This is a no‑fuss chocolate cake baked in a large pan, cut into neat squares, and topped with a rich layer of glossy fudge‑style frosting. Perfect for gatherings, bake‑sales, or whenever you need a serious chocolate fix.
Why you’ll love it
- Humid, moist chocolate crumb that stays tender even days later.
- Fudge frosting provides melt‑in‑your‑mouth richness.
- Squares are easy to portion and share.
- Works beautifully for birthdays, potlucks or weekday treats.
Ingredients
- All‑purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, milk (or buttermilk), oil, baking powder/soda, salt
- For frosting: cocoa powder, butter, powdered sugar, milk or cream, vanilla extract
Directions
- Pre‑heat oven to ~175 °C (350 °F). Grease and line a 9×13″ (23×33 cm) baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda/powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat together sugar, eggs, oil (or melted butter), milk (or buttermilk) and vanilla. Combine dry + wet until just blended.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake ~25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- While cake cools slightly, make frosting: melt butter, whisk in cocoa powder, vanilla, then gradually add powdered sugar alternating with milk/cream until desired consistency is reached; frosty and pourable.
- Spread frosting over warm cake. Allow frosting to set. Then cut into squares.
Serving & timing
- Serves: ~12–15 squares
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Bake time: ~30 minutes
- Total time (plus cooling): ~45 minutes
Variations & tips
- Add instant espresso powder to batter to amplify chocolate flavour.
- Mix in chocolate chips or nuts into batter for texture.
- Swap regular frosting for ganache (chocolate + cream).
- Use a simple glaze instead: powdered sugar + milk + vanilla for lighter finish.
Storage
- Store covered at room temp for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring back to room temp before serving for best texture.
Conclusion
Moist Chocolate Cake Squares with Glossy Fudge Frosting deliver all the chocolate indulgence you want, in an easy large‑pan format. With rich flavour and simple prep, they become a reliable go‑to for any chocolate‑loving crowd.
PrintMoist Chocolate Cake Squares with Glossy Fudge Frosting
Rich, moist chocolate cake squares topped with a smooth, glossy fudge frosting. A classic dessert that’s perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or a satisfying chocolate fix.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Glossy Fudge Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup milk
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour into prepared pan.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cake completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- To make the frosting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in cocoa powder and milk until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Gradually beat in powdered sugar and vanilla until glossy and spreadable.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake. Cut into squares to serve.
Notes
- For extra moisture, substitute buttermilk for regular milk.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt or chocolate shavings on top for a finishing touch.
- Cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg