Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake

Ready for a dessert that’s warm, indulgent, and will make you feel like you’re wrapped in a big, cozy hug? Say hello to this Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake! Imagine a rich, gooey, chocolate cake on top with a decadent, velvety hot fudge sauce bubbling up from underneath. It’s the ultimate comfort food that feels a little bit fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. The best part? It’s basically a two-in-one treat: cake and fudge in every spoonful. Trust me, this is going to be your new go-to dessert whenever you’re craving something sweet, warm, and oh-so-chocolatey.

Why You’ll Love Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake

Here’s why this recipe is an absolute winner:

Warm & Gooey

When you scoop into this cake, you get the perfect balance of cake on top and a molten, fudgy sauce beneath. The contrast in textures is absolutely dreamy.

Super Easy

You won’t need any fancy baking skills for this one—just mix, pour, and bake. It’s one of those “dump-and-bake” recipes that will have you looking like a baking pro.

Chocolate Lovers’ Dream

If you’re a fan of rich, deep chocolate flavors, this dessert is for you. From the cake to the fudge sauce, it’s a chocolate-lover’s fantasy come true.

No Fuss Cleanup

You only need one baking dish for this dessert, making it as simple to clean up as it is to make. No multiple bowls and utensils to deal with!

Versatile

Top with ice cream, whipped cream, or even some fresh berries for an added touch. It’s perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat after dinner.

Ingredients in Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake

This recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create one mouthwatering dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-Purpose Flour

The base of your cake batter, providing structure while keeping everything light and fluffy.

Cocoa Powder

For that deep, rich chocolate flavor that makes this dessert so irresistible.

Baking Powder

This will help the cake rise and become light and airy on top.

Sugar

A little sweetness to balance out the cocoa’s bitterness and create that irresistible fudgy texture.

Salt

A pinch of salt helps to bring out the flavor of the chocolate and balance the sweetness.

Milk

Creates a smooth batter and helps the cake bake up tender.

Butter

For richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Vanilla Extract

For that warm, aromatic depth of flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.

Brown Sugar

This will form the fudgy sauce underneath the cake, giving it a caramel-like sweetness.

Hot Water

To pour over the batter and create the molten sauce.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above!)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: 350
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 160mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 50g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 40g
• Protein: 4g

Instructions

Now, let’s get this dessert baking!

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking dish (or any similar-sized dish) with butter or cooking spray.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until everything is evenly combined.

3. Add Wet Ingredients

Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.

4. Spread the Batter

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom.

5. Create the Fudge Sauce

In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter. Don’t worry about mixing it in—it will create the fudgy sauce on the bottom as it bakes.

6. Pour Hot Water

Carefully pour the hot water over the top of the batter. Again, don’t stir! This will help form the gooey sauce underneath while the cake bakes on top.

7. Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The cake should be set on top, but the center should still be soft and a bit gooey. If you want a more decadent sauce, bake for less time; if you prefer more of a cake texture, bake a little longer.

8. Serve & Enjoy

Let the cake sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or just on its own. Enjoy the perfect mix of cake and gooey fudge in every bite!

How to Serve Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake

This cake is a dessert that’s as perfect on its own as it is when paired with a few extra toppings. Here are some ideas for serving it up:

With Ice Cream

Top your serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and let it melt into the warm chocolate. Pure bliss.

With Whipped Cream

A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich, fudgy cake.

With Fresh Berries

If you want to balance the richness with some freshness, top the cake with strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.

With a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce

For an extra layer of sweetness, drizzle some caramel sauce on top of the warm cake.

Additional Tips

Adjusting the Fudge Sauce

If you prefer a gooier fudge sauce, bake for a slightly shorter time. For more of a cake-like texture, let it bake a little longer.

Serve Immediately

This dessert is best served warm, as the gooey fudge sauce starts to set as it cools.

Make it Ahead of Time

You can prepare the batter and sugar topping ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pour over the hot water and pop it in the oven.

Swap the Chocolate

If you prefer milk chocolate, feel free to swap the cocoa powder with milk chocolate chips or chopped milk chocolate.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this without an oven?

A1: You can try making this in the microwave by microwaving the batter and hot water mixture in a microwave-safe dish, though the texture might differ slightly from the oven-baked version.

Q2: Can I freeze leftovers?

A2: Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds.

Q3: Can I use low-fat milk?

A3: Yes, you can substitute low-fat milk for whole milk, but the cake may not be quite as rich.

Q4: What can I use if I don’t have brown sugar?

A4: You can substitute with white sugar, but you’ll miss out on the slight caramel flavor that brown sugar brings to the fudgy sauce.

Q5: Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

A5: Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips will give you extra pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the cake.

Q6: Is this dessert gluten-free?

A6: Unfortunately, this recipe contains flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free version.

Q7: Can I make this recipe in a different size dish?

A7: Yes! Just adjust the baking time depending on the size of the dish. A smaller dish may cook quicker, while a larger dish will take longer.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?

A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a warm treat.

Q9: Can I make this cake without the hot fudge sauce?

A9: The magic of this cake lies in the fudge sauce, but if you prefer a more traditional chocolate cake, you can leave it out. The texture and flavor will be different, though.

Q10: Can I serve this cold?

A10: While it’s best served warm, you can enjoy it cold as well. Just reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Conclusion

This Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is the perfect dessert to impress your guests, satisfy your sweet tooth, or just indulge in a little self-care. Rich, gooey, and oh-so-delicious, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply need a cozy treat after a long day, this cake will hit the spot every time. Happy baking (and eating)!

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