Skip to main content

World's Easiest Chocolate Cake (Mud Cake)

4.3

(79)

"I adapted this recipe from The Fannie Farmer Baking Book," says Ashley-George Menger of New Vernon, New Jersey. "It's the easiest chocolate cake I've ever made—you don't even need a bowl. I love to serve it around the holidays, and with friends and family around, it disappears fast!"

You can also make this cake in 2 (8 1/2- by 4 1/2- by 2 1/2-inch) loaf pans.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    2 1/2 hours

  • Yield

    Makes 2 small cakes (serves 12)

Ingredients

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
3 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 1/2 cups strong brewed coffee
5 tablespoons bourbon (preferably 80 proof)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Special equipment: 2 (7- or 8-inch) springform pans
Accompaniment: sweetened whipped cream and fresh berries

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 275°F. Butter springform pans and line bottom of each with a round of wax paper. Butter paper and dust pans with flour, knocking out excess. Wrap bottom and 1 inch up side on outside of each springform pan with foil (to catch drips).

    Step 2

    Melt chocolates and butter with coffee in a 4-quart saucepan over moderately low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and cool 10 minutes. Beat in bourbon, eggs, and vanilla. Sift in flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt and stir until batter is smooth (batter will be thin).

    Step 3

    Divide batter between springform pans (about 3 cups batter in each). Bake cakes in middle of oven 1 to 1 1/4 hours, or until a tester inserted in centers comes out with crumbs adhering. Remove from oven and cool in pans on racks 20 minutes. Run a thin knife around edge of each pan, then remove sides. When cool, remove pan bottoms and wax paper.

Read More
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.