4-Ingredient Decadent Chocolate Truffle Cake
This recipe relies on using high-quality basics to create a dessert that tastes like it took hours.
Ingredients
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1 box (approx. 15-18 oz) Chocolate Cake Mix: (Plus the water/oil/eggs called for on the box—standard “hack” recipes count the box as one ingredient).
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2 cans (14 oz each) Sweetened Condensed Milk: This forms the base of the fudgy filling.
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1 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Use a high-quality dark cocoa for the best flavor.
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1 cup Heavy Cream: To smooth out the filling into a silkier texture.
Instructions
1. Bake the Base
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Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions in a square or rectangular baking pan.
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Once baked, let the cake cool completely.
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The Secret Step: Carefully slice the cake in half horizontally to create two layers, or use a spoon to hollow out the center of the cake (leaving a 1-inch border) to create a “trench” for the filling.
2. Create the Truffle Filling (Brigadeiro Style)
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In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and heavy cream.
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Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a silicone spatula.
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Continue stirring for about 8–10 minutes until the mixture thickens. You’ll know it’s ready when you can run your spatula through the middle and the “path” stays open for a second before closing.
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Remove from heat and let it cool for about 15 minutes (it will thicken further as it cools).
3. Assemble
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Spread the thickened chocolate mixture generously over the bottom layer of the cake (or fill the hollowed-out center).
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Place the top layer of cake back on.
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If you have leftover filling, thin it out with a tablespoon of milk or cream to create the shiny glaze for the very top.
4. Chill and Serve
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For the best “melt-in-your-mouth” texture, cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the filling to set and the moisture to move into the cake layers.
Pro-Tip
For an even more intense flavor, you can brush the cake layers with a little bit of cold coffee or milk before adding the filling to keep it extra moist.