Decadent Chocolate Fudge Cake

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Butter the 9-inch round cake pan, line the bottom with parchment paper, butter the paper, and dust the inside with either flour or cocoa powder.

2. Melt Chocolate

Place the coarsely chopped unsweetened chocolate in a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Set it aside to cool slightly.

3. Sift Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder to remove any lumps and ensure these dry ingredients are well combined.

4. Cream Butter and Sugar

In another large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Add Eggs and Chocolate

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the melted chocolate until the mixture is smooth and uniform.

6. Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Add half of the sifted dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture and stir until just combined. Pour in all the buttermilk and mix gently. Follow with the remaining dry ingredients, stirring until just incorporated.

7. Add Boiling Water

Gradually pour in the boiling water, mixing slowly until the batter is smooth.

8. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

9. Cool the Cake

Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. After the cake has cooled, run a knife around the edges to loosen it, then carefully remove it from the pan.