Simple Spelt Chocolate Fudge Cake

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This spelt chocolate fudge cake first appeared on The Culinary Jumble in October 2016. Both the images and recipe have been updated.

I often seek out my kids for inspiration, and ask them what they’d like me to bake. When I do, baby boy (I know he’s nine, but he will always be my baby) predictably shouts out, “chocolate fudge cake” every time. Seeing as chocolate fudge cake is one of my absolute favourites, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Because of our love for the sacred fudge cake, I’ve made innumerous different versions over the years, but never been totally satisfied with the frosting or the cake, or both.

The hunt for the perfect specimen lead me to this beautiful version by Simply Delicious. I usually prefer to come up with my own ideas, or tweak recipes beyond all recognition making them my own, but this one I followed pretty closely (although I did make some slight amendments).

This spelt chocolate fudge cake is delicious. It is fudgy, soft and very sweet. Definitely a cake for special occasions, and a small amount goes a long way.

The cake is subtly flavoured with coffee. So many people turn their nose up at using coffee in baking, but it magically enhances the flavour of chocolate. Don’t take my word for it – next time you make a chocolate cake, just add a touch of coffee, and see for yourself!

So, have I finally found the perfect fudge cake? Well, the jury (my kids) was unanimous – they loved it. So, maybe my search is over.

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Ingredients

Cake:

100g (¼ cup + 3 tbsp) butter
2 eggs
125ml (½ cup) whipping cream
125ml (½ cup) milk
250ml (1 cup) strong brewed coffee (see note 1)
400g (1 + ¾ cups) sugar
275g (2 + ½ cups) spelt flour (see note 2)
50g (¼ cup + 3 tbsp) cocoa powder
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1½ teaspoons bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
1 teaspoon salt

Frosting:

50g (⅓ cup) dark chocolate
100g (¼ cup + 3 tbsp) butter (softened)
300g (3 cups) icing (powdered) sugar
25g (2 tablespoons) cocoa powder
Up to 3 tablespoons brewed coffee (see note 1)
Decoration (optional)

Instructions

Cake:

Pre-heat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease/line two x 20cm cake pans. Melt the butter and allow to cool for a couple of minutes.
Using a food processor (or electric whisk), mix the butter, eggs, milk, cream and coffee until well combined.
In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt (if using). Add to the wet ingredients and mix until everything is combined.
Divide the batter into the two prepared tins and bake side by side for around 25-30 minutes, until the edges start to pull away from the pan and an inserted skewer comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool for a while in their pans before turning out onto a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely.

Frosting:

Melt the dark chocolate in a Bain Marie (double boiler) and leave to cool for a while.
In the meantime, again using a processor (or whisk) beat the butter until light and fluffy.
Sift the icing sugar and cocoa together, then add them to the butter, continuing to mix until everything is nicely combined.
With the mixer still running, slowly pour in the chocolate.
Finally, gradually add the brewed coffee a little at a time, just until you reach a spreadable consistency.
Place one of the cakes upside and down and spread around a third of the frosting over the flat part.
Place the second cake on top (flat part down) and then use the remaining frosting to cover the whole cake.
Decorate with anything you fancy (I used tiny brown balls and cream-coloured sprinkles) and then leave the frosting to set before slicing the cake. Enjoy!

Notes

If you don't have freshly brewed coffee, use the same amount of hot water with 2 tablespoons of coffee powder (instant coffee). For the frosting, use 3 tablespoons of hot water with 2 teaspoons coffee powder (instant coffee). Alternatively, if you don't want to add coffee to either the cake or frosting, use the same quantity of milk.
You can use spelt or regular flour for this recipe (just use the same amount).

Disclaimer:

I have converted grams to cups/ounces/tablespoons using online converters. Although I have no reason to believe they are inaccurate, please be aware that I have not made the recipe with imperial measurements.

In addition, many ingredients are different in Europe compared to North America. I do all I can to offer possible alternatives and to ensure the best possible outcomes for everyone. However, results cannot always be guaranteed if you have not used the same ingredients, measurements or methods as me.

Lastly, I do everything I can to ensure that my recipes (and instructions) are accurate and easy to follow. However, I am human, and don't always get it right. If you notice anything strange, a mistake, or even a typo, please let me know in the comments.