Best Fudge Layer Cake Recipes

CANADIAN MAPLE WALNUT LAYER CAKE WITH FUDGE FROSTING

Steps:

• You will need two 8" (20cms) cake tins; greased and lined with baking paper. Pre-heat oven to 160C/325F/Gas 3.
• Beat the butter and sugar together until light, fluffy and pale golden brown - this is essential to make the mixture light and aids the cake to rise. It can take up to 15 minutes by hand or 5 to 10 minutes by hand-held mixer!
• Add the baking powder to the flour, and the milk and maple syrup to the beaten eggs.
• Gently fold in a large spoon of flour, followed by a spoon of egg mixture - mix gently but thoroughly between each addition of flour and egg mixture. Continue to add, fold and mix until the flour and the egg mixture is finished. If the mixture is a little stiff, add some more milk.
• Add the chopped walnuts and gently mix through the cake mixture evenly. You should have a fairly stiff consistency that drops easily.
• Put the cake mixture equally in to the prepared cake tins, smoothing slightly on top, with a slight indent in the middle, then bake for between 25 and 35 minutes in a pre-heated oven. Different ovens vary; these cakes normally take 30 minutes to bake in my oven. (They are cooked when they are well-risen, golden brown and when a wooden skewer comes out clean after being inserted into the middle of the cake.).
• Allow them to cook in the tins for 5 minutes, before carefully taking them out of the tins and allowing them to cool completely on a wire cooling tray/rack.
• While the cakes are cooling, make the fudge frosting/icing. Place all of the ingredients, except the icing sugar, into a saucepan and gently them all together until the sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool slightly and then add the icing sugar, beating to a smooth and glossy finish.
• Place one of the cakes on to a serving plate or tray, if you wish, you can cut each cake in half to make a multi layer cake. Spread some of the frosting/icing on top of the cake and scatter some chopped walnuts over the top if using. Place the other cake on top and pour the remaining fudge frosting/icing over the top of the cake, allowing it to drizzle down the sides. Decorate the top of the cake with walnut halves.
• Serve cut into slices - this cake makes about 8 to 10 slices. Preparation time includes the time to make the fudge frosting/icing.

3-LAYER FUDGE CAKE WITH WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE FILLING

Steps:

• Make cake:
• 1- Preheat oven to 325 °F.
• 2- Butter and flour three 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 ½-inch-high sides.
• 3- Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in small bowl to blend.
• 4- Place cocoa in medium bowl; whisk in 1 2/3 cups boiling water. Cool cocoa mixture to room temperature, whisking occasionally.
• 5- Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until fluffy. Gradually beat in sugar, then vanilla. Beat in eggs 1 at a time.
• 6- At low speed, beat in flour mixture in 3 additions alternately with cocoa mixture in 2 additions.
• 7- Divide batter equally among prepared pans. Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool cakes in pans 10 minutes. Cut around cakes to loosen. Turn out onto racks/plates lined w/ wax paper so they don't stick. Cool completely.
• Make peppermint mousse:
• 1- Combine white chocolate, ¾ cup whipping cream, and sour cream in heavy medium saucepan. Stir over low heat just until chocolate is melted and smooth.
• 2- Transfer white chocolate mixture to large bowl; cool to barely lukewarm, whisking occasionally, about 20 minutes.
• 3- Mix in candies.
• 4- Beat remaining 1 cup cream in medium bowl to soft peaks. Fold cream into barely lukewarm white chocolate mixture in 4 additions.
• 5- Chill mousse until beginning to set, about 2 hours.
• 6- Place 1 cake layer on cardboard round or cake tray. Spread half of mousse over top of cake. Top with second cake layer, remaining mousse, and third cake layer. Chill assembled cake until mousse is cold & set, about 3 hours (can be made a day ahead).
• Make ganache:
• 1- Bring cream to simmer in heavy large saucepan.
• 2- Remove from heat. Add semisweet chocolate; whisk until melted & smooth.
• 3- Cool ganache until thick but still pourable, about 45 minutes.
• 4- Place cake on rack or baking sheet. Pour ganache over cake, spreading with metal spatula to cover sides evenly.
• 5- Chill cake till ganache sets, at least 30 minutes & up to 1 day.

FUDGE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Line three greased 9-in. round baking pans with waxed paper and grease the paper; set aside. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in chocolate. Combine the cake flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with water, beating well after each addition. , Pour into prepared pans. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, all-purpose flour, milk and egg until smooth. Add the dates. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Stir in walnuts and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate., For frosting, combine the cream, sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat; stir in chocolate and butter until melted. Transfer to a small bowl. Refrigerate until spreadable, stirring occasionally. , Place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread with half of the filling. Repeat. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread frosting over top and sides of cake. Store in the refrigerator.

