Growing up, desserts were a big deal in our house. The kitchen would fill with warm, sweet smells, especially during family gatherings. One of my fondest memories was my aunt pulling out her famous chocolate fudge cake. She’d make it for every birthday, holiday, or just because it was a Thursday. I never knew the secret recipe-until one day, I discovered Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fudge Cake recipe. It’s simple, rich, and indulgent in all the right ways. The kind of cake that feels like a special treat no matter the occasion.
That cake quickly became a go-to. It’s now part of my regular dessert rotation, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. So, let’s dive into why Jamie Oliver’s version stands out and how you can create this irresistible treat.
Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe
Jamie’s Chocolate Fudge Cake is a crowd-pleaser. What I love about it is how it balances richness with a light texture. It’s the kind of cake you bite into and instantly think, “How is this so decadent but so soft”? And the best part? It’s totally doable, even for beginners.
The cake is super moist, thanks to the combination of melted chocolate and sour cream, and the ganache on top is pure indulgence. It’s the perfect chocolate cake for celebrations or just a rainy day when you want to treat yourself.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious chocolate cake:
- Plain flour – Gives the cake structure without being too heavy.
- Cocoa powder – Unsweetened cocoa powder is key for that deep, rich chocolate flavor.
- Baking powder – Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
- Bicarbonate of soda – A little boost to ensure the cake is light.
- Butter – The foundation for a soft and rich texture.
- Dark chocolate – You can’t have a fudge cake without good-quality chocolate.
- Eggs – Adds richness and helps bind the cake together.
- Sour cream – This makes the cake super moist and gives it a slight tang that complements the sweetness.
- Caster sugar – For just the right amount of sweetness.
- Vanilla extract – A subtle background note to bring everything together.
- Hot water – This helps create that smooth batter and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fudge Cake
Now that you’ve got the ingredients, it’s time to get baking. The method is simple, but it’s all about following the steps carefully.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease two cake tins.
- Melt the chocolate. Gently heat the dark chocolate with butter over low heat. Stir until melted and smooth. Let it cool down a bit.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a bowl, sift together the plain flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda.
- Combine wet ingredients. In another bowl, beat together the eggs, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the melted chocolate. Pour the melted chocolate and butter mix into the wet ingredients. Stir it together until smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until everything is incorporated. Add hot water to the batter to make it thinner and smoother.
- Bake. Divide the batter evenly between the two cake tins. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. Let them cool in the tins for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the ganache. For the fudge topping, melt the remaining chocolate and cream together. Pour the ganache over the cooled cakes, letting it drip down the sides.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Understanding the science behind these ingredients makes the baking process even more fun.
- Butter: It’s crucial for tenderness. Fat coats the flour, which limits gluten formation, resulting in a softer crumb.
- Cocoa Powder: When cocoa meets liquid, it helps create a dense and moist texture. The richer the cocoa, the more intense the chocolate flavor.
- Sour Cream: This ingredient is what makes the cake so moist. The acidity helps tenderize the crumb while adding depth to the flavor.
- Eggs: Eggs are essential for structure. They also help bind everything together and give the cake its signature spongy texture.
- Baking Soda: This reacts with acidic ingredients like sour cream to produce bubbles, helping the cake rise and become fluffy.
- Dark Chocolate: The higher the percentage of cocoa, the more intense the chocolate flavor. The balance of fat and cocoa solids gives the ganache that rich and glossy finish.
Expert Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. It helps the batter come together smoothly and creates a fluffier texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: You want to mix just enough to combine the ingredients. Overmixing develops the gluten and can lead to a dense cake.
- Double Check Your Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the cake after 30 minutes. The skewer test is the best way to tell when it’s done.
- Cool Before Frosting: Let the cakes cool completely before frosting. If they’re still warm, the ganache can melt too much and slide off.
Recipe Variations
While the original recipe is amazing, here are a few variations to mix things up:
- Add a pinch of sea salt to the batter or ganache to give it that salted chocolate twist.
- Add a splash of coffee to the batter to deepen the chocolate flavor. Coffee and chocolate pair wonderfully together.
- Swap the sour cream for buttermilk for a slightly tangy twist. It’ll still be super moist, with a slightly different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Orange Fudge Cake: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter, and drizzle a little orange-infused ganache on top.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water), and dairy-free sour cream to make it vegan.
Final Words
Making Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fudge Cake feels like an accomplishment every single time. It’s not just about the ingredients or the technique-it’s about how the final product makes you feel. That sense of satisfaction when you take the first bite, and the way it melts in your mouth, is a moment worth savoring.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this cake always delivers. Plus, the joy it brings to others is worth every minute of preparation.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fudge Cake So Special?
It’s rich, moist, and packed with chocolate flavor. The combination of ingredients creates a fudgy texture that’s hard to beat.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fudge Cake In Advance?
Yes, you can! It’s even better the next day. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
What Should I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fudge Cake?
You can serve it with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries for a delicious contrast.