Copycat Best Linda’s Fudge Cake Cheesecake Factory Recipe

Last updated on February 19th, 2024 at 03:36 pm

This linda’s fudge cake cheesecake factory recipe is super yummy and easy to make with white sugar, chocolate powder, and baking soda.

Indulge in chocolate overload with this copycat recipe for the legendary Linda’s Fudge Cake from The Cheesecake Factory. This luscious dessert starts with a moist chocolate cake base, smothered in rich chocolate fudge frosting. Every bite melts in your mouth with chocolate decadence.

Recreating this signature Cheesecake Factory dessert at home is easier than you think. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a show stopping cake that looks and tastes like it came straight from the restaurant. Impress your friends and family with this sensational sweet treat.

Follow along as we divulge the secrets to making this indulgent Linda’s fudge cake cheesecake factory recipe. This is every chocolate lover’s dream come true.

What Sets Fudge Cake Apart from Sponge Cake

Linda’s legendary fudge cake puts a decadent spin on classic chocolate cake. Unlike airy, light sponge cakes that rely on beaten eggs for texture, fudge cake gets its ultra-moist crumb from butter and chocolate.

 Every bite of this Linda’s fudge cake cheesecake factory recipe melts in your mouth with rich chocolate flavor rather than a fruity taste. While sponge cakes are often topped with light whipped cream or fruit, the intense chocolate fudge frosting takes this fudge cake over the top. From texture to flavor, Linda’s chocolate fudge cake is truly in a league of its own and a chocolate lover’s dream.

Variations in Linda’s Fudge cake

While the original Linda’s fudge cake cheesecake factory recipe is hard to beat, experiment with delightful flavor variations for this sensational dessert:

• Mocha Fudge Cake: Add instant coffee powder to the cake batter for a supreme mocha flavor. The coffee enhances the chocolate beautifully.
• Peanut Butter Fudge Cake: Stir creamy peanut butter into the chocolate ganache for delightful nutty notes and an irresistible texture and taste.
• Mint Fudge Cake: Add peppermint essence to the cake and frosting for a festive mint chocolate flavor. Adorn with crushed peppermint candy for an irresistible crunch.
• Salted Caramel Fudge Cake: Swirl caramel sauce into the fudge frosting and sprinkle with coarse sea salt for delectable sweet and salty flavors.
• Red Velvet Fudge Cake: Make a vibrant red velvet cake and top it with cream cheese frosting. Add a dollop of whipped cream for even more decadence!

No matter which additional ingredients you use, these fabulous variations on Linda’s legendary fudge cake will wow your guests!

How to Make Linda’s Fudge Cake Cheesecake Factory Recipe

Equipment

• 9-inch Pan
• Stand Mixer
• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cup
• Measuring Spoon
• Oven
• Knife

Ingredients

For Fudge Cake

• 2 cups White Sugar
• 1 ¾ cups All-Purpose Flour
• ¾ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 1 ½ tsp Baking Soda
• 1 ½ tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• ½ cup Vegetable Oil
• 1 cup Milk
• 2 large Eggs
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 cup Boiling Water
• Chocolate Sprinkles Or Pecans Or Chopped Toasted Almonds (Optional)

For Chocolate Ganache

• 2 cups Whipping Cream
• 4 cups Semisweet Chocolate Chips
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter

Step by Step Instructions With Photos

For Fudge Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Cake Pans

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Ensure there are no lumps.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs.
• Beat in the oil, milk, and vanilla extract until uniform.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones.
• With an electric mixer on medium speed, beat for 2 full minutes until the batter is completely smooth and homogenous.

Step 5: Add Hot Coffee

• On low mixer speed, carefully pour in the hot coffee.
• Beat just until incorporated; avoid overmixing. The batter will seem very thin.

Step 6: Divide and Spread Batter

• Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans.
• Use a rubber spatula to spread the batter out evenly.

Step 7: Bake

• Bake for 30-35 minutes, rotating pans halfway through. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool in Pans

• Allow cakes to cool in the pans set on a wire rack for about 20 minutes.
• Run a knife along the edges and carefully invert onto the racks to cool completely.

Step 9: Slice Each Layer

• Once cakes are cooled, use a long serrated knife to carefully cut each layer in half horizontally.

Step 10: Begin Cake Assembly

• Place 1 cake layer on your serving platter.
• Spread about 3/4 cup chocolate ganache evenly on top.
• Top with another layer and repeat.

Step 11: Continue Stacking

• Finish stacking cake layers, spreading ganache between each. Place the final layer on top.

Step 12: Apply Crumb Coat

• Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake.
• Chill for 30 minutes before applying the final coat.

Step 13: Frost and Decorate

• Frost the cake with the remaining ganache.
• If desired, press sprinkles or almonds into the sides.
• Keep the cake chilled until ready to serve. Enjoy your decadent creation!

For the Ganache

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache Base

• Add the chocolate chips to a large, microwave-safe bowl.

Step 2: Heat the Whipping Cream

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the whipping cream until bubbles form around the pan’s edge. Ensure the cream doesn’t reach a boil.

Step 3: Combine Cream and Chocolate Chips

• Immediately pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips.
• Let the mixture stand for 3-5 minutes, allowing the heat to initiate chocolate melting.

Step 4: Whisk to Smoothness

• Whisk the chocolate and cream until smooth. Initially, the chips will retain their shape, but persistent stirring will result in a glossy ganache.

Step 5: Incorporate Vanilla and Butter

• Stir in the vanilla extract and cubed butter into the silky ganache. The residual heat will melt the butter.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

• Allow the ganache to cool at room temperature.
• Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. The ganache will thicken as it cools.

Step 7: Stir to Frosting Consistency

• When ready to assemble the cake, vigorously stir the chilled ganache until it reaches a thick, spreadable frosting consistency.]

Step 8: Assemble and Frost the Cake

• Proceed to assemble your cake, spreading the ganache between layers and on top.
• Enjoy your beautifully frosted creation!

      Use the luscious chocolate ganache to fill between the layers of the 4-layer cake and frost the top and sides.Work quickly before the ganache has a chance to harden. Enjoy your decadent creation!

What Type Of Chocolate Is Best For Linda’s Fudge Cake Recipe?

When baking the legendary Linda’s fudge cake cheesecake factory recipe, semi-sweet chocolate is the clear choice. Semi-sweet chocolate has the perfect balance of cocoa richness and sweetness to complement the decadent ganache and cake layers. It melts smoothly for the ultimate fudgy texture.

 The complex flavors of quality semi-sweet chocolate take this cake to the next level without any bitterness. Just as The Cheesecake Factory does for their showstopping chocolate fudge cake, opt for premium semi-sweet chocolate chips. Every sublime bite proves that semi-sweet chocolate is essential for achieving chocolate nirvana in Linda’s famous fudge cake recipe.

What To Serve with Fudge Cake?

Serve your Linda’s fudge cake with any of the substitutes to elevate its experience and flavor!

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Cool, creamy vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to balance the rich chocolate ganache and cake layers.
• Fresh Berries: Juicy mixed berries like raspberries, blueberries or strawberries add festive color and a refreshing tart note.
• Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy whipped cream helps cut through the intense chocolate richness.
• Hot Fudge Sauce: Warm hot fudge drizzled over the cake elevates the chocolate decadence.
• Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: Minty ice cream lends a fresh contrast to the fudgy cake.
• Caramel Sauce: Nutty caramel sauce paired with extra chocolate or vanilla ice cream takes this dessert over the top.

Final Thoughts

Baking up the legendary Linda’s fudge cake from The Cheesecake Factory is a must-try for chocolate lovers. This luscious dessert comes together with simple ingredients for a showstopping fudge cake that looks and tastes like the real deal from your favorite restaurant. Sink your teeth into multiple layers of tender chocolate cake and smooth, silky chocolate ganache that melts in your mouth with every bite.

When craving intense chocolate decadence, whip up this copycat Linda’s fudge cake cheesecake factory recipe. From the secret tricks for the ultimate fudgy texture to the insanely rich chocolate flavor, this cake delivers the satisfaction of Cheesecake Factory chocolate indulgence from your very own kitchen. For sensational chocolate euphoria, Linda’s fudge cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Notes

• Ganache made from heavy cream and chocolate for ultimate texture
• Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate – avoid cheaper chips
• Bake in round pans, assemble 4 layers with ganache filling
• Variations: mocha, peanut butter, mint, salted caramel, red velvet
• Serve à la mode with ice cream and toppings like berries, fudge sauce, whipped cream
• Store cake refrigerated for up to 4 days