Hello, Good News! If you are looking for a simple and satisfying dessert that will impress your family and friends, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will show you how to make a cold fudge cake at home with minimal ingredients and effort.
A cold fudge cake is a layered dessert that consists of a nutty crust, a creamy cheese filling, a chocolate pudding layer, and a whipped topping. It is chilled overnight or for at least six hours to set and become firm. The result is a rich and decadent treat that melts in your mouth and satisfies your sweet tooth.
What You Need to Make a Cold Fudge Cake
Ingredients
To make a cold fudge cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped walnuts, divided
- 2 (4-serving-size) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups milk
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 (16-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
Equipment
To make a cold fudge cake, you will need the following equipment:
- A medium bowl
- A 9- x 13-inch baking dish
- An oven
- A whisk
- A wet table knife
- A spoon
- A refrigerator
How to Make a Cold Fudge Cake Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the crust
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, and 3/4 cup nuts. Press the mixture lightly into the bottom of the baking dish. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until a firm crust forms. Let it cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the pudding layer
In another medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk until thickened. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the cheese layer
In a third medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and half of the whipped topping. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the cake layers
Using a wet table knife, spread the cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Spoon the chocolate pudding mixture over the cheese layer and spread gently. Top with the remaining whipped topping and sprinkle with the remaining nuts.
Step 5: Chill the cake overnight or for at least six hours
Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it overnight or for at least six hours until firm.
Step 6: Cut into pieces and enjoy!
Cut the cake into pieces of your desired size and serve. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Cold Fudge Cake Nutrition Facts and Tips
| Nutrition Facts per Serving (based on 12 servings) |
|---|
| Calories: 544 kcal Fat: 36 g Saturated Fat: 20 g Cholesterol: 77 mg Sodium: 434 mg Potassium: 238 mg Carbohydrates: 51 g Fiber: 2 g Sugar: 36 g Protein: 9 g Vitamin A: 1000 IU Vitamin C: 0.2 mg Calcium: 156 mg Iron: 1.4 mg |
| Tips for Making a Cold Fudge Cake |
| – You can use any nuts you like for the crust, such as pecans, almonds, or pistachios. – You can use any flavor of instant pudding mix you prefer, such as vanilla, butterscotch, or banana. – You can add some chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, or chopped candy bars to the pudding layer for extra texture and flavor. – You can use fresh whipped cream instead of frozen whipped topping if you like, but make sure to whip it until stiff peaks form. – You can garnish the cake with some chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or cherries for a festive touch. – You can make the cake ahead of time and freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before serving. |
FAQs About Cold Fudge Cake
What is the difference between cold fudge cake and Texas yum yum cake?
Cold fudge cake and Texas yum yum cake are essentially the same dessert, but they have different names depending on the region. They are both layered cakes with a nutty crust, a cheese filling, a pudding layer, and a whipped topping. Some people also call it chocolate delight, chocolate lush, or Robert Redford cake.
Can I use regular pudding instead of instant pudding for the cold fudge cake?
You can use regular pudding instead of instant pudding for the cold fudge cake, but you will need to cook it on the stovetop according to the package directions. You will also need to let it cool completely before spreading it over the cheese layer. Alternatively, you can use homemade pudding if you have a favorite recipe.
Can I make a cold fudge cake without cream cheese?
You can make a cold fudge cake without cream cheese, but you will need to substitute it with another ingredient that will provide a similar texture and flavor. Some possible options are mascarpone cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, or Greek yogurt. You may need to adjust the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of your substitute.
Can I make a cold fudge cake without nuts?
You can make a cold fudge cake without nuts if you have an allergy or preference. You can either omit them from the crust and the topping, or replace them with another crunchy ingredient such as granola, oatmeal, pretzels, or cereal. You can also use nut-free chocolate chips or candy bars for some extra crunch.
Can I make a cold fudge cake vegan?
You can make a cold fudge cake vegan by using dairy-free and egg-free alternatives for the ingredients. For example, you can use vegan butter, flour, and nuts for the crust; vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, and non-dairy whipped topping for the cheese layer; vegan chocolate pudding mix and non-dairy milk for the pudding layer; and vegan whipped topping and nuts for the final layer. You may need to experiment with different brands and products to find the ones that work best for you.
Can I make a cold fudge cake gluten-free?
You can make a cold fudge cake gluten-free by using gluten-free alternatives for the ingredients. For example, you can use gluten-free flour, nuts, and butter for the crust; gluten-free cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped topping for the cheese layer; gluten-free chocolate pudding mix and milk for the pudding layer; and gluten-free whipped topping and nuts for the final layer. You may need to check the labels of your products to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Can I make a cold fudge cake keto-friendly?
You can make a cold fudge cake keto-friendly by using low-carb and sugar-free alternatives for the ingredients. For example, you can use almond flour, butter, and chopped pecans for the crust; cream cheese, erythritol, and heavy cream for the cheese layer; sugar-free chocolate pudding mix and almond milk for the pudding layer; and whipped cream and chopped pecans for the final layer. You may need to adjust the amounts of your ingredients depending on their nutritional values.
Can I make a cold fudge cake in individual servings?
You can make a cold fudge cake in individual servings by using small glass jars or ramekins instead of a baking dish. You will need to divide the crust mixture among your containers and press it firmly into the bottom. Then you will need to layer the cheese mixture, the pudding mixture, and the whipped topping over each crust. Sprinkle some nuts on top of each serving and refrigerate until firm. You can serve them with spoons or lids.
How do I store leftover cold fudge cake?
You can store leftover cold fudge cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to a month by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw it, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight or until soft enough to cut.
How do I reheat cold fudge cake?
You do notneed to reheat cold fudge cake, as it is meant to be served chilled. However, if you prefer a warm dessert, you can microwave a slice of cold fudge cake for 10 to 15 seconds or until slightly softened. Be careful not to overheat it, as it may melt or become soggy.