Craving a rich, chocolatey dessert that’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious? This Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is the answer. It combines a decadent, fudgy cake with a gooey chocolate sauce that forms as it bakes. Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re having a cozy family dinner or hosting an impressive gathering, this dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake truly special is how effortlessly it comes together. In just a few simple steps, I create a chocolate lover’s dream—moist cake on top with a warm, gooey chocolate sauce beneath. It’s a dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make, and the best part? It’s perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight treat to a dinner party showstopper. Plus, the chocolatey aroma filling the kitchen as it bakes is simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, divided
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Sauce:
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups hot water
Instructions:
Preparing the Cake Batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and thoroughly mixed.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Making the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar and the remaining 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder.
Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish.
Pour hot water evenly over the top of the mixture. Resist the urge to stir; let it sit as is.
Baking the Cake:
Place the baking dish on a baking sheet to catch any potential overflow.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center of the cake is set and the edges are bubbling deliciously.
Serving Your Hot Fudge Pudding Cake:
Scoop warm portions of cake and sauce into bowls.
For an extra touch of indulgence, serve with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream.
Serving Tips:
Serve Warm: Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven. The contrast between the warm, gooey cake and the hot fudge sauce is irresistible.
Pairing Suggestions: Serve each portion with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cold creaminess complements the warm cake and enhances the overall indulgent experience.
Presentation: For a more elegant presentation, dust the top of each serving with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Garnish Options: Add a few fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, on the side for a burst of fruity freshness that cuts through the richness of the chocolate.
Individual Servings: Consider serving in individual ramekins for a more personalized presentation. This also makes it easier to serve and enjoy.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover Hot Fudge Pudding Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it cools completely before refrigerating.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for about 20-30 seconds until warm. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
Freezing: You can freeze Hot Fudge Pudding Cake for longer storage. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Sauce Separation: Upon refrigeration, the sauce may separate from the cake slightly. This is normal. Gently stir or reheat to reintegrate the sauce with the cake before serving.
Freshness Tip: For the best taste and texture, enjoy Hot Fudge Pudding Cake as soon as possible after baking. The warm, gooey texture is at its prime right after baking, but it still tastes delicious when reheated.
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FAQs:
Can I make Hot Fudge Pudding Cake ahead of time?
Yes, I can prepare the batter and sauce, then cover it and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next day as per the recipe directions.
What if I don’t have an 8-inch square baking dish?
If I don’t have an 8-inch square baking dish, I can use a similar-sized round dish or any baking dish that holds around 8 cups of batter. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly.
Can I use a different type of milk?
I can use any milk I prefer! Whether it’s whole milk, almond milk, or even oat milk, it will still work great in this recipe.
What should I do if I don’t have brown sugar?
If I run out of brown sugar, I can substitute it with granulated sugar. To mimic the flavor of brown sugar, I can mix in a tablespoon of molasses with the granulated sugar.
How can I make this gluten-free?
To make this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake gluten-free, I can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The recipe should turn out just as delicious!
Conclusion:
This Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert—rich, chocolatey, and oh-so-easy to make. Whether I’m treating myself after a long day or impressing guests at a dinner party, it always hits the spot. The best part is the decadent sauce that forms beneath the cake, making it a true indulgence. Try it out, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in my dessert repertoire.
📖 Recipe:
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Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8
Description
Delight in the richness of Hot Fudge Pudding Cake, a decadent chocolate dessert that combines a moist cake with a gooey fudge sauce. Perfect for indulging your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, divided
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups hot water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar and the remaining 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Sprinkle evenly over the batter in the baking dish.
- Pour hot water evenly over the top. Do not stir.
- Place the baking dish on a baking sheet (to catch any potential overflow) and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are bubbling.
- Serve warm. Scoop the cake and sauce into bowls. Optional: serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Ensure not to stir the sauce once poured over the batter; it creates a delightful fudge layer during baking.
The cake is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for its warm, gooey texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Serves 6-8
