat.
- Baker-Friendly: Clear, step-by-step instructions make it accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Chocolate Fudge Cake
For the Cake
- 200g fine quality dark chocolate, broken into pieces
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 200g self-raising flour, sifted
For the Fudge Icing
- 150g dark chocolate, broken into pieces
- 150ml double cream
- 50g unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup
Instructions to Delia Smith Chocolate Fudge Cake
Step 1. Preparing the Cake
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F, gas mark 4). This ensures a perfect baking environment for your cake.
- Prepare the Cake Tins: Line two 20cm (8in) round cake tins with baking parchment. This prevents sticking and helps in easy removal.
- Melt the Chocolate: Gently melt the 200g of chocolate either in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave. Once melted, set aside to cool slightly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the batter, making the cake light.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, adding a tablespoon of flour with each to prevent curdling. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in Flour and Chocolate: Gently fold in the remaining flour and the melted chocolate until the mixture is uniform.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared tins. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the tins for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2.Making the Fudge Icing
- Melt the Ingredients: Combine the icing’s chocolate, double cream, butter, and golden syrup in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Cool the Icing: Allow the icing to cool and thicken slightly before using. It should be spreadable but not runny.
Step 3. Assembling the Cake
- Layer the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a layer of fudge icing over the top.
- Add the Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top and press down gently to secure.
- Cover with Icing: Use the remaining fudge icing to cover the top and sides of the cake. Smooth with a palette knife for a professional finish.
What Do I Serve With Delia Smith Chocolate Fudge Cake?
Pairing the perfect accompaniment with Delia Smith’s Chocolate Fudge Cake can elevate this dessert to new heights.
Here are some delightful options:
- Fresh Berries: A bowl of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries adds a refreshing contrast.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly whipped cream on the side for a creamy touch.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream complements the richness of the chocolate perfectly.
- Coffee: Serve with a cup of strong espresso or coffee to balance the sweetness.
- Dessert Wine: A glass of dessert wine or a port can be a sophisticated pairing.
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Delia Smith Chocolate Fudge Cake
Achieving the perfect Chocolate Fudge Cake is all about paying attention to the details.
Here are some pro tips:
- Quality Chocolate: Use high-quality chocolate for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
- Test for Doneness: Use a skewer or toothpick to test if the cake is done to avoid overbaking.
- Cool Before Icing: Allow the cake to cool completely before applying the fudge icing for a smooth finish.
Variations of Delia Smith Chocolate Fudge Cake
Customizing this cake can be a fun way to add your own twist. Here are some variations to try:
- Nutty Chocolate Fudge Cake: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Orange Zest Fudge Cake: Add the zest of an orange to the batter for a citrusy flavor.
- Mocha Fudge Cake: Incorporate a tablespoon of instant coffee into the batter for a mocha twist.
- Salted Caramel Fudge Cake: Drizzle salted caramel over the finished cake for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Double Chocolate Fudge Cake: Add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey bite.
How do I Store Delia Smith Chocolate Fudge Cake Leftovers?
Proper storage is key to keeping your Chocolate Fudge Cake delicious for days.
Here’s how to do it:
- Airtight Container: Keep the cake in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
- Room Temperature: Store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days if it’s unfrosted or has a buttercream-type frosting.
- Refrigerate: If your cake is frosted with a cream cheese or ganache topping, refrigerate it.
- Separate Layers: Use parchment paper between cake layers if you’re stacking slices to keep them from sticking together.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cake or individual slices, well-wrapped, for up to 3 months.
How do I Reheat Delia Smith Chocolate Fudge Cake Leftovers?
Enjoying your cake as if it were freshly baked is easy with the right reheating technique:
- Room Temperature: Let the cake come to room temperature before serving, especially if it is refrigerated.
- Microwave: Heat slices for 10-15 seconds in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
- Oven: Wrap the cake in aluminum foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Avoid Overheating: Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the cake.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your warm cake right after reheating for the best experience.
Nutrition Value (per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 550-600 kcal
- Fat: Around 35g (with a significant amount coming from saturated fats due to butter and chocolate)
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 55-60g
- Protein: About 6-8g
- Sugar: Roughly 40-45g
- Fiber: About 3-4g
- Sodium: Around 200-250mg
FAQS
Can I make Delia Smith Chocolate Fudge Cake in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this cake a day ahead. Just bake the cake, let it cool completely, and wrap it tightly in cling film. Store it at room temperature. It’s best to add the fudge icing on the day you plan to serve it to keep the frosting fresh and creamy.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate for the cake and icing?
Melting chocolate can be done in two ways: using a double boiler or the microwave. For a double boiler, place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water, and stir until smooth. In the microwave, heat the chocolate in short bursts of 20-30 seconds, stirring in between, until fully melted. Both methods will give you smooth, melted chocolate perfect for this cake.
How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?
The cake is done when it starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, and a skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. It’s important not to overbake the cake to ensure it stays moist and tender.
Can I freeze the chocolate fudge cake?
Yes, the Delia Smith Chocolate Fudge Cake freezes well. Wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake layers individually in cling film, then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before unwrapping and applying the fudge icing as directed. This method helps maintain the cake’s moisture and texture.
Final Words
Delia Smith’s Chocolate Fudge Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of chocolate in its most luxurious form. Whether you’re commemorating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe promises a memorable experience for all chocolate aficionados.
Happy baking!