WHITE CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE AND CHOCOLATE FUDGE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• For chocolate stars:
• Line baking sheet with foil. Stir chocolate and shortening in top of double boiler set over simmering water until melted and smooth. Pour onto prepared baking sheet, tilting pan to spread chocolate mixture to irregular 14x9-inch rectangle. Refrigerate until just firm, about 12 minutes. Spray assorted star-shaped cookie cutters with nonstick spray. Cut out stars. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes. Using small offset spatula, carefully transfer stars 1 at a time to another foil-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until ready to use. (Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and keep refrigerated.)
• For cake:
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter two 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 1/2-inch-high sides. Line bottoms with parchment paper; butter parchment. Stir unsweetened chocolate in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth. Cool slightly. Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat sugar and butter in large bowl until well blended. Beat in lukewarm melted unsweetened chocolate and vanilla. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, blending well after each addition. Mix in cocoa powder mixture in 3 additions, alternating with milk in 2 additions.
• Divide batter between prepared pans. Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Cool cakes in pans on racks 10 minutes. Run knife around edge of each pan to loosen cakes. Turn cakes out onto racks and cool completely. Peel off parchment.
• For filling and frosting:
• Bring 1 cup cream and butter to simmer in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until butter melts. Remove from heat. Add white chocolate and stir until smooth. Whisk in vanilla. Pour 1 1/2 cups white chocolate filling into small bowl; cover and freeze until cold, about 2 hours.
• Let remaining white chocolate mixture in saucepan stand at room temperature until lukewarm, about 20 minutes.
• Using electric mixer, beat remaining 2 cups cream and almond extract in large bowl until peaks form. Working in 3 batches, fold in lukewarm white chocolate mixture. Refrigerate whipped cream frosting just until medium peaks hold, folding occasionally, about 3 hours.
• Brush 2 tablespoons amaretto over top of each cake layer. Place 1 layer on platter. Spread chilled 1 1/2 cups white chocolate filling over. Top with second cake layer. Spread whipped cream frosting over top and sides of cake. Chill until cold and set, about 1 hour. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and keep refrigerated.)
• Arrange chocolate stars decoratively atop cake and serve.

TRIPLE LAYER BANANA CAKE /W PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE ICING

Steps:

• 1. Cake: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in bananas and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, soda, and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating after each addition. Pour into 3 greased and floured 9-inch round baking pans. Bake at 350^ for 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick test is clean. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, before removing from pan to wire racks to cool completely. --- Icing: In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter, butter and corn syrup until smooth. Beat in powdered sugar and enough milk to be of spreading consistency. Frost between layers and over sides and top of cake. Garnish around top edge of cake and center with a single row of nuts.

THE ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE FUDGE THREE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• For cake: Combine water and chocolate in small saucepan; cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate melts.
• Remove from heat and let cool.
• Beat 2/3 cup shortening until creamy; gradually add 1 3/4 cups sugar, beating well and scrapping down edges of bowl.
• Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Sift 2 1/2 cups flour, soda, and 1/2 tsp salt; add to cake batter, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
• Add cooled chocolate mixture and 1 tsp vanilla; mix just until blended.
• Pour batter into three greased and floured 9-inch layer pans.
• Bake at 350* for 17-20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
• Cool in pans on wire wracks for 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wracks.
• For filling: Place 1/4 cup flour in small saucepan; gradually stir in milk.
• Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thick.
• Remove from heat and let cool completely.
• Beat butter and 1/2 cup shortening until creamy; gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating well.
• Add 1 Tbsp vanilla, 1/4 tsp salt, and milk mixture; beat until smooth.
• Spread filling between cake layers.
• For frosting: Combine 3 cups sugar, 3/4 cup milk, 3/4 cup butter, 3 ounces chocolate in a medium saucepan.
• Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate melts.
• Cook over medium heat until mixture boils; boil 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
• Beat at high speed of electric mixer until frosting is of spreading consistency.
• Immediately spread on cake.
• Garnish with chocolate shavings.

CHOCOLATE FUDGE AND GOLDEN LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter and flour 2 (9-inch) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
• Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together 3 times and set aside.
• In a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, cream the butter until smooth and fluffy. Add the sugar and mix until blended. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, mixing after each addition until blended. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix.
• With the mixer running at low speed, and working in alternating batches, add the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, mixing just to combine after each addition. Mix until just smooth. Pour into 2 cake pans. Bake until risen, golden, and firm to the touch, about 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool in the pans.
• For the frosting: In a mixer with a whip attachment, cream the butter well. Add the confectioners' sugar gradually. Add the melted chocolate, then the vanilla. Add the milk by spoonfuls until you have reached a fudgy yet spreadable consistency.
• Once the cakes have cooled, place 1 layer on a serving platter and cover the top with frosting. Place the second layer on top of that but bottom-side up, to create a nice flat top. Press down to secure the layer. Frost the top and sides using a swirling motion. Or if you want it to look more professional, do a crumb layer of frosting, chill, then do a topcoat.

FUDGE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Sift together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a small mixing bowl.
• In a separate bowl, cream 3/4 cup butter and white and brown sugars at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla. At low speed, begin by adding a little of the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Alternate with buttermilk until all are blended together. Start and end with flour.
• Line bottoms of 2 9-inch pans with waxed paper; grease and flour. Pour batter in.
• Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 25-30 minutes. Test with toothpick. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before turning onto racks to cool completely.
• To Make Frosting: Cream together 3/4 cup butter and confectioners' sugar. Slowly add melted chocolate and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy. Frost cooled cake.

HANUKKAH GELT DOUBLE FUDGE CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Lightly grease (2) 9-inch layer pans and line with parchment paper circles.
• In a large mixing bowl, blend sugar and oil.
• Add eggs and mix until well blended and mixture is thick and lightened in texture.
• In a separate bowl, stir together flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and cocoa.
• Fold dry ingredients into wet- and mix- drizzling in cola as mixture blends.
• If using an electric mixer, use slow speed and mix about 3 minutes, scraping sides and bottom once to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
• This is a thin batter.
• Bake, on middle oven rack, 35-40 minutes, until cakes spring back when lightly touched.
• ICING: Cream melted chocolate, shortening, butter and vanilla with cocoa and 1 cup of the confectioner's sugar.
• Add remaining confectioner's sugar and whip on high speed, adding in a bit of water, cola or half-and-half to get a light, fluffy consistency.
• If not using right away, re-whip before using.
• Add additional warm water to get correct consistency (a tablespoon at a time).
• DECORATING: Place one layer on a cardboard circle.
• Ice this with about 1/2- inch of frosting.
• Place top layer and ice cake- sides first.
• Coat sides with colored sprinkles.
• Garnish bottom edge with coins.
• Garnish top with coins- placing them either flat on top of cake or standing up (You may cut some of the coins in half to garnish border of top layer).
• Place a couple of miniature dreidels in centre if desired or Chanukah candles (can be lit when menorah is lit).

BANANA CHOCOLATE FUDGE LAYER CAKE (LIGHT)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350° F (180° C and spray 2 8-inch round cake pans with vegetable spray.
• Banana Cake: Combine margarine and sugar in large bowl or food processor; mix until smooth. Add egg, banana and vanilla; mix until well-combined. In small bowl, stir together flour and baking soda; add flour mixture to banana mixture alternately with yogurt and mix just until combined. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Chocolate Fudge Cake: Combine margarine, sugar and egg in large bowl; mix until well combined (mixture may look curdled). In small bowl, stir together cocoa, flour, baking soda and baking powder; add to the batter alternately with the yogurt. Mix just until combined. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Frosting: Put ricotta cheese, icing sugar and cocoa in food processor; process until smooth, or beat with electric mixer.
• Assembly: Put banana cake on serving plate; top with one-quarter of the frosting. Place banana slices over top. Put chocolate cake on top and use remaining frosting to frost sides and top.

CHOCOLATE FUDGE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350F. In a small saucepan, gently melt the 1 1/4 sticks of butter. Remove from heat and whisk in the milk, oil, and vanilla. Meanwhile, grease two 8-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with circles of parchment paper.
• Mix together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, then sift into a large bowl.
• Add the brown sugar and break up any lumps. Make a well in the center and add the butter mixture. Using a whisk, slowly mix the ingredients together, then give it a good beating until smooth and evenly blended. Using a spatula, divide the batter equally between the pans and spread it flat.
• Bake until the cakes are risen, firm, and have shrunk back slightly from the edges of the pans. Let cool in the pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack and cool completely.
• Make the frosting: In a medium saucepan, stir the condensed milk and cream over low heat until it starts to bubble at the edges. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate, butter, and vanilla. Let the chocolate melt, stirring and beating occasionally as it cools, until thick, fudgy, and completely cooled.
• Assemble the cake: On a cake plate lined with strips of parchment paper, sandwich the cakes together with 1/2 cup frosting. Spoon the remaining frosting over the top of the cake. Spread it out thickly, then, working on a quarter of the cake at a time, work the frosting over the edge of the cake and down to meet the plate. Try to keep going in one fluid movement. Repeat all over. Smooth and swirl the frosting as you like, or leave it rough.
• Let the cake sit somewhere cool for an hour (or up to a day) before slicing.

