A Decadent Chocolate Dessert with a Surprise Fudge Sauce!
This Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is a dessert that’s as magical as it is delicious. As it bakes, it creates a layer of rich, gooey fudge sauce beneath a soft, chocolatey cake. Serve it warm, and each scoop reveals a molten chocolate surprise. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this dessert is easy to make and ideal for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a truly indulgent treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Fudge Sauce:
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1-1/4 cups boiling water
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: \n Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan and set aside. Start boiling water in a kettle while you prepare the cake. This will be used to create the fudge sauce layer.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: \n In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Add in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the batter is smooth and mostly free of lumps. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Make the Fudge Sauce: \n In a separate bowl, mix together the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, and the remaining 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter, covering the surface completely.
- Add the Boiling Water: \n Slowly pour the boiling water over the cake batter and sugar mixture. Do not stir or mix it into the batter. The water will sit on top and create the gooey fudge sauce as it bakes.
- Bake the Cake: \n Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the center of the cake is mostly set. When done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes before serving.
- Serve: \n Spoon the cake into dessert dishes, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and make sure to include some of the delicious fudge sauce from the bottom of the pan for each serving.
Tips for a Perfect Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake
- Avoid Stirring: When pouring the boiling water over the sugar layer, resist the urge to stir. This is what helps create the sauce layer as it bakes.
- Serve Warm: This dessert is best enjoyed warm, so the fudge sauce is gooey and the cake is soft. Pair it with ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
- Use Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For a rich chocolate flavor, make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder in both the cake and fudge sauce.
FAQ
- Can I make this cake in advance? \n It’s best enjoyed fresh and warm, but you can reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds if needed.
- Can I add chocolate chips? \n Yes! For an extra chocolatey experience, sprinkle some chocolate chips over the cake batter before adding the sugar topping.
- What if I don’t have brown sugar? \n You can substitute an equal amount of granulated sugar, though brown sugar adds a richer flavor to the fudge sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The warm chocolate and cold ice cream make an unbeatable combination that will delight any chocolate lover.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for about 20-30 seconds to bring back the gooey texture.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: Approximately 252 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
This Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is a comforting, decadent dessert that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With its self-saucing fudge layer and moist chocolate cake, it’s the perfect choice for a cozy night in. Enjoy!