The Ultimate Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Rich, gooey hot fudge pudding cake redefines ordinary dessert experiences into pure chocolate bliss.

Decadent ingredients meld together, creating a magical combination that defies traditional baking expectations.

Chocolate lovers recognize this dessert as a game-changing treat that satisfies deep cravings instantly.

The unique texture balances between a moist cake and a luscious, molten sauce that emerges during baking.

Unexpected chemistry happens inside the pan, where simple components undergo a remarkable metamorphosis.

Home bakers appreciate how minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness with this remarkable confection.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dessert promises to elevate your sweet tooth’s wildest dreams.

Why Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Feels Like a Chocolate Lava Dream

• Create Instant Chocolate Magic: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a decadent dessert with minimal effort, producing a self-saucing pudding cake that magically creates its own rich chocolate sauce during baking.
• Enjoy Textural Wonderland: Experience a delightful contrast between the soft, tender cake top and the gooey, molten chocolate layer underneath, creating a luxurious eating experience that satisfies both cake and pudding lovers.
• Quick Comfort in a Pan: Perfect for last-minute dessert cravings, this recipe requires just 10 minutes of prep time and delivers a warm, indulgent treat that can be whipped up with basic pantry ingredients, making it an ideal go-to dessert for unexpected guests or sudden sweet tooth moments.

What Goes Into This Gooey Hot Fudge Cake

Main Ingredients:

• Granulated Sugar: Sweet component that helps create tender cake texture with caramelization potential.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structural foundation for the cake's structure and consistency.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and dark color to the dessert.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind ingredients smoothly.
• Butter: Contributes richness, flavor, and helps create tender crumb.

• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the dessert.
• Hot Water: Creates magical fudgy sauce layer during baking process.

• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out chocolate flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
• Baking Powder: Helps cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

How to Bake and Serve a Pudding Cake That Melts in the Middle

Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Water

Warm the oven to 350°F. Heat water in a pot until steaming but not boiling.

Step 2: Creating the Cake Batter

• Granulated sugar
• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt

• Milk
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and consistent.

Step 3: Spreading the Batter

Pour batter into a greased 2-quart ceramic dish or 9-inch square baking pan. Spread evenly across the surface.

Step 4: Making the Chocolate Topping

• Remaining granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Remaining cocoa powder

Sprinkle this mixture carefully over the batter.

Step 5: Adding the Liquid Layer

Gently pour hot water over the entire surface. Do not mix or stir the layers.

Step 6: Baking the Dessert

Bake for 35-40 minutes in a glass dish or 30-35 minutes in a metal pan. The center should look almost set when done.

Step 7: Resting and Serving

Let the cake rest for 15 minutes after removing from the oven. Scoop into serving bowls, making sure to include the rich fudgy sauce from the bottom. Top with vanilla ice cream if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the decadent chocolate surprise waiting underneath!

Tips for Fudgey Richness and Baked-in Sauce

• Choose the Right Dish: Use a ceramic or glass baking dish to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
• Check Water Temperature: Heat water just under simmering point to create the perfect fudgy sauce layer without scalding.
• Don't Overmix Batter: Stir ingredients until just combined to keep the cake tender and avoid a tough texture.
• Test for Doneness: Look for a slightly jiggly center that's almost set, indicating the pudding cake is perfectly baked.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to maximize the gooey, rich chocolate experience.

How to Store and Reheat Pudding Cake Without Drying

• Refrigeration: Store leftover hot fudge pudding cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent moisture loss and preserve its delicious texture.
• Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until heated through. For best results, place a damp paper towel over the cake to keep it moist and prevent drying out.
• Freezing: Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating and serving with a fresh scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Best Ice Creams and Whipped Toppings to Pair

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Companion: Serve a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream alongside the warm, gooey hot fudge pudding cake. The cold, smooth ice cream perfectly contrasts the rich, warm chocolate dessert, creating a heavenly temperature and flavor balance.
• Complement with Rich Coffee Delight: Brew a strong, hot espresso or dark roast coffee to accompany the decadent chocolate cake. The robust coffee cuts through the sweetness and enhances the deep chocolate notes, providing a sophisticated taste experience.
• Match with Sweet Dessert Wine: Select a port wine or sweet red dessert wine like Banyuls. These wines offer complementary chocolate undertones that amplify the cake's rich chocolate flavor, creating a luxurious after-dinner indulgence.

Fun Mix-Ins to Try With Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

• Caramel Chocolate Swirl: Replace brown sugar with dark caramel sauce, drizzle extra caramel on top before baking for rich, gooey layers of sweetness.
• Nutty Mocha Edition: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter, replace vanilla extract with strong espresso for a deep, complex chocolate-coffee flavor profile.
• Berry Chocolate Fusion: Scatter fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries across the batter before sprinkling the cocoa topping, creating bursts of fruity brightness against the rich chocolate base.
• Salted Almond Chocolate: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the final cake and add sliced almonds on top, enhancing the chocolate's depth with nutty, salty undertones.

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Indulgent hot fudge pudding cake melts hearts with its gooey chocolate center and rich, velvety texture. Warm spoonfuls of this classic dessert promise pure comfort, inviting you to savor each decadent bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened Hershey’s cocoa powder, divided
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar, divided
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Liquid Ingredients:

• ½ cup milk
• 1 ¼ cups hot water
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Optional Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream (as desired)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 350°F (175°C) and simultaneously warm a pot of water until it’s steaming but not quite boiling.
2. Create the cake base by blending granulated sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, then incorporate milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture achieves a smooth consistency.
3. Transfer the batter into a greased 2-quart ceramic dish or 9-inch square baking pan, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
4. Craft a decadent topping by combining the remaining granulated sugar, brown sugar, and additional cocoa powder in a separate bowl, then generously sprinkle this mixture over the cake batter.
5. Gently pour the hot water across the entire surface of the batter, taking care not to disturb the layered ingredients.
6. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes in a ceramic dish or 30-35 minutes in a metal pan, watching for the center to become almost set.
7. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cake to rest for 15 minutes, letting the layers settle and the sauce develop its rich texture.
8. Serve by carefully scooping portions into individual bowls, making sure to capture the luscious fudgy sauce from the bottom of the pan.
9. Optional: Crown each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

Notes

• Prepare hot water beforehand to ensure smooth cake baking process.
• Use precise measurements for ingredients to maintain the perfect texture and flavor balance.
• Avoid stirring after pouring hot water, as this creates the signature fudgy bottom layer.
• Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the molten chocolate sauce at its best.
• Allow cake to rest for 15 minutes after baking to help sauce set and improve serving consistency.
• Optional vanilla ice cream adds a delightful creamy contrast to the rich chocolate dessert.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg