If you have a serious sweet tooth and love rich, multi-layered desserts that transport you straight to dessert heaven, the Decadent Chocolate Tiramisu Fudge Cake Recipe is going to become your absolute favorite. This cake is a celebration of deep chocolate flavor combined with the creamy, coffee-infused tiramisu elements you adore. It’s indulgent yet balanced, with layers that surprise and delight your palate with each bite. Whether you want to impress guests or treat yourself after a long day, this recipe promises a showstopper that’s as decadent as it is satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Decadent Chocolate Tiramisu Fudge Cake Recipe are thoughtfully chosen to build the perfect texture, moisture, and flavor. From the rich dark chocolate that provides depth, to the creamy mascarpone that adds silkiness, every single element plays a crucial role in turning this cake into a masterpiece.
- 200 g Dark Chocolate (No more than 60% cocoa): Provides a smooth, bittersweet base that balances the sweetness.
- 100 g Unsalted Butter: Makes the cake tender and adds richness without overpowering the chocolate.
- 200 g Caster Sugar: Sweetens the cake evenly and helps with the crumb texture.
- 50 ml Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist for days without making it heavy.
- 2 medium Eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors subtly, giving a warm background note.
- 50 g Cocoa Powder: Intensifies the chocolateiness and adds a touch of bitterness.
- 150 g Plain/All Purpose Flour: The foundation that supports every delicious layer.
- 1 tsp Bicarbonate of Soda: A leavening agent to keep your cake light.
- 1 tsp Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully.
- 1 pinch Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
- 250 ml Boiling Water: Activates cocoa powder and makes the texture wonderfully moist.
- 2 tsp Instant Coffee Granules: Adds an authentic tiramisu espresso kick without bitterness.
- 100 g Sour Cream: Introduces tanginess that cuts through the fudge, adding complexity.
- 250 g Mascarpone: Classic tiramisu cream, lending creaminess and luxury.
- 300 ml Double/Heavy Cream: Whipped light to bring fluffy richness to the layers.
- 100 g Icing/Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone mix smoothly without graininess.
- 200 g Chopped Chocolate: Scattered throughout for delightful chocolate bursts.
- 200 ml Heavy Cream: Heated with golden syrup to form the fudge sauce.
- 2 tbsp Golden Syrup: Adds caramel notes and glossy, sticky texture to the fudge.
- 200 g Nutella: The cherry on top, mixing hazelnut nuttiness with chocolaty goodness.
How to Make Decadent Chocolate Tiramisu Fudge Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Base
Start by melting the dark chocolate and unsalted butter together until silky smooth. Then, whisk in caster sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until combined. Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm fragrance. In a separate bowl, sift cocoa powder, flour, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with boiling water mixed with instant coffee granules. This will give the batter a luxurious texture and that essential espresso hint for the tiramisu feel. Finally, gently fold in the chopped chocolate for pockets of molten delight.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased and lined cake tin, then bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. The cake should be beautifully risen and moist. Let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is crucial here, so the frosting layers don’t melt away when applied.
Step 3: Create the Mascarpone Cream Layer
Whip the double cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold in mascarpone, sour cream, and icing sugar until smooth and luscious. This layer is what makes the cake feel like tiramisu—light, creamy, with just the right tang to complement the chocolate.
Step 4: Prepare the Nutella Fudge Sauce
Heat the heavy cream and golden syrup together until just simmering, then pour over Nutella in a heatproof bowl. Stir until glossy and perfectly smooth. This fudge sauce will add gooey richness to the cake, making it utterly irresistible.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Slice the cake horizontally into layers. Spread a generous layer of the mascarpone cream over the bottom layer, drizzle some Nutella fudge sauce, then add the next cake layer. Repeat until finished, topping with the remaining cream and fudge sauce. Chill the cake for at least 2 hours so the flavors meld beautifully and the texture sets.
How to Serve Decadent Chocolate Tiramisu Fudge Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your cake’s presentation, sprinkle a dusting of cocoa powder or finely grated dark chocolate on top. Fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the richness. For extra decadence, scatter a few toasted hazelnuts to echo the Nutella flavors and give a satisfying crunch.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, which helps balance the chocolate intensity. For a more adult touch, offer small glasses of espresso or a chilled glass of dessert wine to complement the coffee and chocolate layers beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this at a party, consider cutting into neat, even squares and serving on elegant dessert plates with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce artfully streaked across the plate. Alternatively, present mini versions in clear jars, layering cake, cream, and fudge sauce for individual servings that look just as impressive as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully assembled, the cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled allows the fudge and mascarpone layers to stay firm and fresh, preserving that signature texture and flavor you want every time.
Freezing
You can freeze slices of this cake for up to 1 month. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. While the texture is best fresh, freezing is an excellent option for prepping ahead.
Reheating
Since this cake is best served chilled, reheating isn’t recommended. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, let the cake sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This allows the fudge sauce to soften slightly without losing the refreshing tiramisu creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
While you can substitute milk chocolate, it will make the cake sweeter and less intense in flavor. The dark chocolate in this Decadent Chocolate Tiramisu Fudge Cake Recipe balances the richness beautifully, so I recommend sticking with that if possible.
Is it necessary to use instant coffee granules?
Instant coffee granules dissolve easily and provide that authentic espresso note essential to tiramisu-style desserts. If you don’t have them, strongly brewed espresso can be used as a substitute, but be mindful of liquid ratios.
Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies on mascarpone, cream, and butter, which aren’t vegan. For dairy-free adaptations, try plant-based cream and mascarpone alternatives, along with vegan butter. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might differ, but you can still achieve a delicious result.
How long does the cake take to reach full flavor after assembling?
The flavors really shine after chilling for at least 2 hours, allowing the mascarpone cream and fudge sauce to meld with the cake layers. Overnight chilling is even better if you have the time!
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure, or add a teaspoon separately. The cake texture will be just as gorgeous.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, once you try this Decadent Chocolate Tiramisu Fudge Cake Recipe, it might just become your new go-to dessert for every special occasion. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that wow every time. Don’t be intimidated by the steps — each one is so rewarding, and the end result is pure indulgence. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this scrumptious delight, and prepare for endless compliments!
Print
Decadent Chocolate Tiramisu Fudge Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
Indulge in this Decadent Chocolate Tiramisu Fudge Cake that perfectly blends rich chocolate flavors with creamy mascarpone and a hint of coffee. This luscious dessert offers moist layers of fudgy cake paired with a smooth tiramisu-inspired cream frosting, making it an irresistible treat for any special occasion.
Ingredients
Cake
- 200 g Dark Chocolate (No more than 60% cocoa)
- 100 g Unsalted Butter
- 200 g Caster Sugar
- 50 ml Vegetable Oil
- 2 medium Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 50 g Cocoa Powder
- 150 g Plain/All Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Bicarbonate of Soda
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 pinch Salt
- 250 ml Boiling Water
- 2 tsp Instant Coffee Granules
Tiramisu Cream Filling
- 100 g Sour Cream
- 250 g Mascarpone
- 300 ml Double/Heavy Cream
- 100 g Icing/Powdered Sugar
Fudge Topping
- 200 g Chopped Chocolate
- 200 ml Heavy Cream
- 2 tbsp Golden Syrup
- 200 g Nutella
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Melt the dark chocolate and unsalted butter together gently until smooth. In a large bowl, whisk the caster sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs together until thoroughly combined. Stir in the vanilla extract, cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Dissolve Coffee in Boiling Water: In a separate bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules in the 250 ml of boiling water, then gradually add this mixture to the cake batter, stirring gently until fully incorporated.
- Add Flour and Combine: Sift the plain flour into the wet ingredients and fold carefully until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Pour the cake batter into a greased and lined cake tin and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Make the Tiramisu Cream: In a mixing bowl, whisk the sour cream, mascarpone, double cream, and icing sugar together until thick and creamy, creating the tiramisu-style filling.
- Prepare the Fudge Topping: Heat the heavy cream and golden syrup together until just boiling, then pour over the chopped chocolate and Nutella in a bowl. Stir until smooth and shiny.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, slice it horizontally to create two layers. Spread a generous amount of the tiramisu cream between the layers, then place the top layer back on. Pour the fudge topping over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set before serving.
Notes
- Use good quality dark chocolate with no more than 60% cocoa for a balanced chocolate flavor.
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before adding the tiramisu cream to avoid melting the filling.
- The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, but you may reduce the amount if you prefer a less pronounced coffee taste.
- Chill the cake well after assembling for a firmer texture and better sliceability.
- Store the cake refrigerated and consume within 3 days for best freshness.
