Description
This Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is a chocoholic’s dream—rich, gooey, and self-saucing. As it bakes, it magically forms a fluffy chocolate cake on top with a thick, fudgy sauce underneath. Perfect for serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
For the Hot Water Layer
- 1 1/2 cups hot water
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
- Make the cake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Add the topping: In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder. Sprinkle evenly over the batter.
- Pour the hot water: Slowly pour hot water over the top of the cake. Do not stir—it’s this step that creates the pudding layer.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the cake is set on top but still has a fudgy sauce bubbling underneath.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving warm. Spoon into bowls, making sure to get both cake and fudge sauce. Top with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- The magic pudding layer forms from the hot water mixing with the sugar and cocoa during baking—no extra steps needed.
- You can add a pinch of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
- Best served immediately for the ultimate gooey texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of cake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: hot fudge pudding cake, chocolate self-saucing pudding, easy chocolate dessert, gooey chocolate cake