Description
This Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is a decadent dessert featuring a rich chocolate cake layer that bakes on top while a luscious hot fudge sauce forms underneath. Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients, this dessert is perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened 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 Fudge Sauce:
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup hot water
For Serving (Optional):
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish or a similarly sized dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Pour the Batter: Pour the cake batter directly into the prepared baking dish. Do not stir or spread it out evenly; simply pour it in and let it settle naturally.
- Make the Fudge Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cocoa powder, and hot water. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and the sugar dissolves. Pour this fudge sauce evenly over the top of the cake batter. It may seem liquidy, but it will transform as it bakes.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The top of the cake should be set, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. During baking, the cake rises above the sauce, which thickens into a rich, gooey fudge layer underneath.
- Serve: Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes after baking. Scoop individual portions, ensuring to get some of the hot fudge sauce with each serving. For an extra indulgent dessert, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Do not stir the cake batter and fudge sauce mixture once combined in the baking dish; the layering effect is key to achieving the pudding-like sauce beneath the cake.
- For best results, serve the cake warm to enjoy the gooey fudge sauce and melty texture.
- Use an 8-inch square baking dish to ensure the cake cooks evenly and the sauce sets properly.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the brown sugar in the fudge sauce by 2 tablespoons.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
