If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both decadent and comforting, look no further than this Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake. Imagine a warm, gooey cake that’s rich with chocolatey goodness, topped with a luscious hot fudge sauce that oozes from the inside with every spoonful. It’s a dream come true for any chocolate lover, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! This cake is a perfect treat for cozy nights, special occasions, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up. It’s easy to make, and the best part? It practically makes its own fudge sauce as it bakes. Get ready to indulge in a dessert that’s both a cake and a sauce, all in one!
Why You’ll Love Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake
This dessert is everything you love about chocolate—rich, warm, and utterly irresistible. Here’s why it’s a keeper:
Versatile: Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a special celebration, this dessert fits any occasion. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up whenever you’re craving something sweet.
Budget-Friendly: With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that doesn’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: No complicated steps or fancy techniques. It’s as simple as mixing a few ingredients and letting the oven work its magic.
Customizable: Want to add a little extra flavor? You can mix in chopped nuts, a sprinkle of espresso powder, or even swirl in a bit of peanut butter for an extra twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who loves chocolate. It’s warm, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients in Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake
This dessert might sound indulgent, but it’s made with just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the cake structure and texture, ensuring it bakes up perfectly.
Cocoa Powder: The heart of the chocolatey goodness. It gives the cake its rich, deep flavor.
Baking Powder: This helps the cake rise while still keeping that dense, pudding-like texture on the bottom.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens up the cake and the fudge sauce. It’s what makes everything deliciously irresistible!
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors of the chocolate.
Milk: Adds moisture to the batter, creating that rich, pudding-like consistency.
Butter: The butter adds a richness that complements the chocolate and helps create the cake’s tender texture.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla to round out the flavors and make the dessert taste even more amazing.
Brown Sugar: This creates the gooey, fudgy layer that’s the signature of this cake.
Hot Water: Poured over the top of the batter, it creates the magical sauce that forms during baking.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this indulgent chocolate dessert:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want your oven nice and hot to ensure the cake bakes evenly and the fudge forms perfectly.
Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, and stir until the mixture is smooth. This forms your cake batter.
Assemble the Cake: Pour the cake batter into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Don’t worry about spreading it evenly—it will smooth out as it bakes.
Make the Fudge Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter. Finally, pour the hot water over the top of everything. Don’t stir it—just let it sit there, as the magic happens during baking.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. The cake will rise and form a slightly crispy top, but the inside will stay gooey and fudgy.
Finishing Touches: Once done, remove from the oven and let the cake cool slightly. You’ll notice the cake has created its own sauce underneath, making it extra rich and indulgent.
Serve and Enjoy: Scoop out portions of the cake, making sure to get some of that warm fudge sauce along with it. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
How to Serve Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake
This dessert is heavenly on its own, but it’s even better when paired with some extra toppings. Here are a few ideas:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream is a classic way to serve it. The cold creaminess perfectly complements the warm, fudgy cake.
- Top with a few chocolate shavings or crushed nuts for a bit of texture and extra flavor.
- Serve with fresh berries for a bit of tartness to balance out the richness of the cake.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Be sure not to overmix the batter. Stir just until everything is combined, and let the oven do the rest.
- You can make this dessert ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up in the microwave or oven before serving.
- If you want to make the cake a bit richer, add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If making ahead, reheat individual servings in the microwave for a gooey texture.
2. Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes! Brown sugar adds more depth, while coconut sugar or a sugar substitute can also work, though the flavor may change slightly.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
5. How do I know when the cake is done?
The top should be set, but the bottom will remain gooey. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs but not raw batter.
6. Can I use dark chocolate cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder?
Yes! Dark cocoa powder will give a richer, deeper chocolate flavor.
7. Can I make this in a different-sized baking dish?
Yes, but the baking time may change. A larger dish will result in a thinner cake, while a smaller dish will make it thicker and require more baking time.
8. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the batter?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips add great texture and flavor.
9. How do I get the fudge sauce to form correctly?
Be sure to sprinkle the dry sugar and cocoa mixture evenly over the batter, then pour hot water over it without stirring. This helps create the fudgy sauce underneath.
10. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for a warm, gooey dessert.
Conclusion
Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is the perfect dessert to satisfy your chocolate cravings. It’s simple to make, irresistibly fudgy, and topped with that warm, gooey sauce that’ll have you coming back for more. Whether you’re enjoying it alone or sharing it with loved ones, this dessert is sure to be a hit. So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, get baking, and indulge in the ultimate chocolate treat!
Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in this decadent chocolate cake that bakes to perfection with a molten fudge center. Warm and ultra-chocolatey, this pudding cake delivers a rich, fudgy sauce with every bite—perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings or serving as an impressive dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Fudge Sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Form the Batter:
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then stir in the milk until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes. The top should be set and slightly firm while the center remains soft and pudding-like.
- Prepare the Fudge Sauce:
- While the cake bakes, heat the heavy cream, chocolate chips, butter, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until the chocolate and butter have completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
- Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes. Cut into 8 pieces and drizzle with warm fudge sauce. Enjoy on its own or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- For best results, serve the cake warm so that the fudgy center is delightfully gooey.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of chocolate chips in the sauce for an extra-rich topping.
This cake is best enjoyed fresh; leftovers can be reheated in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg