Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, gooey delight of a Hot Fudge Pudding Cake fresh out of the oven. The magic lies in its dual layers—soft, moist chocolate cake on top and a luscious, velvety fudge sauce underneath. It’s the perfect dessert for chocolate lovers and the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe during a family holiday when we craved something warm and indulgent after dinner. The beauty of this dish is how simple it is to make, yet it delivers a restaurant-quality dessert every single time. Let’s dive into what makes this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake a must-try for your recipe collection.

Why You'll Love This Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

Get ready to meet your new favorite dessert! This Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is more than just a treat—it's a showstopper that’s guaranteed to impress.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginners. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, this dessert goes from mixing bowl to oven in under 15 minutes. No fancy equipment or advanced skills are needed!

The self-saucing magic is the real star here. While the cake bakes, a decadent chocolate fudge sauce forms beneath the surface, creating a two-in-one dessert experience. One spoonful delivers both fluffy cake and molten fudge in perfect harmony.

This dessert is also ideal for entertaining. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ll have your guests raving about it for days. Plus, it’s easy to scale up or down, so whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive dinner party, this cake has you covered.

Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Kids and adults alike can’t resist the allure of a warm, chocolatey dessert—especially when paired with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to this cake’s magic lies in its simple yet carefully balanced ingredients. Each plays a critical role in creating its unique texture and flavor.

• All-purpose flour: This forms the foundation of the cake, giving it structure and a tender crumb. Be sure to measure it accurately for the best results.
• Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep, rich chocolate flavor. Opt for a high-quality brand to elevate the overall taste of the cake.
• Granulated sugar and brown sugar: The granulated sugar sweetens the cake, while the brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel-like depth to the fudge sauce.
• Milk: Whole milk is ideal for a creamy texture, but 2% milk works as well. For a dairy-free option, substitute almond or oat milk.
• Butter: Melted butter gives the cake richness and enhances the flavor. You can substitute it with a neutral oil like canola if needed.
• Boiling water: Pouring boiling water over the top layer of sugar and cocoa might seem unusual, but it’s essential for creating the gooey fudge sauce during baking.

For this recipe, no special equipment is needed—just a mixing bowl, whisk, and an 8x8-inch baking dish.

How To Make This Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

Making this cake is as fun as eating it! Follow these simple steps to create your own gooey masterpiece.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your 8x8-inch baking dish. This ensures the cake will release easily when served.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture forms the base of your cake batter.

In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—small lumps are okay. Spread this batter evenly into your prepared baking dish.

Next, mix the brown sugar and additional cocoa powder in a small bowl. Sprinkle this dry mixture evenly over the cake batter. Don’t stir—it’s meant to stay on top.

Finally, pour the boiling water gently over the surface of the dish. The hot water will combine with the cocoa and sugar to create the fudge sauce during baking.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges pull slightly away from the pan. You’ll notice bubbling around the edges as the sauce forms. Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes before serving—it will thicken slightly as it cools.

Storage Options

This cake is best enjoyed warm, but leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) can be stored for later.

To store, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the cake to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fudge sauce may thicken in the fridge, but reheating it will restore its gooey texture.

When reheating, scoop individual portions into microwave-safe bowls and heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. For larger portions, cover the dish with foil and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is its versatility. Here are a few ways to customize it:

• Add-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or marshmallows into the batter for extra flavor and texture.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist on the classic chocolate flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to accommodate dietary needs.
• Flavor swaps: Try almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty undertone or swap the cocoa powder for dark cocoa for an intense chocolate kick.
• Dairy-free options: Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter to create a completely dairy-free dessert.

No matter how you make it, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

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