There’s something magical about a warm, gooey chocolate dessert that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. This Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers. Picture this: a rich, moist chocolate cake with a decadent, self-saucing fudge layer that forms as it bakes. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make! Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to dessert for every chocolate craving.
Why You’ll Love Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a family movie night, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself to a little indulgence, this dessert fits the bill. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Decadent and Comforting: The combination of warm cake and fudgy sauce is pure bliss. Every bite is rich, gooey, and intensely chocolatey.
Easy to Make: No fancy techniques required! This is a foolproof dessert that anyone can make, even if you’re not a baking pro.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably already have. No need for a trip to the store you can whip this up anytime the craving hits.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with everyone at the table. Serve it with ice cream or whipped cream, and watch it disappear in minutes.
Self-Saucing Magic: The best part? The cake creates its own fudge sauce as it bakes! It’s like a science experiment and a dessert all in one.
Ingredients in Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake
Here’s the magic of this dessert it’s made with simple ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Let’s break it down:
Flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and softness.
Cocoa Powder: The key to deep, rich chocolate flavor. Use unsweetened cocoa for the best results.
Sugar: A mix of granulated and brown sugar adds the perfect balance of sweetness and caramel undertones.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
Butter: Gives the cake a delicious buttery taste and soft texture.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of warmth and depth to the chocolate flavor.
Boiling Water: The secret ingredient that creates the fudgy sauce as the cake bakes.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until a smooth batter forms. Do not overmix.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the batter into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
Prepare the Fudge Layer: Sprinkle brown sugar and additional cocoa powder over the top of the batter. Gently pour boiling water over the entire surface do not stir! This is what creates the gooey fudge sauce underneath.
Bake to Perfection: Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top looks set and slightly cracked.
Let it Rest: Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon into bowls, making sure to get plenty of that warm fudge sauce from the bottom. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate treat.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 Calories per serving: 320
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake
This cake is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Here are some serving ideas to make it even better:
Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy texture melts beautifully into the warm chocolate sauce.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luxurious touch.
Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries provide a tart contrast to the rich chocolate.
Drizzle of Caramel: Take it to the next level with a swirl of caramel sauce.
Additional Tips
Use High-Quality Cocoa: The better the cocoa, the richer the chocolate flavor.
Don’t Skip the Boiling Water: It’s essential for the self-saucing effect.
Let It Sit Before Serving: This allows the sauce to thicken and become even more luscious.
Make It Ahead: You can prepare the batter in advance and bake when ready.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder?
Yes, but it may slightly change the acidity and texture. Stick with natural cocoa for best results.
2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.
5. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips make great additions.
6. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! Freeze portions in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.
7. What size baking dish should I use?
An 8-inch square dish works best for this recipe.
8. Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes! Almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk all work well as substitutes.
9. Why did my sauce disappear?
Make sure to use boiling water and do not stir it into the batter this is key for the sauce to form.
10. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but keep in mind that sugar plays a role in the texture and sauce formation.
Conclusion
There you have it Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake, the ultimate comfort dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a weeknight treat, this cake never disappoints. Grab a spoon and dig in you deserve it!
Print
Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This indulgent Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is a magical dessert! A rich chocolate cake forms on top while a gooey fudge sauce creates itself underneath as it bakes. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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1 cup all-purpose flour (or plain flour)
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1/2 cup white granulated sugar
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1/4 cup cocoa powder*
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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3/4 cup milk
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Fudge Sauce:
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1/2 cup white granulated sugar
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1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
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3 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened recommended)
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1 1/4 cups boiling water
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan. Pre-boil water in a kettle while preparing the cake.
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Prepare the Cake Batter:
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In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
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Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and fairly lump-free.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
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Prepare the Fudge Sauce:
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In a separate bowl, mix together the remaining 1/2 cup white sugar, brown sugar, and 3 tablespoons cocoa powder.
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Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the cake batter.
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Slowly pour the boiling water over the top. Do not stir or mix into the batter. Allow the water to sit on top.
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Bake:
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Bake for 35 minutes, or until the center is almost set.
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Remove from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes.
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Serve:
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Serve in dessert dishes with ice cream or whipped cream. Spoon the fudge sauce from the bottom of the pan over each serving of cake.
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Notes
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Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
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For a richer sauce, add 1/4 cup of chocolate chips to the sugar mixture before sprinkling it over the batter.
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg