Description
Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers! This decadent cake features a rich, fudgy layer on the bottom, topped with a moist cake layer that forms as it bakes. The magic happens when the cake forms its own fudge sauce, creating a warm, gooey treat that’s perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s an easy, one-pan dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Fudge Sauce:
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup hot water
- For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish or a similar-sized baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, and stir until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the Batter:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Do not stir or spread it out evenly; just pour it into the dish.
- Make the Fudge Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cocoa powder, and hot water. Pour this fudge sauce evenly over the top of the cake batter. It may look like it’s swimming in liquid, but that’s okay—it will turn into a fudgy sauce as it bakes!
- Bake the Cake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). The cake will rise above the sauce while baking, and the sauce will form a rich, gooey fudge layer underneath.
- Serve:
- Let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop portions of the cake and drizzle the hot fudge sauce over the top. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cake batter and fudge sauce ahead of time, then refrigerate the assembled dish. Bake when you’re ready to serve.
- Flavor Variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cake batter for a warm, spiced flavor, or top with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg