Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is the ultimate combination of cake and fudge in one dish. The cake is soft and tender with a rich chocolate flavor, and as it bakes, a velvety fudge sauce forms at the bottom that’s simply irresistible. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity. It requires minimal effort to prepare, and the result is an indulgent, mouthwatering treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just for an easy weeknight dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup milk

• 2 tablespoon melted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the fudge sauce:

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 ¼ cups hot water

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.

2. Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

3. Pour into the dish: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.

4. Prepare the fudge sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.

5. Add hot water: Carefully pour the hot water over the top (do not stir!). This will create the gooey fudge sauce as it bakes.

6. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is set but the bottom is still gooey.

7. Cool slightly: Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. The hot fudge sauce will be underneath the cake.

8. Serve warm: Spoon into bowls and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Enjoy the rich chocolatey goodness!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add nuts: For added texture and flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter before baking.

• Make it extra chocolatey: Add chocolate chips or chunks to the batter to enhance the richness of the cake.

• Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free milk (such as almond or coconut milk) and plant-based butter to make this recipe dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for 20-30 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different size baking dish?

Yes, you can use a larger or smaller baking dish, but the baking time may vary. Keep an eye on the cake to ensure it’s cooked properly.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake batter and fudge sauce and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Bake it when you're ready to serve.

3. Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can, but you’ll need to adjust the amount of baking powder in the recipe since self-rising flour already contains leavening agents.

4. Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar?

You can substitute the brown sugar with white sugar, but the fudge sauce will be less rich and caramel-flavored. Brown sugar adds depth to the sauce.

5. Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can substitute any milk you like, such as almond milk or oat milk. It will still work well with the recipe.

6. How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when the top is set, but the bottom is still gooey. You can insert a toothpick into the center to check if it comes out mostly clean with a bit of fudge sauce.

7. Can I add ice cream to the cake while it’s still baking?

No, it's best to serve the ice cream separately once the cake has finished baking and has cooled slightly to avoid melting.

8. Can I freeze leftover pudding cake?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

9. What kind of ice cream goes best with this dessert?

Vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the chocolatey richness of the cake. You can also try it with chocolate or caramel-flavored ice cream for extra indulgence.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake it in a 9x13-inch baking dish. The baking time may need to be adjusted, so keep an eye on it.

Conclusion

This Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is a true chocolate lover’s dream. With its moist, fudgy texture and gooey sauce that forms during baking, it’s the ultimate indulgence. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, this cake is sure to be a hit. With easy preparation and plenty of opportunities for customization, it’s a dessert you’ll return to time and time again.

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Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake

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Indulge in the ultimate dessert with this Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake. A rich, gooey chocolate cake topped with a luscious fudge sauce that forms while baking, creating a decadent treat that’s perfect for chocolate lovers. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for a deliciously unforgettable experience!

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the cake:

1 cup all-purpose flour

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

½ cup milk

2 tbsp melted butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the fudge sauce:

½ cup brown sugar

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 ¼ cups hot water

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.

• Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

• Pour into the dish: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.

• Prepare the fudge sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.

• Add hot water: Carefully pour the hot water over the top (do not stir!). This will create the gooey fudge sauce as it bakes.

• Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is set but the bottom is still gooey.

• Cool slightly: Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. The hot fudge sauce will be underneath the cake.

• Serve warm: Spoon into bowls and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Enjoy the rich chocolatey goodness!

Notes

• For extra texture, add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter.

• To make it even more chocolaty, stir in chocolate chips or chunks.

• For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.