Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Requires just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time.
- Self-Saucing Magic – The cake bakes with a delicious hot fudge sauce underneath.
- Perfectly Indulgent – A warm, gooey dessert that pairs beautifully with ice cream.
- Great for Chocolate Lovers – A deep, rich chocolate flavor in every bite.
- Versatile – Customize with chocolate chips, nuts, or different toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Fudge Topping:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/4 cups hot water
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until a smooth batter forms. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder for the fudge topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.
- Carefully pour the hot water over the topping mixture without stirring.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges are firm. The cake will create a fudge sauce underneath as it bakes.
- Allow the cake to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon portions onto plates, ensuring to include the gooey fudge sauce from the bottom.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 290 kcal per serving
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Delight – Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness.
- Nutty Crunch – Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Espresso Kick – Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Caramel Twist – Drizzle caramel sauce over the finished cake for a decadent touch.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free flour blend to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Freezing: This cake is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
FAQs
How does this cake create its own sauce?
The hot water poured over the batter mixes with the sugars and cocoa, forming a thick fudge sauce as the cake bakes.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or another dairy alternative.
Can I make this in advance?
It’s best served fresh, but you can make it a few hours ahead and reheat before serving.
What can I serve with this cake?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar enhance the flavors.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, bake it in a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes.
Why is my cake dry?
Make sure not to overbake, as the sauce will evaporate if left in the oven too long.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Brown sugar adds depth, but you can substitute it with coconut sugar or more granulated sugar.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The top should be set, but the bottom will be gooey due to the fudge sauce.
Can I add marshmallows?
Yes, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top before baking for a s’mores-like effect.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
Conclusion
Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is the perfect dessert for chocolate lovers. Its unique self-saucing feature makes it both delicious and fun to bake. Whether you serve it warm with ice cream or enjoy it on its own, this decadent treat is sure to impress. Try it out and indulge in chocolatey goodness!
Print
Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is a rich, gooey, self-saucing dessert that combines moist chocolate cake with a luscious fudge sauce. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this warm and indulgent treat is perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings. Serve it with ice cream for an extra decadent experience!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Fudge Topping:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/4 cups hot water
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Make the Cake Batter – In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread into the prepared dish.
- Prepare the Fudge Topping – In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder. Sprinkle evenly over the cake batter.
- Add the Hot Water – Gently pour the hot water over the topping without stirring.
- Bake – Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is set and the edges are firm.
- Serve & Enjoy – Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm, making sure to scoop the fudge sauce from the bottom.
Notes
- For extra richness, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- To enhance the chocolate flavor, mix in 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate treat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
