Introduction
Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of a chocolate cake with the gooey goodness of a self-saucing fudge pudding. This dessert is perfect for those who crave a warm, comforting, and chocolatey treat. The magic happens as the cake bakes, forming a fudgy, molten layer beneath the cake, making it an irresistible choice for any chocolate lover. Whether you’re looking for an easy dessert to impress guests or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or plain flour) 🍚
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar 🍚
- 1/4 cup 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 Topping:
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar 🍚
- 1/2 cup brown sugar 🍂
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder 🍫
- 1 1/4 cups hot water 💧
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick to the dish and is easy to serve.
2️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3️⃣ Combine Wet Ingredients
Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. The batter will be quite thick, which is normal for this recipe.
4️⃣ Prepare the Batter
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 8×8-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth out the top, ensuring the batter is evenly distributed in the dish.
5️⃣ Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the white granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder for the topping. Make sure the sugars and cocoa are well combined, as this will form the delicious fudge layer beneath the cake.
6️⃣ Sprinkle the Topping
Evenly sprinkle the topping mixture over the batter in the baking dish. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the batter with the sugar-cocoa mixture for an even layer of fudge.
7️⃣ Add the Hot Water
Carefully pour the hot water over the topping mixture. Do not stir the water into the batter or topping; just let it sit on top. The water will help create the gooey, fudgy pudding layer underneath the cake as it bakes.
8️⃣ Bake the Cake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is done when the top is set, and the edges start pulling away from the sides of the dish. The top should look firm, but there will be a gooey pudding layer underneath.
9️⃣ Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. As it cools, the cake will set a bit more, but the fudgy pudding layer will remain gooey and delicious. Serve the cake warm, spooning it into bowls and topping with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
FAQs
Can I make this cake in advance?
This cake is best served warm right after baking because the fudgy pudding layer is at its gooey best when fresh. However, you can reheat leftovers in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back the warmth.
Can I add chocolate chips to the cake batter?
Yes, you can add chocolate chips to the batter for an even richer chocolate experience. Just fold in about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter before spreading it in the dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert. Its rich, chocolatey flavor combined with a gooey fudge layer makes it a decadent treat that’s sure to please any chocolate lover. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying a cozy night in. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch. Enjoy!