Easy Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe: A Dreamy Chocolate Delight

Chocolate lovers secretly adore this magical hot fudge pudding cake that creates instant dessert bliss.

Sweet aromas will soon fill your kitchen with irresistible warmth.

Layers of rich chocolate meld together in a surprisingly simple process.

Decadent textures emerge from basic pantry ingredients you likely already own.

Unexpected chemistry happens when ordinary components transform into something extraordinary.

Home bakers appreciate how minimal effort produces maximum deliciousness.

One spoonful promises pure indulgence that melts right into your soul.

Dive into this recipe and let delectable magic unfold before your eyes.

FAQs

• Can I make this cake without nuts?

Yes, you can easily skip the nuts or replace them with chocolate chips or omit them completely without affecting the cake’s texture or flavor.

• Is this dessert similar to a lava cake?

While both have a gooey center, this hot fudge pudding cake is different. It creates its own sauce during baking, forming a self-saucing dessert with a unique pudding-like bottom layer.

• Can I use different types of milk?

Absolutely! You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk without significant changes to the recipe’s outcome.

Indulgent Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Secrets

• Craft a Delectable Dessert: Create a rich, gooey chocolate treat that magically transforms during baking, producing a luscious fudge sauce underneath the cake layer.
• Master Simple Baking Techniques: Prepare this dessert with basic ingredients and minimal steps, making it perfect for home bakers of all skill levels who want to impress without complicated methods.
• Serve with Crowd-Pleasing Flair: Elevate the dessert by topping with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream, turning an ordinary cake into a restaurant-worthy finale for any meal or gathering.
• Enjoy Versatile Comfort Food: Delight in a dessert that works wonderfully for family dinners, potlucks, or spontaneous sweet cravings, with the option to add nuts for extra texture and flavor.

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Ingredients List

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure to the cake base.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor to the cake and sauce.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dessert.

• Milk: Moistens the cake batter and helps bind the ingredients.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and contributes to the cake's tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor to the dessert.

• Brown Sugar, Hot Water: Creates a delicious fudgy sauce that forms underneath the cake during baking.
• Nuts (Optional): Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the dessert.

• Ice Cream, Whipped Cream: Provides a cool, creamy complement to the warm chocolate cake.

Stepwise Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Prep

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat an 8-inch baking dish with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended and free of lumps.

Step 3: Create the Cake Batter

• Milk
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and consistent.

If desired, fold in chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.

Step 4: Spread the Batter

Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface to ensure uniform baking.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

• Brown sugar
• Cocoa powder

Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter.

Step 6: Add Hot Water

Carefully pour hot water over the entire surface of the cake.

Do not stir or mix the layers.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

The cake is done when it appears set and a rich fudge sauce has formed underneath.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven.

Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Pro Techniques for Perfect Pudding Cake

• Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor in the cake.
• Opt for unsalted butter to control the salt content and enhance the overall taste.
• Chop nuts finely for even distribution and better texture throughout the dessert.
• Serve immediately after cooling to enjoy the warm, gooey fudge sauce at its best.
• Experiment with different nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and depth of flavor.

Flavor Twists on Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Haven: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains rich chocolate flavor.
• Vegan Chocolate Comfort: Swap milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and add flax egg as binding agent for plant-based chocolate lovers.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Dream: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing calorie content while keeping intense chocolate experience.
• Nutty Chocolate Indulgence: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into batter for extra crunch and depth of flavor, creating a more textured dessert experience.

Serving Suggestions for Pudding Cake

• Cozy Dessert Night: Gather friends for a warm, gooey pudding cake experience that feels like a chocolate hug. Perfect for sharing and creating sweet memories.
• Decadent Brunch Finale: Serve this rich dessert as a surprising last course after a savory brunch, letting the chocolate sauce steal the show with its luxurious texture.
• Rustic Comfort Plating: Scoop the warm cake directly from the baking dish, topping with a generous dollop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the rich chocolate pudding sauce.
• Winter Comfort Companion: Pair with a hot coffee or cocoa, making this dessert an ultimate comfort treat during chilly evenings when you need something warm and indulgent.

Tips for Storing Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to seal in moisture and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, checking to ensure the cake is warm but not overheated.
• For best results, warm the cake in the oven at 325F for 10-15 minutes, which helps restore its original soft texture and revive the gooey fudge sauce.

Quick Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Irresistible hot fudge pudding cake delivers a rich chocolate experience from classic American dessert traditions. Warm chocolate sauce mingles with tender cake, creating a luscious treat that melts hearts and satisfies deep chocolate cravings you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Chocolate Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups hot water

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F and lightly coat an 8-inch baking dish with grease to prevent sticking.
2. Combine dry ingredients including flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to eliminate lumps.
3. Incorporate milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture, stirring until a smooth batter forms. Gently fold in chopped nuts if desired.
4. Spread the batter evenly across the prepared baking dish, ensuring uniform thickness.
5. In a separate bowl, blend brown sugar and cocoa powder, then sprinkle the mixture uniformly over the cake batter’s surface.
6. Carefully pour hot water across the top of the batter without disturbing the layered ingredients, allowing the water to settle naturally.
7. Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a set cake texture and a rich fudge sauce developing underneath.
8. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing the dessert to stabilize and sauce to thicken.
9. Serve warm, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent finish.

Notes

• Adjust cocoa powder intensity by choosing high-quality dark or milk cocoa for different flavor depths.
• Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk to create a dairy-free version that remains rich and decadent.
• Toast chopped nuts before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch to the dessert.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother batter and more consistent baking results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 252 kcal
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg