The Perfect Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe for Chilly Days

Chocolate lovers swoon over this decadent hot fudge chocolate pudding cake that magically creates its own rich sauce while baking.

Rich, gooey, and utterly irresistible, this dessert delivers an intense chocolate experience.

Dark cocoa powder and simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary.

The cake starts as a modest batter but emerges from the oven as a luscious, molten delight.

Warm serving transforms this humble dessert into a restaurant-worthy treat that melts in your mouth.

Each spoonful promises deep chocolate flavor with a silky, pudding-like texture that will make you weak at the knees.

Grab a fork and dive into this sinful chocolate experience that’s sure to become your new favorite indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the cake together, choose unbleached flour for the best texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb, opt for pure cane sugar for the best flavor.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate depth, select high-quality dark cocoa for intense chocolate notes.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises and becomes light, use fresh powder within its expiration date.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, fine sea salt works perfectly.

• Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the cake, whole milk creates the most tender texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender, choose a neutral-flavored oil like canola.
• Vanilla Extract: Boosts chocolate flavor and adds subtle warmth, pure vanilla provides the best taste.

• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Creates a luscious caramel-like fudge sauce, use dark brown sugar for deeper flavor.
• Cocoa Powder: Intensifies the chocolate sauce, Dutch-processed cocoa works wonderfully.
• Hot Water: Transforms the dry ingredients into a magical self-creating sauce, use freshly boiled water.

Cooking Tools For Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake

• 8×8-inch baking dish: Perfect for creating this gooey chocolate dessert.
• Medium mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry cake ingredients smoothly.
• Small bowl: Used for preparing the sugary topping mixture.
• Whisk: Helps blend ingredients without lumps and creates a smooth batter.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for the recipe.
• Spatula: Helps spread batter evenly and scrape bowl contents cleanly.

How To Make Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen by setting the oven to a cozy 350F. Grab a baking dish and give it a light greasing to prevent any sticky situations.

• Batter Magic

Grab a mixing bowl and combine the dry ingredients with a gentle whisking motion. Pour in the wet ingredients and stir until the mixture looks smooth and dreamy. Spread this chocolatey goodness evenly across the baking dish.

• Sugary Sprinkle

Create a delightful topping by mixing sugars and cocoa. Dust this sweet powder generously over the cake batter, creating a magical layer of flavor.

• Mysterious Liquid Layer

Carefully pour hot water over the entire surface. Don’t worry about stirring – this liquid will work its own underground magic during baking.

• Baking Transformation

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake for 35-40 minutes. Watch for a slightly puffy top and bubbling sauce underneath – this is when you know deliciousness is happening.

• Serving Delight

Let the cake rest for a few minutes after baking. Scoop into bowls, making sure to capture that gooey fudge sauce. A scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn this dessert into pure heaven.

Tips To Nail Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake

• Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake Tips & Variations
• Moisture Magic: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smoother, more evenly mixed batter that creates a perfect pudding-like texture underneath the cake.
• Cocoa Powder Power: Choose high-quality dutch-processed cocoa powder for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this decadent dessert accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk with almond milk or coconut milk, and use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil to create a delicious dairy-free version of this classic dessert.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with add-ins like instant espresso powder, orange zest, or a splash of bourbon to give the cake an unexpected and exciting twist that will surprise your taste buds.

Serving Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake Made Easy

• Decadent Dessert Companions: Vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over the warm chocolate pudding cake, creating a heavenly contrast of temperatures and textures.
• Elegant Chocolate Drizzle: Enhance the cake's richness by adding a light drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top, elevating the dessert's visual appeal and flavor profile.
• Fruity Fresh Touch: Garnish with fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries to cut through the chocolate's intensity and add a bright, tangy complement to the rich dessert.
• Cozy Comfort Presentation: Serve in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, making each guest feel special with their own miniature chocolate paradise.

How To Keep Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake Fresh

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to sealed containers to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Temperature Protection: Cool the cake completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation buildup. When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to restore the warm, gooey texture.
• Freezing Friendly: Wrap the entire cake or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slightly before serving to revive the original delicious consistency.
• Smart Serving Tips: Keep pudding cake at room temperature for no more than 2 hours. When serving multiple times, use clean utensils to scoop out portions to prevent bacterial growth. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming stored dessert.

Decadent Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy hot fudge chocolate pudding cake delivers a rich, indulgent dessert perfect for chocolate enthusiasts. Warm, gooey layers meld together in a delightful dance of intense cocoa flavors that will satisfy intense dessert cravings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (20 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons (15 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) hot water

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and generously grease an 8-inch square baking pan to ensure effortless cake removal.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk together flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and lump-free.
3. Batter Creation: Blend milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth, velvety batter forms with no visible streaks.
4. Layering Foundation: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, using a spatula to create a uniform surface that will support the upcoming transformative layers.
5. Decadent Topping Preparation: Combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder in a separate bowl, creating a rich, complex sugar mixture.
6. Topping Application: Sprinkle the sugar-cocoa blend comprehensively over the cake batter, ensuring complete coverage that will melt and create a luscious sauce during baking.
7. Moisture Infusion: Gently pour hot water across the entire surface, allowing it to rest undisturbed atop the layered ingredients.
8. Baking Process: Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a slightly puffed top and bubbling sauce that indicates perfect doneness.
9. Resting and Serving: Allow the cake to settle for 5-10 minutes, letting the molten sauce stabilize and intensify in flavor. Scoop directly from the pan, capturing both cake and hidden fudge sauce, and optionally crown with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

• Customize Cocoa Intensity: Adjust the cocoa powder quantity to control the chocolate depth. Dark cocoa creates richer flavor, while lighter versions offer milder taste. Experiment with different cocoa brands for unique chocolate profiles.
• Prevent Dry Texture: Avoid overmixing the batter, which can develop gluten and create tough cake. Stir ingredients just until combined, ensuring a tender, moist final result. Gentle folding maintains the cake’s delicate structure.
• Manage Moisture Balance: Hot water is crucial for creating the signature fudge sauce. Pour water gently and evenly across the surface without stirring. This technique helps develop the distinctive pudding-like bottom layer during baking.
• Optimize Serving Temperature: Let the cake rest briefly after baking to allow sauce to set slightly. Serve warm for maximum flavor and gooey texture. Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream complements the rich chocolate pudding perfectly, creating a decadent dessert experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 59 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg