Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fudge Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert that has become a favorite for many home bakers.It’s the kind of cake that feels like a treat for any occasion. The cake is beautifully dense yet moist, with a deep, dark flavor. It’s not just any chocolate cake; it’s the kind of fudgy goodness that melts in your mouth. The cake is complemented by a glossy, smooth chocolate icing that adds even more decadence.
Jamie’s version is known for being simple but effective, offering a balance between rich chocolate and a light texture. It’s also quite versatile, allowing for adjustments if you’re in the mood to make it extra special with additional ingredients like nuts, caramel or even a twist of coffee in the mix.
Jamie Oliver Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fudge Cake, you’ll need some pretty basic yet essential ingredients and most likely, you’ll already have a few of them sitting in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Flour: All-purpose flour is typically used to give the cake structure. It’s the backbone of any cake.
- Cocoa Powder: This is where that rich chocolatey flavor comes from. Make sure to use good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best result.
- Sugar: You’ll need granulated sugar to sweeten the cake. Some people opt for dark brown sugar to add a bit of extra flavor complexity.
- Baking Powder: This helps the cake rise, giving it a light, fluffy texture.
- Baking Soda: Sometimes added alongside baking powder, this works with the acidic ingredients in the cake to create that rise and soft texture.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients and provide moisture, giving the cake structure and richness.
- Butter: Softened butter is essential for that smooth texture and flavor. It contributes to the moistness of the cake.
- Milk: Full-fat milk is typically used for a creamy, rich consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: A little splash adds depth to the overall flavor.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- For the Icing: Heavy cream, butter and good-quality dark chocolate. This icing is key to the cake’s decadent finish.
Equipment Needed
The equipment list for this cake is straightforward but you’ll need a few key pieces to get the best results. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Two 8-inch round cake pans: These are perfect for creating the classic layered look.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need two or three, depending on how you plan to prep the dry and wet ingredients.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk: This is essential to achieve the smooth, airy consistency of the batter. You can use a hand whisk if you’re feeling adventurous but a mixer will make it much easier.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy matters, especially when baking.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: For folding in ingredients and scraping down the sides of your mixing bowls.
- Cooling rack: Once baked, you’ll want to cool the cake completely before icing it. A cooling rack will ensure that air circulates around the cake, so it cools evenly.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fudge Cake
Making this cake isn’t difficult but the steps need a bit of care to ensure you get that perfect fudgy texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures the cake bakes evenly and the temperature stays steady.
- Prepare the Cake Pans: Grease your two cake pans and lightly dust them with flour or use parchment paper to line the bottom. This helps the cakes come out smoothly once they’re baked.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In one bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Sifting is crucial to remove lumps and ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, softened butter, milk and vanilla extract. You can use an electric mixer for this step which helps the butter and sugar blend properly.
- Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until everything is well combined. You should have a smooth, thick batter at this stage.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into your two cake pans. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake as oven times may vary.
- Cool the Cakes: Once baked, let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them and place them on a cooling rack to cool completely before icing.
- Make the Icing: While the cakes are cooling, you can prepare the fudgy chocolate icing. Melt the butter and chocolate together in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (a double boiler method). Once melted, stir in the cream and mix until smooth.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are cool, spread a generous layer of the chocolate icing on top of one cake. Place the second cake on top and cover it with the remaining icing. You can smooth it out with a spatula for that glossy finish or leave it a bit more textured for a rustic look.
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fudge Cake was a reminder that sometimes, simplicity is the best approach. Despite being packed with flavor, the cake isn’t complicated and the ingredients are things I typically have at home. One of the biggest takeaways was just how important it is to not overmix the batter. The key to that perfect fudgy texture is to mix just until everything is incorporated, not longer. The icing was also a game-changer-it’s so silky and thick, really making the cake feel like an indulgent treat. It also taught me the importance of patience as letting the cakes cool properly before icing ensures the best results.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fudge Cake
Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fudge Cake is already a pretty fantastic treat but there are some tweaks you can make to elevate the flavor and texture. Here are some ideas:
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Enhance the Chocolate Flavor
If you’re a true chocolate lover, consider adding a bit of cocoa powder to the cake batter. This will give the cake a deeper, richer chocolate flavor. You can also use dark chocolate with a higher percentage of cocoa (70% or more) for a more intense taste.
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Add a Splash of Espresso
A tiny bit of espresso (or strong coffee) works wonders in chocolate cake recipes. It enhances the flavor of the chocolate without making the cake taste like coffee. Just add a tablespoon or two to the wet ingredients and watch your cake reach new levels of flavor complexity.
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Swap the Flour for Almond Meal
For a gluten-free option, you can swap the regular flour with almond meal (ground almonds). This not only makes the cake gluten-free but it also adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the richness of the chocolate. You may need to experiment with the ratios a bit to get the texture just right.
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Infuse the Cake with Orange
Adding zest from an orange or a few drops of orange extract to the cake batter can bring a beautiful citrus twist. Chocolate and orange is a classic combination that adds a refreshing layer to the rich cake. You can even add a bit of orange juice to the frosting or glaze.
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Play with the Frosting
Instead of a standard ganache, why not try a chocolate buttercream or a cream cheese frosting? The tanginess of cream cheese pairs beautifully with the richness of the chocolate and adds a nice contrast. For a more indulgent twist, you could mix in some peanut butter for a decadent frosting that pairs well with chocolate.
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Include a Surprise Filling
Want to take it to the next level? Add a filling! Try adding a layer of caramel, raspberry jam or even a bit of Nutella between the cake layers for a sweet surprise when you cut into it. You can also fold in some chopped nuts, like hazelnuts or walnuts, for an extra bit of texture.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
You know the cake is good when you want to keep the leftovers around and luckily, Jamie’s Chocolate Fudge Cake can last a little while. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
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Room Temperature Storage
If you’re planning to eat the leftovers within a couple of days, you can store the cake at room temperature. Just make sure it’s covered in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. The cake will stay soft and moist for up to 3 days.
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Refrigeration
If you need to store it for a bit longer, refrigeration is the way to go. The cake will last up to 5 days in the fridge. Just make sure it’s covered, so it doesn’t dry out or absorb any fridge odors. If your frosting has cream cheese in it, refrigeration is a must to keep it safe.
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Freezing Leftovers
Want to keep your cake for weeks? Freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let the slice thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. It’ll taste nearly as fresh as the first time!
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Keep the Frosting Separate
If you plan to freeze the cake, it’s better to store the frosting separately. When you’re ready to serve, spread the frosting fresh onto the cake to keep its texture at its best.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fudge Cake?
This cake is decadent enough to stand on its own but if you’re looking for the perfect side or pairing, here are a few ideas:
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Whipped Cream or Ice Cream
Sometimes, the simplest pairing is the best. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream balances out the richness of the cake and adds a cool, creamy contrast. You could even flavor the whipped cream with a bit of vanilla extract or cinnamon for an extra touch.
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Fresh Berries
A little acidity goes a long way with rich chocolate. Fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries or blueberries add a burst of tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the cake. They look gorgeous on top!
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A Strong Cup of Coffee
Coffee and chocolate are a classic match, so a nice espresso or a strong cup of coffee complements the cake perfectly. It’s like a mini dessert experience and the coffee’s bitterness balances out the sweetness of the cake.
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Caramel Sauce
If you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the cake. The deep, buttery sweetness of the caramel pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate, creating a seriously decadent treat.
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Nuts
Chopped nuts like hazelnuts, almonds or pecans can add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the smooth fudge cake. You could even sprinkle some roasted nuts over the frosting or serve them on the side.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fudge Cake So Special?
It’s rich, moist, and packed with chocolate flavor. The texture is dense yet soft, making it a true indulgence for chocolate lovers.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fudge Cake Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can bake it a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container and keep it at room temperature or in the fridge.
What Kind Of Chocolate Is Best For Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fudge Cake?
Go for good-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. This gives the cake its deep, rich flavor.
