Irresistible Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe for Chocolate Lovers

Decadent chocolate lovers always swoon over this classic hot fudge pudding cake recipe that combines rich, gooey textures with irresistible sweetness.

Warm desserts never taste as magical as this self-saucing marvel that creates its own luscious chocolate sauce during baking.

The simple ingredients come together with minimal effort, promising a dessert that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

Chocolate enthusiasts will appreciate how effortlessly this cake delivers deep, intense flavor in every single bite.

Home bakers can whip up this nostalgic treat in under an hour, transforming basic pantry staples into a show-stopping dessert.

Each spoonful promises a perfect balance of soft cake and silky chocolate sauce that melts in your mouth.

Dive into this comforting dessert and experience pure chocolate bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How To Make Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Simply

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen appliance to a cozy temperature. Select an 8-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.

• Dry Ingredient Blend

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly mixed and free of any lumps.

• Wet Ingredient Magic

Pour in milk, melted butter, and a splash of vanilla extract. Stir gently until the batter becomes smooth and glossy, creating a rich chocolate base.

• Batter Distribution

Spread the silky chocolate mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish. It might look slightly uneven, but don’t worry – the magic happens in the oven.

• Secret Chocolate Layer

Sprinkle a generous layer of brown sugar and additional cocoa powder over the top of the batter. This creates a delightful surprise that transforms into a gooey sauce during baking.

• Hot Water Pour

Carefully pour hot water over the entire surface. Don’t mix or stir – this might seem strange, but trust the process.

• Baking Transformation

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. The cake will develop a magical pudding-like texture with a soft, molten chocolate bottom.

• Serving Delight

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. The cake will have a decadent, self-saucing chocolate layer that’s perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips To Improve Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Flavor

• Chocolate Lover's Magic Trick: Sprinkle extra cocoa powder over the cake batter before baking to create a deeper, richer chocolate intensity that melts beautifully during cooking.
• Make-Ahead Miracle: Prepare the entire cake mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop a more complex flavor profile before baking.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap regular milk with almond, coconut, or oat milk for a completely dairy-free version that maintains the same luscious texture and rich chocolate taste.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make this dessert accessible for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this decadent treat.
• Serving Spectacular: Top the warm pudding cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to elevate the dessert and create a restaurant-worthy presentation that will impress family and friends.

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Serving Ideas

• Chocolate Lover's Dream Plating: Dust the warm cake with powdered sugar and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream that slowly melts into the rich, gooey chocolate surface.
• Elegant Dessert Presentation: Serve in individual ramekins, garnished with fresh raspberries and a delicate mint leaf for a pop of color and freshness.
• Decadent Chocolate Companion: Pair with a warm mug of coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine to complement the intense chocolate flavor and enhance the overall dessert experience.
• Rustic Family Style: Place the entire cake in the center of the table, allowing everyone to scoop out their own portion with a large serving spoon, creating a cozy and inviting dining moment.

Storage Tips For Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pudding-like texture remains deliciously moist when sealed tightly.
• Quick Warm-Up Trick: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. A quick zap brings back that warm, gooey chocolate magic without drying out the cake.
• Freezer Friendly Option: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen cake stays delectable for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake batter and refrigerate in the baking dish up to 24 hours before baking. This technique allows flavors to meld and saves precious time during busy evenings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Ingredient Breakdown

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and creates a tender, soft base for the cake's delightful texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delectable caramelized layer at the bottom of the dessert.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich, deep chocolate flavor and creates a luxurious dark color.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully and maintains a light, airy consistency.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all the sweet flavors in the dessert.

• Milk: Brings moisture and helps blend the ingredients into a smooth, silky batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Contributes to the cake's softness and prevents dryness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the chocolate perfectly.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and provides richness to the pudding cake.

• Brown Sugar: Creates a gooey, caramel-like bottom layer that transforms into a luscious sauce.
• Hot Water: Helps create the magical pudding-like sauce that forms during baking.

Tools For A Smooth Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Process

• 8-inch square or round baking dish: The perfect size for creating this delicious hot fudge pudding cake.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately portioning dry and liquid ingredients.
• Mixing bowls: Needed for combining ingredients and creating the cake batter.
• Whisk or wooden spoon: Great for mixing the batter smoothly and evenly.
• Rubber spatula: Helps scrape every bit of batter from the bowl and ensures even distribution.
• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when handling the hot baking dish.

Indulgent Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate lovers will adore this hot fudge pudding cake from Southern kitchens. Warm chocolate sauce magically forms underneath a tender cake during baking, creating a luxurious dessert you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 ¼ cups (300 ml/10 fl oz) hot water
• ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) whole milk
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsps unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsps (30 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Calibrate oven to 350F (175C) with rack positioned centrally, ensuring uniform heat distribution for optimal baking performance.
2. Setup: Generously lubricate an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray or butter, creating a non-stick surface that guarantees seamless cake release.
3. Dry Ingredients: Sift and combine all dry components in a large mixing bowl, eliminating potential lumps and creating a smooth, homogeneous base.
4. Wet Components: Integrate liquid ingredients in a separate vessel, whisking with precision to achieve a harmonious, silky consistency.
5. Batter Formation: Delicately merge wet and dry mixtures, employing a gentle folding technique that preserves the batter’s delicate molecular structure and prevents potential toughness.
6. Baking Preparation: Transfer batter into prepared dish, utilizing a spatula to distribute mixture evenly and ensure consistent depth across the container.
7. Topping Application: Artfully scatter additional topping ingredients across the surface, creating a luxurious layer that will transform during the baking process.
8. Oven Placement: Carefully introduce the dish into preheated oven, maintaining stability to prevent potential spillage or disruption.
9. Baking Process: Allow cake to bake without interruption, avoiding unnecessary oven door openings that could compromise rising and texture development.
10. Finishing Touch: Once baked, extract from oven and permit brief resting period, allowing internal temperature to equilibrate and flavors to harmonize, then serve warm with optional vanilla ice cream or powdered sugar garnish.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold wet and dry ingredients to maintain a light, tender cake texture without developing tough gluten strands.
• Temperature Precision: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and consistent baking results, helping achieve a perfectly moist cake.
• Topping Technique: Sprinkle sugar and cocoa evenly across the surface for a rich, caramelized bottom layer that creates a delightful pudding-like consistency during baking.
• Serving Smart: Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow the pudding-like sauce to set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 41 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 67 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg