Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake: The Ultimate Comfort Dessert
If you’re looking for the perfect comfort dessert that satisfies both a cake and a pudding craving, look no further than this Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake. This magical dessert creates two distinct layers while it bakes: a rich, fudgy cake on top and a decadent, gooey pudding underneath. Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate fudge sauce, this dessert is a surefire crowd-pleaser.
The combination of rich chocolate flavors and the warm, melty pudding makes this cake a hit for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping it up for a special family dinner or simply craving a little indulgence, this recipe is both simple and guaranteed to impress. Let’s take a look at how to make this delicious dessert!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/4 cups boiling water
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate fudge sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure the cake batter has an even consistency.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a thick batter.
4. Spread the Batter:
Pour and spread the batter evenly into an ungreased 8-inch square baking dish.
5. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and cocoa powder. Sprinkle this sugar-cocoa mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish.
6. Add the Boiling Water:
Carefully pour the boiling water over the mixture in the baking dish. Do not stir—this step helps create the cake on top and the pudding underneath during baking.
7. Bake the Cake:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is almost set. The cake will form on top, and the bottom will transform into a luscious pudding.
8. Cool and Serve:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes to allow the pudding to thicken slightly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and a generous drizzle of chocolate fudge sauce for the ultimate indulgence.
Recipe Notes
- Cocoa Powder: Be sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder for this recipe to get the perfect balance of sweetness and rich chocolate flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: This cake is best served warm right out of the oven, as the contrast between the warm cake and cold ice cream adds to the delicious experience.
- Storage: Store any leftovers (if there are any!) in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds to enjoy the warm pudding texture again.
- Toppings: You can switch things up by adding whipped cream, chocolate chips, or even caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
FAQs
Q: Why pour boiling water over the cake batter?
A: Pouring boiling water over the batter may seem unusual, but it’s crucial for creating the magic of this dessert. As the cake bakes, the water sinks to the bottom and mixes with the sugars, forming a pudding-like layer while the cake rises to the top.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: This cake is best enjoyed fresh and warm, but you can prepare it in advance and reheat individual portions in the microwave when ready to serve. The pudding layer will still be gooey, but for the best texture, it’s recommended to bake it just before serving.
Q: Can I use dark cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor?
A: Absolutely! If you’re a fan of deeper chocolate flavors, you can substitute dark or Dutch-process cocoa powder for a more intense taste.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Freezing is not recommended for this cake due to the pudding layer, which may become watery upon thawing. If you want to make it ahead, it’s better to refrigerate leftovers and reheat them.
Conclusion
The Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is a dessert that truly delivers on both taste and texture. It’s a simple, fuss-free recipe that creates a magical transformation in the oven—resulting in a decadent, warm chocolate cake paired with a gooey fudge pudding underneath. Topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with extra fudge sauce, it’s hard to resist!
This recipe is perfect for any chocolate lover and makes a great dessert for casual family dinners or special occasions alike. Try it out the next time you want a comforting, indulgent treat, and watch it become an instant favorite.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
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