Rich Chocolate Fudge Cake with Walnuts: A Classic Dessert

Some desserts never go out of style and a rich chocolate fudge cake with walnuts is one of them. It’s the kind of cake that makes you slow down and savour every bite with its deep chocolate flavour and nutty crunch. Whether you’re celebrating a occasion or just want something indulgent, this cake is the perfect pick.

You don’t need special ingredients to make it—just good quality cocoa powder, fresh walnuts and a few kitchen staples. The richness of melted chocolate combined with the slight bitterness of walnuts is a combination that chocolate lovers love. In India where nuts are often used in sweets, adding walnuts to chocolate cake feels like a natural addition, making it even more satisfying.

A Simple Guide To Bake Rich Chocolate Fudge Cake with Walnuts

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 200g dark chocolate
• 100g unsalted butter
• ¾ cup Powdered sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ cup warm milk
• 2- eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• ½ cup chopped walnuts

For the Chocolate Fudge Topping:

• 150g dark chocolate
• ½ cup fresh cream
• 1 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts

Method

1. Melt dark chocolate and butter in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals. Let it cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, whisk powdered sugar with eggs (or curd) until light and fluffy. Add vanilla essence and mix.
3. Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and baking soda together and fold into the wet mixture alternating with warm milk. Stir in chopped walnuts.
4. Preheat your oven to 180°C. Grease a cake tin and line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter evenly and tap the tin to remove air bubbles.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before demoulding.
6. Heat fresh cream in a pan until warm (don’t let it boil). Pour over chopped chocolate and stir until smooth. Add butter for a glossy finish. Let it cool slightly before using.
7. Pour the chocolate fudge over the cooled cake, let it drip naturally. Garnish with chopped walnuts and let it set for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or vanilla ice cream!

8 Pro tips to make the moist and Rich Chocolate Fudge Cake with Walnuts

Select the Best Chocolate for Maximum Flavor

A decadent chocolate fudge cake needs the best chocolate. Use a mix of dark chocolate (at least 55% cocoa) and cocoa powder for a deep, intense taste. If you’re using Indian brands, look for couverture chocolate instead of compound chocolate for a richer experience.

Roast the Walnuts for a Crunch

Raw walnuts can taste slightly bitter, so take an extra step and dry roast them for 3–4 minutes on low flame before adding them to the batter. This enhances their natural nuttiness and gives a beautiful contrast to the soft fudgy cake.

Use Hot Water or Coffee for Deep Flavor

Adding hot water or coffee to the batter helps the cocoa powder bloom, making the cake more intense and deeper in flavor. Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, a little bit will work wonders without making the cake taste like coffee.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix gently with a spatula and don’t overbeat. Overbeating can make the cake dense instead of soft and fudgy. The trick is to mix just till the flour disappears.

Use Fresh Curd Instead of Eggs for Moist Cake

If you want an eggless version, replace eggs with fresh curd or homemade buttermilk (chaas). Curd makes the cake soft and moist and adds a slight tang that enhances the chocolate flavor.

Bake at the Right Temperature for Even Cooking

Chocolate cakes can dry out if baked at the wrong temperature. Always preheat your oven to 160–170°C and bake at a lower temperature for a fudgy cake. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few crumbs, not completely dry.

Let it Cool Before Unmolding

Patience is key! Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents the cake from breaking and helps it set properly.

Make a Simple Chocolate Ganache

For an extra fudgy feel, top your cake with a simple chocolate ganache by mixing equal parts melted chocolate and fresh cream. Let it sit for a few minutes before pouring over the cake for a glossy finish.