Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe

Easy Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe: Fudgy Bliss in Every Bite

Chocolate pudding cake elevates ordinary dessert experiences into magical moments of pure indulgence.

Rich, velvety textures mingle with deep cocoa notes, creating an irresistible treat that beckons sweet lovers everywhere.

Decadent layers promise a sensory journey through intense chocolate landscapes that dance between moist cake and silky pudding-like consistency.

Home bakers can easily master this delightful creation that blends comforting warmth with sophisticated flavor profiles.

The recipe demands minimal ingredients but delivers maximum satisfaction, turning simple pantry staples into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Passionate dessert enthusiasts appreciate how this cake defies traditional boundaries between cake and pudding, offering a unique textural adventure.

Each slice promises a symphony of chocolate intensity that melts effortlessly on your palate.

Chocolate Pudding Cake That’s Warm, Rich, and Gooey

  • Create Effortless Indulgence: This chocolate pudding cake simplifies dessert-making with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for novice bakers seeking a decadent treat without complicated techniques.
  • Deliver Rich Chocolate Luxury: The recipe combines deep cocoa powder and melted chocolate chips, creating an intensely smooth, velvety texture that promises pure chocolate satisfaction in every silky bite.
  • Master Professional Presentation: Using clever techniques like straining the mixture, lining the pan with parchment, and warming the knife for clean slices elevates this dessert from home cooking to professional-level elegance without requiring advanced culinary skills.
  • Enjoy Versatile Chilled Delight: Designed as a make-ahead dessert that sets beautifully in the refrigerator, this pudding cake becomes an ideal option for summer gatherings, dinner parties, or spontaneous chocolate cravings with minimal last-minute preparation.

Ingredients for Chocolate Pudding Cake Magic

Main Ingredients:

Chocolate Base:
  • Milk: Creamy liquid base that provides smooth texture and richness.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious thickness and deepens pudding's silky consistency.
  • Chocolate Chips: Primary flavor component with rich, intense chocolate taste, dark or semi-sweet recommended.
Thickening Agents:
  • Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the pudding's structure.
  • Cornstarch: Critical thickening agent that creates pudding's signature smooth texture.
Seasoning:
  • Cocoa Powder: Enhances deep chocolate flavor and provides additional richness.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall chocolate profile.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Cooking Spray: Ensures easy pan release and prevents sticking.
  • Parchment Paper: Assists with clean removal and neat presentation of pudding cake.
  • Kitchen Torch or Boiling Water: Optional tool for clean, smooth cake slicing technique.

How to Bake Chocolate Pudding Cake with Fudge Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Coat an 8-inch by 4-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Create a parchment paper lining that fits snugly inside the pan, using clips to secure it. Spray the parchment with additional cooking spray to ensure easy release.

Step 2: Create Smooth Liquid Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine ingredients:
  • Milk
  • Sugar
  • Heavy cream
  • Cocoa powder
  • Cornstarch
  • Salt

Whisk thoroughly until the mixture becomes completely smooth and uniform.

Step 3: Cook the Chocolate Mixture

Strain the liquid mixture into a medium saucepan. Heat over medium temperature, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for two minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Chocolate Chips

Lower the heat to medium-low. Add chocolate chips to the simmering mixture. Stir until the chips melt completely, creating a silky smooth texture.

Step 5: Transfer and Chill

Pour the chocolate mixture through a fine mesh strainer into the prepared loaf pan. Refrigerate for a minimum of four hours or until the pudding cake sets firmly.

Step 6: Unveil and Decorate

Gently remove the pudding cake from the pan onto a serving plate. Carefully peel away the parchment paper. Dust the top with cocoa powder for an elegant finish.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

To slice cleanly, dip a knife in boiling water, wipe dry, and cut. Alternatively, use a kitchen torch to warm the knife blade. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Tips for Getting the Perfect Top and Gooey Center

  • Prevent Lumps: Whisk ingredients thoroughly and strain the mixture to ensure a silky-smooth texture without any cornstarch clumps.
  • Control Heat Carefully: Maintain a gentle simmer and stir constantly to prevent scorching or burning the chocolate mixture.
  • Achieve Perfect Consistency: Use a fine mesh sieve when pouring to catch any potential unmelted bits and create an extra-smooth pudding cake.
  • Slice Like a Pro: Warm your knife with hot water or a kitchen torch to get clean, perfect slices without dragging or breaking the delicate dessert.
  • Enhance Flavor: Dust with high-quality cocoa powder just before serving to add an extra layer of rich chocolate intensity and professional presentation.

Storing Chocolate Pudding Cake Without Drying It Out

  • Refrigerate: Wrap the pudding cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its creamy texture and rich flavor.
  • Prevent Drying: Place a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface before sealing to prevent a skin from forming and keep the pudding cake moist.
  • Freezing: Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Pairing Ideas for a Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake

  • Pair with Velvety Red Wine: Match this rich chocolate pudding cake with a smooth Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine's dark fruit notes complement the deep chocolate flavors, creating a decadent dessert experience.
  • Serve with Creamy Vanilla Accompaniment: Top the pudding cake with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream. The cool, light vanilla provides a delightful contrast to the intense chocolate texture.
  • Enhance with Espresso Shot: Enjoy a small shot of espresso alongside the pudding cake. The strong coffee cuts through the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate's complex flavor profile, making each bite more vibrant.
  • Garnish with Crunchy Nut Topping: Sprinkle toasted almonds or chopped hazelnuts over the pudding cake. These nuts add a satisfying crunch and nutty depth that elevates the dessert's overall sensory experience.

New Twists for Classic Chocolate Pudding Cake

  • Espresso Chocolate Dream: Enhance the chocolate pudding cake by adding 1-2 tablespoons of strong espresso powder to the milk mixture for a rich, deep coffee flavor that complements the chocolate.
  • Dark Chocolate Orange Burst: Incorporate finely grated orange zest and a splash of orange extract into the mixture to create a bright, citrusy undertone that elevates the chocolate's complexity.
  • Salted Caramel Swirl: Before chilling, drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the top of the pudding cake, creating beautiful marbled patterns and adding a decadent salty-sweet dimension.
  • Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds on top before serving, introducing a delightful textural contrast and nutty undertone to the smooth chocolate pudding cake.
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Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe

Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Chocolate pudding cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its rich, gooey center and tender crumb. Drizzled with warm chocolate sauce, this indulgent treat promises a heavenly experience that will transport you to pure chocolate bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Pudding Cake

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (960 milliliters) whole milk
  • 2 cups (340 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup (50 grams) dark cocoa powder

Sweeteners and Thickeners:

  • ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (48 grams) cornstarch
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Seasoning:

  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Additional:

  • Cooking spray (for greasing)

Instructions

  1. Meticulously coat an 8″x4″ loaf pan with cooking spray, strategically layering parchment paper to create a seamless lining that hugs the pan’s interior.
  2. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly amalgamate milk, sugar, heavy cream, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
  3. Transfer the silky liquid through a fine strainer into a medium saucepan, positioning it over medium heat and stirring vigilantly to prevent scorching.
  4. Maintain a gentle simmer for approximately two minutes, ensuring the mixture develops a smooth, glossy texture.
  5. Reduce heat to a low setting and gradually incorporate chocolate chips, stirring continuously until they completely dissolve and integrate seamlessly with the existing mixture.
  6. Carefully strain the molten chocolate blend through a fine mesh sieve directly into the prepared loaf pan, eliminating any potential lumps.
  7. Refrigerate the pan for a minimum of four hours, allowing the pudding cake to solidify and develop its rich, decadent texture.
  8. Gently release the chilled dessert from its mold onto a serving plate, delicately peeling away the parchment paper.
  9. Enhance the presentation by dusting the surface with a light veil of cocoa powder.
  10. For pristine slicing, warm a knife by briefly dipping it in boiling water and wiping clean, or utilize a kitchen torch to ensure smooth, clean cuts.
  11. Serve the pudding cake thoroughly chilled, revealing its luxurious, silky consistency with each elegant slice.

Notes

  • Prepare your baking tools ahead of time for a smooth cooking experience, ensuring all ingredients are measured and ready before starting.
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips for a rich, intense chocolate flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Creating a tight parchment paper lining helps easily remove the delicate pudding cake without breaking its smooth texture.
  • Constant stirring while simmering prevents scorching and ensures a silky, lump-free chocolate mixture that sets perfectly.
  • Chilling for at least 4 hours allows the pudding cake to develop a firm, creamy consistency that slices beautifully when served.
  • Warming your knife with hot water or a kitchen torch creates clean, precise slices without disturbing the cake’s delicate surface.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 42 g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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