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Tunnel of Fudge

Tunnel of Fudge

The ultimate chocolate lover's dream! The Tunnel of Fudge is a rich, indulgent cake with a gooey fudge center, perfect for any occasion. This easy dessert will have your family begging for seconds. Make it tonight!
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ cup refined coconut oil room temperature
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar firmly packed
  • 6 large eggs room temperature
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste
  • 1¾ cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sifted Dutch process cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 cups finely chopped toasted pecans (¼-inch pieces or smaller)
  • Dulce de Leche Glaze (recipe follows)
  • chopped toasted pecans for garnish

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Chef's Knife
  • Food Processor
  • Frying Pan
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, stir coconut oil by hand until smooth and softened.
  3. Add butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar; using the paddle attachment, beat at medium-low speed just until combined.
  4. Increase mixer speed to medium, and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl.
  5. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  6. Beat in vanilla bean paste.
  7. With mixer on medium-low speed, beat in confectioners’ sugar.
  8. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, espresso powder, and salt.
  9. With mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture and finely chopped pecans to butter mixture, beating until almost combined.
  10. Fold by hand just until combined.
  11. Spray a 15-cup Bundt pan with baking spray with flour.
  12. Spread batter into prepared pan.
  13. Firmly tap pan on a kitchen towel-lined counter 10 times.
  14. Bake until top is shiny and set and an instant-read thermometer inserted near center registers at least 165°F (74°C), 40 to 45 minutes.
  15. Let cool in pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes.
  16. Using your fingertips, gently press down center and edges of cake.
  17. Let cool in pan on a wire rack for 1½ hours.
  18. Invert cake onto wire rack, and let cool completely.
  19. Spoon Dulce de Leche Glaze onto cooled cake.
  20. Garnish with pecans, if desired.

Notes

  • Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to retain moisture.
  • Tip 2: You can freeze this cake! To do so, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
  • Tip 3: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries to complement the rich chocolate flavor.
  • Tip 4: For a stunning presentation, dust the top with additional confectioners’ sugar before serving.
  • Tip 5: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or glazes to put your own twist on this classic recipe.