This hot fudge pudding cake recipe offers a delightful chocolate dessert experience. You’ll love how the rich, self-saucing chocolate cake emerges from your oven, creating a warm, comforting treat. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, incredibly easy to make, and guarantees a crowd-pleasing chocolate dessert.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa works well for a darker color.
- All-Purpose Flour: A gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend can be substituted.
- Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Both are crucial for sweetness and moisture. Do not reduce sugar drastically.
- Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy milk (like almond or soy) will work.
- Vanilla Extract: Essential for flavor; don’t skip it.
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Fudge Topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups hot water
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Tools Needed: 8×8 inch baking dish, mixing bowls, whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients for the Cake
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps for a smooth chocolate dessert.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients for the Cake
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This creates the liquid base for your rich chocolate dessert.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Cake Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish.
5. Prepare the Fudge Topping
In another small bowl, combine ½ cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ¼ cup cocoa powder. Whisk them together thoroughly to prevent clumps in your luscious fudge sauce.
6. Add Hot Water to the Topping
Sprinkle the sugar and cocoa mixture evenly over the cake batter in the dish. Then, carefully pour the hot water over the entire top of the cake. Do not stir it in; the magic happens in the oven.
7. Bake Your Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is set around the edges and the fudge sauce is bubbling. The center will still be soft and gooey, creating the perfect chocolate dessert experience.
Variation Ideas
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the batter before adding the hot water.
- Coffee Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the cake batter for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper in the fudge topping can add a subtle, exciting warmth.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover hot fudge pudding cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings gently in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warm and gooey again, for a delicious chocolate dessert anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use a different size baking dish?
A: An 8×8 inch dish is ideal for the proper cake-to-sauce ratio. If you use a larger dish, the cake may be thinner and the sauce less abundant.
Q: Why is my cake not self-saucing?
A: Ensure your hot water is truly hot when poured over the topping. Also, avoid stirring the topping once it’s on the batter.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: This chocolate dessert is best served warm and fresh from the oven, as the sauce is at its peak. You can prepare the dry ingredients ahead of time.
Q: What should I serve with hot fudge pudding cake?
A: It’s fantastic on its own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates this chocolate dessert even further.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
A: Absolutely! This hot fudge pudding cake is a very forgiving and straightforward chocolate dessert recipe, perfect for those new to baking.