Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe

There's something truly magical about Hot Fudge Pudding Cake. With its rich, gooey chocolate sauce hiding beneath a soft, spongy cake, it’s the ultimate dessert indulgence. The aroma of chocolate baking in the oven alone is enough to bring everyone running to the kitchen.

I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for an easy dessert to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Little did I know, it would quickly become a family favorite, requested for every special occasion (and even just because). Let’s dive into what makes this dessert so special!

Why You'll Love This Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

Get ready to experience dessert perfection! This Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again for so many reasons.

First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just one bowl and a baking dish, you can whip this up in under 15 minutes before popping it into the oven. Minimal effort, maximum payoff.

The texture is out of this world. The top forms a tender chocolate cake while the bottom transforms into a luscious fudge sauce. It's like magic in your oven!

You don’t need any fancy ingredients. Everything you need is likely already in your pantry, making it a fantastic go-to for last-minute sweet cravings.

Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, this dessert will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe thirds).

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Hot Fudge Pudding Cake lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating its unique layers and irresistible flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the cake layer. Make sure to measure accurately for the perfect texture.
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: A mix of sugars is key here. The brown sugar adds depth and richness to the fudge layer.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The star of the show! Use high-quality cocoa for the best chocolate flavor.
• Milk: Any milk works here, but whole milk creates a slightly richer cake.
• Butter: Adds moisture and a touch of buttery flavor. Don’t skip this for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
• Boiling Water: Pouring boiling water over the top might seem odd, but it’s what creates the gooey fudge layer during baking.

No special equipment is required—just a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a baking dish.

How To Make This Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

Making this dessert is as satisfying as eating it. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a dessert that looks like it took hours to create.

1. Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8x8-inch baking dish. This step ensures your cake comes out perfectly every time.
2. Mix the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth. Pour this batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
3. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the top of the batter with a mixture of brown sugar and additional cocoa powder. This might seem strange, but trust me—it’s crucial for creating that gooey fudge layer.
4. Pour the Water: Carefully pour boiling water over the entire dish. Do not stir! This step ensures the cake rises to the top while the fudge sauce forms below.
5. Bake and Serve: Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top looks set but still jiggles slightly when you shake the dish. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Spoon the cake onto plates, ensuring each serving has plenty of that gooey fudge sauce.

Pro Tip: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), storing this dessert is simple.

• Refrigerator: Place cooled cake in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The fudge layer will thicken as it cools.
• Freezer: While freezing isn’t ideal due to the sauce’s texture, you can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
• Reheating: Warm portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds to revive that gooey goodness. Add a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is delightfully versatile, allowing you to experiment with flavors and ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

1. Add a Peppermint Twist: Stir in ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a festive chocolate-mint version. Perfect for the holidays!
2. Go Nutty: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the batter before baking for added texture and flavor.
3. Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The results are just as delicious.
4. Make it Vegan: Use non-dairy milk, plant-based butter, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.
5. Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the batter for a spicy, Mexican-inspired chocolate cake.

Feel free to get creative—this recipe is forgiving and adapts well to your preferences!

This Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is a dessert that never fails to impress. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or simply treating yourself, it’s a little piece of chocolate heaven in every bite. Don’t wait—give it a try tonight and watch it become a new favorite in your household!

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