Double Fudge Fancifill Cake: The Ultimate Vintage Chocolate & Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe
There are some flavors that instantly transport you back in time, and for many, the Double Fudge Fancifill Cake is one of them. This iconic dessert, a beloved staple from the 1970s, holds a special place in my memory. I recall my mother baking it when I was a child, and the sheer delight of discovering that luscious ribbon of cream cheese filling running through the heart of the rich chocolate cake. Having never tasted a true cheesecake before, the subtle tang and creamy texture of the “fancifill” was an intriguing and absolutely captivating experience, especially for a kid who usually couldn’t stand anything remotely sour.
Years passed, but the memory of that unique cake never faded. Imagine my joy when, while sifting through our collection of old recipe clippings, I stumbled upon the very recipe that created such a lasting impression. The name “fancifill” perfectly describes the elegant streak of cheesecake-like cream cheese that gracefully swirls through each slice, elevating a simple chocolate cake into something truly special and visually appealing.
The “fancy” aspect of the swirl is truly remarkable, especially in more recent attempts. The way the creamy filling contrasts with the dark chocolate cake creates an almost marbleized effect, making it look incredibly sophisticated despite its humble origins. While older photos might not capture the full grandeur of the swirl, each rendition, regardless of photographic quality, delivers the same delightful taste and texture that makes this vintage recipe a timeless favorite.
This Double Fudge Fancifill Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a piece of culinary history, a testament to the innovation of home baking in the mid-20th century. Originally championed by brands like Pillsbury, it capitalized on the convenience of cake mixes while offering a homemade twist that felt gourmet. It’s a perfect example of how combining simple ingredients with a clever technique can result in something truly extraordinary.
The Charm of the Double Fudge Fancifill Cake
What makes this vintage cake so enduringly popular? It’s more than just the taste; it’s the delightful interplay of textures and flavors. The rich, moist chocolate cake base, often made from a convenient box mix, provides a familiar and comforting foundation. But the star is undeniably the “fancifill” – a creamy, slightly tangy streak of cream cheese filling that cuts through the sweetness of the chocolate. This filling not only adds a wonderful flavor dimension but also contributes significantly to the cake’s overall moistness, ensuring every bite is tender and never dry.
For those who love chocolate and cream cheese, this cake offers the best of both worlds without the fuss of a multi-tiered creation. The elegant swirl makes it impressive enough for special occasions, yet the preparation is straightforward enough for a casual weeknight treat. It truly embodies the spirit of classic American baking – accessible, satisfying, and utterly delicious.
How to Make the Double Fudge Fancifill Cake
The beauty of the Double Fudge Fancifill Cake lies in its deceptive simplicity. While the original recipe might have been promoted by Pillsbury, you are by no means limited to a specific brand. Any good quality chocolate cake mix will work perfectly, allowing you to choose your favorite and customize the experience. The magic happens with the cream cheese swirl, which is remarkably easy to prepare.
To begin, you’ll want to assemble your ingredients for the cream cheese filling. This includes softened cream cheese, butter, granulated sugar, a touch of cornstarch for stability, milk, vanilla extract, and one large egg. Combining these until smooth and creamy creates the signature “fancifill” mixture. Once prepared, set this aside and turn your attention to the chocolate cake component.
Follow the directions on your chosen box of chocolate cake mix for preparing the batter. Once your chocolate batter is ready, the layering begins. Pour a little over half of the chocolate cake batter into your prepared baking pan. Then, carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chocolate layer. The key here is not to swirl it in too much, as the distinct ribbon is part of the cake’s charm. Finally, gently pour the remaining chocolate cake batter over the cream cheese layer, allowing it to naturally settle. This layering technique creates that beautiful, distinctive swirl once baked.
After baking to perfection, let the cake cool completely before frosting. For the ultimate indulgence, I often reach for the classic Hershey’s One Bowl frosting recipe, which is incredibly easy to whip up and delivers a rich, chocolatey finish that perfectly complements the cake and its creamy filling. However, feel free to use your favorite chocolate icing – whether it’s homemade, a doctored-up canned frosting, or a different recipe altogether.
Essential Tips for a Perfect Fancifill Cake
While the Double Fudge Fancifill Cake is a forgiving recipe, a few extra notes can elevate your baking experience and ensure a consistently delicious result. The cake layer itself, derived from a good quality mix, will taste like your favorite chocolate cake. However, the addition of the cream cheese filling does more than just add flavor; it infuses the cake with an incredible moisture that prevents it from ever being dry. This moisture level can vary slightly depending on the cake mix brand, so don’t hesitate to experiment to find your ideal combination. The cream cheese filling, as written, is not overly sweet, offering a lovely balance to the rich chocolate. If you prefer a sweeter filling, simply add an extra tablespoon of granulated sugar to the mixture. We find that the ¼ cup of sugar strikes a perfect harmony, especially since both the chocolate cake and the frosting contribute their own sweetness.
- Pan Size Matters: For my most recent cake, I used a 13.25 oz box of Betty Crocker cake mix and tried to fit it into a 9-inch square pan. While it baked, it resulted in a thicker cake that required a longer baking time. For optimal results, and to achieve a generous ratio of cream cheese filling per slice, I highly recommend sticking to a 13×9 inch baking pan. This size ensures even baking and the perfect distribution of that delightful fancifill swirl.
- Preparation Order: The recipe suggests making the cream cheese filling first, which is a good practice to ensure all ingredients are at room temperature and well combined before you even think about the cake batter. However, don’t feel constrained. You can prepare elements in an order that suits your workflow. If you have a stand mixer with two bowls, it’s incredibly helpful for tackling both the filling and the frosting with ease.
- Cream Cheese Quality: It seems that store-brand cream cheese can sometimes be lumpier than premium brands these days. To achieve the silkiest, smoothest filling, ensure your cream cheese is very well softened. Additionally, using a room-temperature egg and soft butter will help everything emulsify beautifully, preventing any unwanted lumps in your filling.
- Frosting Choices: Again, the choice of frosting is personal. My preference for this particular cake is the “Hershey’s One Bowl frosting,” known for its rich flavor and simple preparation. If you opt for canned frosting, I’ve noticed that Betty Crocker’s milk chocolate brand has significantly improved in flavor over the years; it’s worth a try if you’re in a pinch. However, for a truly exceptional experience, scratch-made frosting is almost always the superior choice, offering unparalleled freshness and depth of flavor.
- Serving and Storage: This versatile cake can be enjoyed either cold, straight from the refrigerator, or at a cool room temperature, allowing the flavors to fully meld. It also freezes exceptionally well, making it an excellent candidate for making ahead or enjoying individual slices at your leisure. Wrap cooled, frosted slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing for best results.
The beauty of this vintage recipe is how easily it adapts to modern kitchens and tastes. It offers a nostalgic journey for those who remember it and a delightful discovery for newcomers. Experiment with different chocolate cake mix varieties – perhaps a dark chocolate fudge mix for an even richer experience, or a devil’s food for a classic flavor profile. The Fancifill Cake remains a testament to the simple joy of baking and the magic of a hidden creamy surprise.
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Recipe
Fudge “Fancifill” Cake
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Filling:
- 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Cake:
- 1 13.25 or 15.25 oz box chocolate cake mix plus eggs oil and water as directed on the box
Frosting:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted or salted butter softened
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (you can use more if needed)
- ½ cup natural style cocoa powder, sift out any lumps
- ⅛ teaspoon salt (not necessary if using salted butter)
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup whole milk or half & half or a little of each plus more as needed
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
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Make the white filling first. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, sugar, cornstarch, milk and vanilla until creamy and smooth. Add the egg and beat just until mixed. Set aside.
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Prepare the cake mix using the directions on the side of the cake mix box. Pour a little over half of the cake mix into the pan, spoon the white mixture as evenly as possible over the top, then pour the rest of the cake batter over the white. Bake on center rack for 30 to 33 minutes (or time given on the box).
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Let cool, then cover with chocolate frosting.
One Bowl Chocolate Frosting
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Make the chocolate frosting. In a large mixing bowl, mix the softened butter, sugar, cocoa, salt, vanilla and 2 tablespoons of the milk as well as you can, then beat with an electric mixer until pasty and thick. Continue adding milk until consistency is smooth and spreadable. Spread over the cake and chill.
Notes