Name: Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2/3 cup sugar; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup milk; 2 tbsp melted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional); 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1 3/4 cup hot water

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Rich, indulgent, and irresistibly gooey, this Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. With a self-saucing fudge layer and a warm, moist cake on top, it’s a treat that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got the perfect dessert to end any meal.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

⅔ cup sugar

¼ cup cocoa powder

2 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup milk

2 tablespoon melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup chopped nuts (optional)

¾ cup brown sugar

¼ cup cocoa powder

1 ¾ cup hot water

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until a smooth batter forms.

If you’re using chopped nuts, fold them into the batter.

Pour the batter into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish.

In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and additional cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.

Carefully pour the hot water over the entire dish (do not stir). The water will create a fudge sauce as the cake bakes.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top looks set and the fudge sauce bubbles underneath.

Let the cake cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Nuts: If I want a bit of crunch, I’ll fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. They add a lovely texture to the cake and contrast nicely with the rich fudge sauce.

Flavor Add-ins: I can mix in some chocolate chips or a dash of cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.

Vegan Option: I can swap the milk with a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and use a vegan butter substitute.

Storage/Reheating

If I have any leftovers, I can store the Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When I’m ready to enjoy it again, I’ll reheat it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes until it’s warm and the fudge sauce has loosened up.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! I can prepare the batter, add the topping, and refrigerate it for up to 12 hours before baking. When ready, I just need to pour the hot water over the top and bake as directed.

What should I serve this cake with?

This cake is best served warm, and I love pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Can I freeze the Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake?

I can freeze any leftovers! Just make sure it’s fully cooled, and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.

Is there a way to make this cake less sweet?

If I prefer a less sweet dessert, I can reduce the amount of sugar slightly in both the batter and the topping. The self-saucing fudge layer will still be rich, even with less sugar.

Can I use a different kind of cocoa powder?

Yes, I can use any unsweetened cocoa powder I have on hand. I usually go for a dark cocoa powder to intensify the chocolate flavor, but regular cocoa powder works just as well.

Conclusion

This Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves rich, gooey chocolate treats. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for serving on any occasion. With its self-saucing fudge layer and warm cake, I know I’ll always have a winning dessert on hand that everyone will love.

Recipe:

Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate chocolate lover's dream with this Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake! This rich, gooey, self-saucing dessert combines a moist chocolate cake with a luscious hot fudge layer that forms as it bakes. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for an irresistible treat!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until a smooth batter forms. If using nuts, fold them in.
Pour into Dish: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and additional cocoa powder. Sprinkle evenly over the batter.
Add Hot Water: Gently pour hot water over the mixture (do not stir). This will create the fudge sauce.
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is set and the sauce is bubbling underneath.
Serve: Let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.