The iconic Tunnel of Fudge Cake is a rich, chocolatey Bundt cake with a gooey, molten fudge center that made waves after winning the 1966 Pillsbury Bake-Off. Known for its dramatic presentation and nostalgic flavor, this cake delivers deep cocoa richness and melty chocolate chips in every bite. A glossy chocolate glaze finishes it off, making it a showstopper perfect for holidays, potlucks, or chocolate lovers everywhere.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (plus 1 tbsp for dusting the pan)

• 1¾ cups butter, softened

• 1¾ cups granulated sugar

• 6 large eggs

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Glaze:

• ¾ cup powdered sugar

• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tbsp milk (plus more if needed to adjust consistency)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup Bundt pan and dust with 1 tbsp cocoa powder, tapping out excess.

2. In a stand mixer, cream butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy.

3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in the vanilla with the final egg.

4. Reduce speed and gradually add powdered sugar. Mix until fully incorporated.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk flour with ¾ cup cocoa powder. Gently fold into the wet mixture.

6. Add chocolate chips and stir until just combined.

7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.

8. Bake for 1 hour, or until the edges are set and the top is no longer shiny.

9. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 90 minutes, then carefully invert to release and cool completely.

10. To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk until smooth. Adjust consistency if needed.

11. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake and let it set slightly before serving.

Nutrients (Per slice, approx. based on 12 servings)

• Calories: ~510 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~52 g

• Protein: ~6 g

• Fat: ~32 g

• Saturated Fat: ~19 g

• Sugar: ~38 g

• Fiber: ~3 g

• Sodium: ~90 mg

• Calcium: ~40 mg

• Iron: ~3 mg

A Legendary Bake-Off Classic

The Tunnel of Fudge Cake burst into the spotlight during the mid-1960s, when homemaker Ella Helfrich entered her creation into the Pillsbury Bake-Off. At the time, the cake’s gooey center was considered revolutionary. Instead of requiring a filling or layering process, the cake achieved its signature fudgy “tunnel” with the clever use of powdered sugar and chocolate chips—an alchemy of texture and taste baked into one pan.

Although the original recipe called for a now-discontinued Pillsbury frosting mix, modern versions have adapted to use everyday pantry staples without losing the cake’s signature molten interior. This has kept the Tunnel of Fudge Cake relevant for decades, appealing to new generations of bakers while honoring its retro roots.

What Makes the Tunnel So Magical?

Unlike lava cakes that rely on underbaking, the Tunnel of Fudge Cake achieves its molten core through a precise balance of ingredients. The batter includes a hefty amount of powdered sugar, which reacts with the eggs and butter to create a custard-like interior. Chocolate chips melt as the cake bakes, helping to form the dense, fudge-like ribbon that runs through the center.

What emerges from the oven is a Bundt cake with structure on the outside and a luscious, almost truffle-textured center. It’s a dessert that defies expectations and delights with every forkful, combining gooey indulgence and structural integrity in a single slice.

Rich Chocolate Flavor in Every Bite

This cake isn’t just about texture—it’s also a chocolate lover’s dream. The sponge is loaded with unsweetened cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips, creating a layered depth of cocoa flavor that is both intense and well-balanced. Unlike overly sweet chocolate cakes, the Tunnel of Fudge strikes that perfect chord between richness and sweetness, making it satisfying without being cloying.

The addition of vanilla extract rounds out the flavor, enhancing the chocolate’s natural complexity. Meanwhile, the chocolate glaze on top adds one final hit of cocoa, tying the entire dessert together in one irresistible package.

A Bundt Cake That’s Anything But Basic

The Bundt shape is more than just for looks—it plays a critical role in the success of this recipe. The ring-shaped pan ensures even baking and allows the heat to reach the center of the cake, which is essential for creating the signature fudgy core. The ridges of the Bundt pan also help the glaze cling to the cake, creating a visually appealing finish that looks bakery-level with minimal effort.

If you’re new to using a Bundt pan, be sure to grease and dust it thoroughly with cocoa powder to prevent sticking and preserve the beautiful shape of the cake. The presentation alone makes this cake worthy of any celebration, and it slices into perfect portions with dramatic flair.

The Power of Simplicity and Nostalgia

Part of what makes the Tunnel of Fudge Cake so beloved is its nostalgic quality. It’s the kind of dessert that evokes memories of family dinners, potlucks, and holidays in the 70s and 80s—yet it still holds its own in modern kitchens. There’s something inherently comforting about a dessert that’s both rich and familiar, indulgent yet homey.

In a world of ultra-trendy baked goods and over-the-top Instagram cakes, this recipe brings it back to basics—but in the best way. It’s the kind of dessert that speaks for itself, with no gimmicks or frills needed to impress. One slice is all it takes to understand why it’s remained a classic for over half a century.

Easy Enough for Beginners, Impressive Enough for Guests

Despite its dramatic appearance and decadent taste, the Tunnel of Fudge Cake is remarkably easy to make. The batter comes together in a single bowl with no need for layers, fillings, or fancy techniques. It’s the kind of cake that rewards you with a wow factor far beyond the effort required.

For beginner bakers, it’s a fantastic introduction to Bundt cakes and chocolate baking. For seasoned home cooks, it’s a reliable go-to that always delivers. Whether served as-is or dressed up with whipped cream and berries, this cake has a way of stealing the show with minimal fuss.

Perfect for Celebrations and Make-Ahead Dessert Tables

Tunnel of Fudge Cake is ideal for entertaining. It can be made a day ahead and actually improves in flavor as it sits, allowing the moisture and richness to deepen. This makes it perfect for dinner parties, holiday spreads, or bake sales. Serve it with coffee or milk for a comforting finish to a meal, or plate it alongside ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.

Its portability and shelf-stability also make it great for potlucks and gifting. Unlike frosted cakes that require refrigeration or delicate handling, this Bundt-style dessert holds its shape beautifully and tastes just as good at room temperature.

A Legacy Recipe with Room for Creativity

While the traditional Tunnel of Fudge Cake is perfection on its own, there’s always room to personalize it. Add a hint of espresso powder for deeper chocolate notes, or fold in toasted nuts for added texture. Some bakers even experiment with flavored glazes—think orange zest, raspberry coulis, or peanut butter drizzle—for a unique twist.

You can also explore variations by using dark chocolate chips, dairy-free butter, or gluten-free flour blends. As long as you maintain the core ratios that make the “tunnel” work, this recipe offers flexibility without compromising on its iconic structure.

Conclusion

Tunnel of Fudge Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of baking history. With its rich chocolate flavor, irresistible molten center, and elegant Bundt presentation, this cake continues to capture hearts and taste buds decades after its creation. Whether you’re baking it for the first time or reviving a cherished family favorite, it promises to be a centerpiece-worthy treat that delivers on both nostalgia and indulgence.

Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or quiet evenings when only the most decadent chocolate dessert will do, this cake offers the best of all worlds: beauty, flavor, and simplicity. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a go-to recipe whenever you need to impress or indulge.