Mud cake

Cooking time 1 h
Mud cake

Chocolate lovers, this mud cake is for you. Deep, rich, and so fudgy, it almost feels illegal. It barely makes it out of the tin before someone sneaks a slice. The soft centre is pure chocolate bliss, and the frosting remains a silky-smooth work of art. Serve it warm or let it cool; you will savour it no matter what.

Ingredients

200 g Butter
200 g Dark chocolate
4 Eggs
120 g Granulated sugar
130 g Wheat flour
2 tsp Baking powder

Frosting

100 ml Double cream
100 g Dark chocolate
1 tsp Vanilla sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 200 °C. Grease and flour a springform pan (about 24 cm in diameter).
  • Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Break the chocolate into pieces and add them to the melted butter, stirring until smooth. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
  • Beat the eggs and sugar until fluffy. Stir in the cooled butter-chocolate mixture.
  • Mix the flour and baking powder in another bowl, then gently fold them into the batter.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the lower part of the oven for about 25 minutes. The centre should still be soft when baked, so avoid overbaking.
  • Leave the mud cake to cool before adding the frosting.

Frosting

  • Boil the cream in a saucepan.
  • Chop the chocolate and stir it into the hot cream along with the vanilla sugar, mixing until smooth. Let the frosting cool.
  • Spread the chocolate frosting over the cooled mud cake and serve.

Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Enjoy!

Mix ingredients in the right order

The way you combine ingredients affects the texture of your mud cake. Melt the butter over low heat, stir in the chocolate until smooth, and let it cool slightly before mixing. If the chocolate is too hot, it can start cooking the eggs, leading to a grainy texture instead of a smooth batter. Whisk the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. This incorporates the air and prevents the cake from becoming heavy. Stir in the cooled chocolate mixture, then sift the flour and baking powder to distribute them evenly and aerate the flour. Fold everything together gently with a spatula instead of stirring vigorously to keep the batter light.

High-quality dark chocolate for rich flavour

Use dark chocolate with at least 70 % cocoa for the best-tasting mud cake. This gives the cake an intense chocolate flavour and helps create a dense, moist texture. Avoid unsweetened chocolate, as it can make the cake overly bitter. When using chocolate chips or melts, choose those specifically made for melting. Look for packaging that states "couverture chocolate" or mentions smooth melting. These contain more cocoa butter, allowing them to melt evenly. Standard baking chips, often labelled as "chocolate chips", are designed to hold their shape and will not melt as well in the batter or ganache.

Cool properly before frosting

Let the mud cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Removing it too soon can cause it to break, as it is still fragile while warm. Once on the wire rack, let it cool completely before adding the frosting. If time is short, place the cake in a cooler spot, such as near an open window or in the fridge once it has reached room temperature. Frosting too soon will cause it to melt and turn runny.

FAQ: Questions about mud cake

Struggling with a dry cake? Not sure how to store it? We have gathered and answered the most common questions so you can bake with confidence.

What is a mud cake?

Mud cake is a rich, chocolate-heavy cake with a soft, fudgy texture. Unlike traditional chocolate cakes, which tend to be lighter and more aerated, mud cake has a dense structure that melts in the mouth. It sits somewhere between a brownie and a classic chocolate cake – denser and more chocolate-packed than a regular cake but softer and less chewy than a brownie. It gets its name from its texture, often compared to wet mud.

Why is my mud cake dry?

A dry mud cake is often caused by overbaking, too much flour, or overmixing the batter. Baking for too long draws out moisture, making it crumbly instead of fudgy. Too much flour can also absorb excess moisture, affecting the texture. Using a kitchen scale helps keep the measurements accurate, as even slight variations can make a difference. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a firmer, less tender cake. To keep it soft and fudgy, mix gently until just combined and check for doneness a few minutes before the baking time is up.

How do I store leftover mud cake?

Store leftover mud cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the fridge for up to 6 days. For longer storage, freezing is the best option. Let it cool to room temperature before freezing. Both frosted and unfrosted cakes can be frozen. If freezing an unfrosted cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. You can freeze the whole thing or slice it into portions for easier thawing. Store for up to 3 months and defrost in the fridge overnight. A frosted mud cake can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months, though it is best enjoyed within the first month.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

4751 Kcal

Fibre 4.7 gram fibers
Protein 68.6 gram
Fat 332.4 gram
Carbohydrates 377.3 gram

Bake the ultimate mud cake

Some cakes require quite a lot of work, but this easy mud cake recipe keeps things simple. A few key ingredients, a gentle whisk, and careful folding are all it takes to get it right. No need for fancy equipment or complicated methods. Just melt, mix, and bake, and enjoy the ultimate mud cake.

This heavenly treat is so easy to make, no matter if it is for a special occasion or simply because chocolate sounds like a good idea. Top it with frosting and savour a classic that never goes out of style.

Soft and gooey base with deep and rich flavours

Mud cake is all about that soft, fudgy centre that barely holds its shape as you cut into it. The texture is thick, smooth, and melts the moment it touches your tongue. Thanks to the generous amount of melted dark chocolate in the batter, every slice is filled with deep, bold chocolate.

But the chocolate is anything but one-dimensional; it unfolds in layers, starting silky and smooth, then deepening into a bittersweet intensity before finishing with a lingering sweetness that keeps you coming back for more.

Indulgent chocolate frosting with hints of vanilla

This glossy chocolate frosting is the grand finale that makes mud cake so irresistible. Made with melted dark chocolate and double cream, it turns thick and silky as it cools, covering the cake like a smooth, velvety cloak.

It clings to every inch without feeling heavy, settling into every groove for an indulgent chocolate finish. A touch of vanilla ties it all together, softening the bitterness and adding a subtle, warm sweetness that keeps you coming back for another slice.

A decadent, show-stealing dessert

We have all seen it happen – the moment a cake lands on the table, conversations pause, eyes light up, and suddenly, everyone has room for dessert. And trust us, the same will happen with this delicious mud cake. There is something about its rich, fudgy texture and deep chocolate taste that keeps guests reaching for another slice, no matter how full they claim to be.

The best part? It is surprisingly easy to make! Serve it as it is or with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side, and do not be surprised when the plates come back empty.

Craving even more chocolate? Our sticky chocolate cake takes gooeyness to another level, Dubai chocolate cheesecake combines velvety pistachio cream with deep chocolate layers, and fudge brownies deliver that classic chewy bite. No matter which one you choose, they are all guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

Add a twist of your own

This mud cake is already a showstopper, but a little twist can make it even more exciting. Adding a splash of strong brewed coffee can boost the chocolate flavour even further. Coffee’s natural bitterness deepens the chocolate, making it taste richer. Just two tablespoons of instant coffee powder or espresso in the batter is enough to make a difference.

For a final flourish, top the cake with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. Raspberries bring a sharp, tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the chocolate, while strawberries add a gentle, fruity sweetness that softens the intensity. Besides adding a fruity contrast, their bright red and pink hues stand out beautifully against the dark chocolate, making the cake as visually tempting as it is delicious.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/mud-cake/