Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is the chocolate cake I come back to time and again. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Delicious with or without the ganache drizzle (but why not go all out?)
- Incredibly moist, rich, and chocolatey
- Comes together fast thanks to a cake mix
- Foolproof for beginner and experienced bakers alike
- Crowd-pleasing and always earns rave reviews
- Fancy enough for special occasions but easy enough for weeknights
After you preview the recipe card, be sure to look below for ingredient substitutions, recipe and storage tips, and suggestions for pairings and tasty variations!
Ultimate Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cake
This amazing chocolate cake starts with a cake mix and couldn’t be easier or more decadent.
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Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 308kcal
Ingredients
- 1 chocolate cake mix
- 1 3.4 oz. package instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Chocolate ganache for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat 1 chocolate cake mix, 1 3.4 oz. package instant chocolate pudding mix, 1 cup sour cream, 3 eggs, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, and 1/2 cup water until well blended. Fold in 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Spoon batter (it will be thick) into prepared pan.
- Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour.
- Cool for 15 minutes in the pan before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, drizzle cake with Chocolate ganache, if desired.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 85mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g
Keep scrolling for tips, ingredient substitutions, answers to frequently asked questions and more!
Recipe Tips
Here’s how to make sure your cake turns out perfectly every time:
- Grease Well: I swear by Baker’s Joy spray for bundt pans. If you’re greasing by hand, make sure to coat every nook and cranny, then dust lightly with flour.
- Thick Batter: The batter will be thick—don’t worry! Spoon it into your pan and smooth it out a bit.
- Cool Before Turning Out: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before flipping it onto a rack.
- Ganache Drizzle: If you’re using ganache, wait until the cake has cooled completely. Need a ganache recipe? Try this Chocolate Ganache—it works beautifully here!
Storing & Serving Suggestions
- Store: Keep leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This cake freezes really well! Wrap slices individually and thaw at room temperature.
- Serve With: A dollop of whipped cream, fresh raspberries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it extra special.
Fun Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Here are a few ways to make this cake your own:
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter into the batter before baking and swirl with a knife.
- Mocha Fudge: Replace some of the water with cooled brewed coffee for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Mint Chocolate: Add a teaspoon of mint extract and use mint chocolate chips.
- Caramel Drizzle: Skip the ganache and drizzle with Homemade Caramel Sauce instead!
144 comments
Liz
I think I finally found the “Matilda cake”…remember, the kid that ate the whole chocolate cake in the movie? To me, that always looked like the ultimate chocolate cake, and I believe this is it! Made it for my inlaws anniversary last night and garnished with chocolate covered strawberries in the center and around the outside to make it super fancy. I also used Devils food cake mix since that’s what I had on hand. It was a HUGE hit! So moist and gooey! Everyone went back for seconds and took some home. I love baking, but I’ve never made a great chocolate cake. This one is so good that I don’t even care that it uses a shortcut mix!! Thanks so much for sharing!
Danelle
Thank you Liz!
Katie F.
Making this for Thanksgiving today, so excited to “wow” the new in-laws with my “baking skills” haha 🙂 Thanks for the recipe, I look forward to finally trying it!
Katie F
BEST CAKE EVER!!!!
Warning: Dangerously addicting and delicious!
Danelle
Thank you! So glad you liked it! 🙂
Kim
Danaelle, The cake looks amazing. I am going to make it!!
Can it be put in the freezer? I need to make it about 5 days ahead of eating it.
Danelle
I haven’t tried that, but I don’t see why not!
Katie
BEST CAKE EVER!!!!
Warning: Dangerously addicting and delicious!
Jessica
Absolute perfection! Making it for the second time in a week. Love how effortless it is and how wonderful it tastes! Thank you for sharing.
Danelle
Thank you Jessica!