If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a rich, fudgy cake with a soft, molten fudge sauce bubbling beneath a delicate cake crust—the kind of dessert that’s simple yet irresistibly indulgent. This recipe brings together straightforward ingredients to create a magical texture contrast, making every spoonful a celebration of chocolate bliss that’s perfect for cozy nights or impressive last-minute guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in building the dessert’s irresistible texture and deep chocolate flavor. From the fluffy cake base to the luscious fudge sauce underneath, every element is essential.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
- ½ cup cocoa powder: Adds rich, chocolaty depth and color.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cake.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the cake its light and airy texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- ½ cup milk: Moistens the batter and helps bind ingredients.
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel.
- 1 large egg yolk: Contributes to the cake’s moisture and structure.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Boosts flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips: Creates pockets of melty chocolate throughout the cake.
- 1 cup boiling water: The secret to forming that luscious fudge sauce beneath the cake’s crust.
How to Make Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by warming your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish, or something close in size, to ensure your cake doesn’t stick and comes out flawlessly with that delicate crust intact.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture sets the stage for a balanced cake, distributing the flavors evenly before you add the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Form Batter
Into the dry mix, add the milk, melted butter, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything melds together smoothly, forming a luscious batter that promises moist, tender cake results.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips. These gems will melt throughout baking, creating melt-in-your-mouth pockets of chocolate that amp up the dessert’s decadent factor.
Step 5: Pour Batter into the Dish
Transfer your batter to the prepared baking dish. Take care not to stir or smooth it out excessively—the magic happens as it bakes!
Step 6: Create the Fudge Sauce
Now for a clever twist: slowly pour the boiling water over the batter without stirring. The water will seep through as the cake bakes, forming that irresistible gooey fudge layer beneath the cake itself.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pudding cake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top has set and cracked just a bit, revealing that signature cakey crust. Underneath, a soft, fudgy pudding waits to be enjoyed.
Step 8: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Let the cake cool for a few minutes. Serving it warm ensures the fudge is silky and flowing, an utterly delightful texture combo that defines this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe.
How to Serve Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a personal touch, top your warm pudding cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the fudgy depths or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for lightness. Sprinkle a few chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder to make it extra special and visually stunning.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own, but if you want to offer an extra element, fresh berries add brightness and cut through the richness beautifully. A hot cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte pairs wonderfully, balancing the sweetness with warming spices.
Creative Ways to Present
For impressive gatherings, serve the Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. You can also drizzle caramel or berry sauce on the side to mix things up and dazzle your guests with decadent presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the pudding cake tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fudgy layer will remain deliciously moist, although slightly firmer than fresh-baked.
Freezing
You can freeze this dessert by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Warm individual servings in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds to revive that molten fudge goodness. Alternatively, reheat portions in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) covered with foil to avoid drying out the cake.
FAQs
Can I use milk alternatives for this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk can be used instead of regular milk without compromising the texture or flavor.
Do I have to use semisweet chocolate chips?
No, you can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference, but semisweet balances sweetness and richness beautifully.
What type of dish works best for baking?
A 9-inch square or similarly sized casserole dish with a flat bottom works best to ensure even baking and the perfect fudge layer formation.
Can I make this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe vegan or dairy-free?
With some swaps like dairy-free butter and egg substitutes, this recipe can be adapted, although the texture might shift slightly. Experiment to find the perfect balance for you!
Why do I pour boiling water over the batter?
This step is the secret to creating that dreamy fudge sauce underneath the cake. It allows the sugar and cocoa to dissolve and mingle, forming a rich layer that contrasts with the cake above.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe is a game changer when you want a dessert that’s both effortless and indulgent. Its contrasting textures and deep chocolate flavor promise smiles and satisfied taste buds every time. Give it a try and watch how this simple dessert becomes an instant favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A decadent and comforting Hot Fudge Pudding Cake that combines a rich chocolate cake with a gooey fudge sauce. This easy-to-make dessert features a soft chocolate cake layer topped with a luscious molten chocolate fudge pudding underneath, perfect served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Other
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish or a similarly sized casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir together until evenly mixed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add milk, melted butter, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour Batter into Dish: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Do not stir after pouring.
- Add Boiling Water: Carefully pour the boiling water over the batter without stirring. This water will settle at the bottom to form the hot fudge sauce.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is set and slightly cracked. The pudding underneath remains soft and gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Do not stir after adding boiling water; this separation is essential for creating the fudge sauce base.
- Use a well-greased baking dish to avoid sticking and for easier serving.
- Optional toppings like vanilla ice cream or whipped cream complement the rich chocolate flavor.
- Adjust baking time slightly if using a glass dish or different oven for best results.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
