Decadent Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake: A Chocolate Lover’s Dream! 🍫🍰
If you’re a chocolate lover, get ready to fall in love with this Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake! This classic self-saucing dessert is the perfect combination of soft, moist chocolate cake on top and a rich, fudgy hot chocolate sauce underneath.
The magic? You pour hot water over the batter before baking, and it creates its own gooey fudge sauce while baking! With every bite, you get warm, melty chocolate goodness that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.
This is the ultimate cozy dessert, perfect for when you want something quick, easy, and irresistibly chocolatey.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy One-Pan Dessert – No need for separate sauces—this cake makes its own fudge sauce!
✔ Deep, Rich Chocolate Flavor – The perfect balance of moist cake and gooey sauce.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve it for family dinners, holidays, or a chocolate craving fix.
✔ No Fancy Equipment Needed – Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 6-8 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 35-40 minutes)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, divided
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 3/4 cups hot water
How to Make Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
✔ Flour
✔ Granulated sugar
✔ 1/4 cup cocoa powder
✔ Baking powder
✔ Salt
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
- Pour in milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Stir until just combined (don’t overmix!).
4. Pour the Batter into the Baking Dish
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the Brown Sugar & Cocoa Powder
- Sprinkle 1 cup brown sugar and the remaining 1/4 cup cocoa powder evenly over the batter.
6. Add the Hot Water (Magic Step!)
- Carefully pour 1 3/4 cups hot water over the top of the batter.
- Do NOT stir! The water will sink through, creating a hot fudge sauce as the cake bakes.
7. Bake Until Set
- Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top looks set and firm but the bottom is still gooey.
8. Cool Slightly & Serve
- Let the cake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Spoon into bowls, making sure to scoop up some of the warm, gooey fudge sauce from the bottom.
Serving Suggestions
This hot, melty chocolate pudding cake is best served with:
🍨 Vanilla Ice Cream – The perfect contrast to the warm, fudgy sauce.
🍫 Chocolate Shavings – For extra chocolate decadence!
☕ Coffee or Espresso – A rich pairing to balance the sweetness.
🍓 Fresh Berries – Strawberries or raspberries add a tangy twist.
🥛 Cold Milk – Classic and comforting!
Pro Tips for the Best Hot Fudge Cake
✔ Don’t Skip the Hot Water – This is what creates the self-saucing magic!
✔ Use Good Quality Cocoa – A rich, dark cocoa powder makes the flavor deeper.
✔ For Extra Chocolatey Goodness – Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
✔ Want a Mocha Twist? – Replace ½ cup of hot water with brewed coffee for a hint of espresso flavor.
✔ Make It Extra Gooey – Bake on the lower end of the time range (35 minutes) for a more molten center.
Fun Variations to Try
🍌 Chocolate Banana Pudding Cake – Add mashed banana to the batter for a fruity twist.
🥜 Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Cake – Swirl peanut butter into the batter before baking.
🍒 Black Forest Fudge Cake – Add cherry pie filling for a chocolate-cherry combo!
🌶 Mexican Hot Chocolate Cake – Mix in a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
FAQs About Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a warm, gooey texture!
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! While best fresh, you can bake it and reheat portions as needed.
Q: Can I make this in individual ramekins?
A: Absolutely! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes in small ramekins.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
The Ultimate Comfort Dessert!
This Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is a warm, comforting, and incredibly chocolatey dessert that practically makes itself. With a soft cake on top and a gooey fudge sauce underneath, every bite is a dream for chocolate lovers.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, a dinner party, or just a well-deserved treat, this cake never disappoints.
Try it out and let me know—what’s your favorite way to enjoy hot fudge cake? Drop a comment and share your delicious ideas! 🍫🍰✨
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