BEST-EVER CHOCOLATE FUDGE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• HEAT oven to 350 degrees F.
• CHOP 2 chocolate squares. Beat cake mix, dry pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, oil and water in large bowl with mixer on low speed just until moistened. Beat on medium speed 2 minute Stir in chopped chocolate. Pour into 2 greased 9-inch round pans.
• BAKE 30 to 35 minute or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minute Loosen cakes from sides of pans. Invert onto racks; gently remove pans. Cool cakes completely.
• PLACE COOL WHIP and remaining chocolate squares in microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1-1/2 minute or until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after 1 minute Let stand 15 minute to thicken. Stack cake layers on plate, filling and frosting with COOL WHIP frosting. Garnish with nuts. Keep refrigerated.

GOLDEN VANILLA LAYER CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE FUDGE FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F Butter and flour the walls of two 9-inch round cake pans and then line each pan with a circle of parchment paper.
• To make the cake, sift the flour, baking powder and salt together 3 times into a bowl or onto a piece of parchment and set aside.
• In a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until its light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the granulated sugar and whip until it's blended. One at a time, add the eggs, mixing after each addition until well combined. Whip in the vanilla and almond extracts. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in thirds, alternating with the milk and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined after each addition.
• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and bake until the cakes are golden and firm to the touch, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pans.
• Meanwhile, make the frosting. In a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the butter on medium speed until it's light ans fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, add the powdered sugar gradually. Mix in the melted chocolate, then the vanilla. Add the milk by spoonfuls until the frosting is spreadable but still thick and fudgy.
• Remove the parchment from one of the cake layers and place the cake on a serving platter. Using an offset or small icing spatula, spread the top with some frosting. Place the second cake layer on the first, bottom-side up so the cake has a nice flat top. Remove the parchment and press down slightly to secure the layers. Frost the top and sides of cake.

BEST EVER CHOCOLATE FUDGE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350.
• Chop 2 oz. chocolate. Beat cake mix, dry pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, oil & water in large bowl with mixer until blended. Stir in chopped chocolate. Pour into 2 (9 in.) round pans sprayed with cooking spray.
• Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Loosen cakes from sides of pans. Invert onto wire racks: gently remove pans. Cool cakes completely.
• Microwave cool whip & remaining chocolate on high 1 1/2 minutes or until chocolate is completely melted & mixture is well blended, stirring after 1 minute. Let stand 15 minutes to thicken.
• Stack cake layers on plate, filling & frosting with cool whip mixture. Sprinkle with nuts.
• keep refrigerated.

PECAN FUDGE RIPPLE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Beat shortening at medium until fluffy; gradually add 1 1/2 cup sugar, beating well.
• Add 2 eggs, 1 at a time beating until blended after each addition.
• Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add to shortening mixture, alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix at low after each addition until blended.
• Beat 3 more minutes at high speed, stopping once to scrape down sides. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Pour batter into prepared pans. Set aside.
• In another bowl beat cream cheese, 2 tablespoons butter and cornstarch at medium until creamy.
• Gradually add sweetened condensed milk, beating well. Add 1 egg; beat well.
• Stir in remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Spoon cream cheese mixture evenly over batter.
• Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.
• To make the frosting beat 2/3 cups butter at medium until creamy.
• Combine powdered sugar and 1 1/2 cups cocoa; add to butter alternately with 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk, beginning and ending with powdered sugar mixture. Beat until spreading consistency.
• Stir in remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Spread frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. Sprinkle with toasted walnuts.

MOCHA FUDGE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Cake: Melt chocolate; set aside to cool. Cream butter in large mixing bowl; gradually add sugar beating well. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add chocolate and vanilla; Mix well.
• Combine flour, soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Stir in boiling water. (Batter will be thin).
• Pour batter into 2 greased and floured 8 inch cake pans. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes; remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks. Split cake layers in half horizontally to make 4 layers.
• Filling: Beat whipping cream, vanilla and powered sugar together until soft peaks form. If needed add a little more powered sugar to get to thicken.
• Spread filling between layers.
• Frosting: Beat first 5 ingredients together until light and fluffy. Add cream if too stiff. Put icing on top and sides of cakes.

SOUR CREAM FUDGE LAYER CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE RUM FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Butter pans well and dust with cocoa powder, shaking out excess.
• Combine coffee and chopped chocolate in a large glass bowl and microwave at high for 1 to 2 minutes or until piping hot and chocolate is melted. Whisk in rum until smooth. Let cool to room temperature.
• Place sour cream in a bowl and stir in baking soda and salt.
• Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until incorporated. Beat in chocolate mixture until smooth. Beat in half the flour alternately with half the sour cream mixture, beat in remaining flour and sour cream mixture to make a smooth batter. Spread evenly in prepared pans.
• Bake on rack in middle of oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until cake feels firm in the centre and edges begin to pull away from sides. Leave in pans for 5 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool. Cake layers can be wrapped well in plastic wrap, then foil and frozen for up to 1 month.
• For frosting, sift icing sugar and cocoa powder together through a fine sieve into a large bowl. Beat in butter and rum using an electric mixer, starting at a slow speed, until smooth. Beat in enough sour cream to make a smooth spreadable frosting.
• Arrange one cake layer on a large plate and spread with some of the frosting. Top with second cake and spread tops and sides with remaining frosting.

TWO LAYER CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE GANACHE FROSTING

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 350.
• 2. Lightly butter and flour two 8 inch cake pans.
• 3. Sift flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt into the bowl of a stand mixer, mix on low until combined.
• 4. In another bowl combine buttermilk, oil, eggs and vanilla thoroughly.
• 5. With the mixer on low slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry.
• .6. Once ingredients are combined add the coffee slowly with the machine still on low speed (the batter will look slightly liquidy).
• 7. Pour equal parts of the batter into the cake pans and put into the preheated oven.
• 8. Cook for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
• 9. Once done let sit in cake pans for 30 minutes and then to finish cooling on a cooling rack.
• 10. Chop the chocolate into small shards and place into a food processor.
• 11. Warm cream in the microwave until it starts to simmer (DO NOT BOIL).
• 12. Pour cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes and then pulse until smooth.
• 13. Let the ganache cool in the fridge for 15 minutes and then spread on the cakes.

CHOCOLATE FUDGE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Grease two 9-inch round baking pans.
• Chop 2 chocolate squares; set aside.
• Beat cake mix, dry pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, oil and water in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed just until moistened.
• Beat on medium speed 2 minutes.
• Stir in chopped chocolate.
• Spoon into pans.
• Bake 30-35 minute or until wooden toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean.
• Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes.
• Loosen cakes from sides of pans, invert onto racks; gently remove pans. Cool cakes completely.
• Frosting:.
• Place frozen whipped topping and remaining 6 chocolate squares in microwaveable bowl.
• Microwave on HIGH 1 1/2 minutes or until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is smooth, stirring after 1 minute.
• Let stand 15 minutes to thicken.
• Place 1 cake layer on serving plate; top with 1/4 of the chocolate mixture and the second cake layer. Spread top and side with remaining chocolate mixture. Garnish with almonds.
• Store in refrigerator.

AUTUMN MAPLE PECAN LAYER CAKE WITH PENUCHE FUDGE FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Butter 2 8-inch round cake pans, and line them with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually add the maple syrup, stirring until smooth. Alternately add the flour and the hot water, a little at a time, stirring gently until combined and smooth. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
• Divide the batter between the two prepared pans, and bake in a 350F degree preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool in their pans on a rack for 8 to 10 minutes, then carefully unmold them and allow them to cool completely on the rack.
• At this point, you can individually wrap the completely cooled cakes in cling wrap, place in an airtight container, and refrigerate or freeze them until needed. Allow the cakes to defrost completely before filling and frosting them.
• Make the frosting shortly before you want to frost the cake, as it will get harder with time.
• For the frosting/filling, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring all the while; continue to boil and stir for about 1 minute, until sugar is dissolved and mixture is thickened (watch carefully). Off the heat, and whisk in the coffee powder, the 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 2 tablespoons milk, and the maple and vanilla extracts, stirring well to combine. Allow to cool slightly, then gradually add the powdered sugar, beating after each addition, until smooth and glossy and of the desired spreadable consistency; beat in a little milk, a tablespoon at a time, if it gets too thick.
• Place one of the cakes onto a cake plate or pedestal, and spoon some of the frosting/filling over the top, spreading evenly with a flat spatula; sprinkle with chopped pecans. Place the other cake on top and evenly spread the remaining frosting over the top of the cake. Decorate the top of the cake with the pecan halves. Just before serving, you may adorn the plate with autumn leaves as desired.
• This cake is best eaten the day it's frosted.
• Makes about 8-10 slices.