Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. This rich and decadent cake creates its own hot fudge sauce as it bakes, making it a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The cake itself is moist and chocolatey, while the sauce is thick and luscious. This easy-to-make dessert will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth with its intense chocolate flavor and gooey texture. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent experience.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or plain flour): Provides the base structure for the cake.
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake.
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor to the cake.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
- 3/4 cup milk: Adds moisture to the cake.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor.
For the Fudge Sauce:
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar: Sweetens the fudge sauce.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight molasses flavor to the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened): Provides the rich chocolate base for the sauce.
- 1-1/4 cups boiling water: Creates the hot fudge sauce during baking.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan. Pre-boil water in a kettle while preparing the cake.
- Make the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with the flour, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract; whisk until the batter is smooth and fairly lump-free.
- Pour Batter:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan or dish and spread it evenly.
- Prepare Fudge Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup white sugar, brown sugar, and remaining 3 tablespoons cocoa powder. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the batter in the pan.
- Add Boiling Water:
- Slowly pour the boiling water over the top of the mixture. Do not stir or mix the water into the batter; allow it to sit on top.
- Bake:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the center is almost set.
- Cool:
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 15 minutes.
- Serve:
- Serve the cake warm in dessert dishes with ice cream or whipped cream. Be sure to spoon the fudge sauce from the bottom of the pan over the top of each serving of cake.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 252 kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
- Sodium: 185mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 3g
Serving
Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is best served warm to fully enjoy its gooey, chocolatey goodness. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness of the cake and add a creamy contrast. This dessert is perfect for any chocolate lover and makes a great finish to a dinner party or a comforting treat on a cozy night in.
Notes
- Flour: Sift the flour to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor.
- Butter: Ensure the butter is melted but not hot when mixing it into the batter.
- Boiling Water: Pour the boiling water slowly and evenly over the sugar mixture to ensure the sauce forms properly during baking.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving to enjoy the warm sauce.
FAQs
Can I use dark cocoa powder? Yes, you can use dark cocoa powder for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time? This dessert is best served fresh and warm. However, you can prepare the batter and sauce ahead of time, then bake just before serving.
Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture may be slightly denser. You might want to use a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a better texture.
What if I don’t have light brown sugar? You can substitute light brown sugar with an equal amount of dark brown sugar or white granulated sugar, though the flavor may be slightly different.
How do I know when the cake is done? The cake is done when the center is almost set, and a toothpick inserted into the cake (not the sauce) comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips? Yes, you can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Is there a gluten-free version? Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Make sure the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I use non-dairy milk? Yes, you can use any non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk in place of the regular milk.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger baking dish. Adjust the baking time as needed, checking for doneness.
Can I freeze the cake? This cake is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
In conclusion, Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is an easy and delectable dessert that’s sure to impress. With its rich, gooey sauce and moist cake, it’s the perfect treat for any chocolate lover. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dessert with your friends and family!