Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe

There's something magical about a dessert that creates its own sauce while it bakes. This Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is a rich, gooey chocolate treat that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible. With a fudgy cake layer on top and a luscious, molten chocolate sauce underneath, every spoonful is pure decadence.

I first discovered this recipe on a cold winter night when I was craving something warm and comforting. A quick mix of pantry staples later, and I had the most indulgent dessert bubbling away in my oven. Now, it's my go-to when I need a chocolate fix in a hurry!

Why You’ll Love This Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

Get ready to fall in love with one of the easiest, most satisfying chocolate desserts you'll ever make. This Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is pure comfort in a bowl!

First, it’s an absolute breeze to prepare. No fancy equipment or complicated steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy. If you can stir ingredients together, you can make this cake!

The texture is what makes this dessert truly special. As it bakes, the cake rises to the top while a rich, velvety chocolate sauce forms underneath, creating an irresistible contrast of fluffy cake and gooey fudge.

It’s the perfect dessert for last-minute cravings. With basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, you can whip up this indulgent treat in under an hour.

Best of all, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether you're serving it at a dinner party or just treating yourself on a quiet night in, one spoonful of warm chocolatey goodness will win over anyone.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake lies in its simple ingredients, each playing a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• All-Purpose Flour – This gives structure to the cake while keeping it soft and moist. You can also use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – The star of the show! Be sure to use a good-quality cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor.
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar – A combination of both adds the right amount of sweetness while keeping the cake tender. The brown sugar also enhances the fudginess of the sauce.
• Milk & Butter – These ingredients keep the cake moist and flavorful. Whole milk works best, but you can substitute it with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
• Boiling Water – Pouring hot water over the batter before baking might seem unusual, but it's the secret to forming that gooey chocolate sauce underneath!

No special equipment is needed—just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a baking dish. Simple and fuss-free!

How to Make This Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

Making this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is as simple as mixing, layering, and baking. Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Prepare the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing an 8-inch square baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until a thick batter forms. Spread this evenly into your prepared dish.

2. Add the Sugar & Cocoa Topping

In a separate small bowl, mix together brown sugar and additional cocoa powder. This will be the magic layer that helps form the fudgy sauce. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter—don't stir!

3. Pour the Hot Water

Now for the magic trick! Gently pour boiling water over the entire batter. It may look strange at first, but trust the process—this step creates that irresistible chocolate sauce as it bakes.

4. Bake Until Fudgy Perfection

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top looks set and slightly cracked. The cake will rise, and the sauce will settle at the bottom. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon the warm cake into bowls, making sure to scoop up plenty of that gooey chocolate sauce from underneath. Serve as is, or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate treat!

Storage Options

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, but it will still be delicious when reheated.
• Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to bring back the gooey, fudgy texture. Add a splash of milk if needed to loosen up the sauce.
• Freeze: While this cake is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is how versatile it is! Here are some fun ways to customize it:

• Mocha Lover’s Twist – Replace half of the boiling water with hot brewed coffee for a deep, mocha-infused flavor.
• Peanut Butter Perfection – Swirl in a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the batter before baking for a delicious peanut butter-chocolate combo.
• Mint Chocolate Magic – Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing twist.
• Dairy-Free Option – Swap the butter for melted coconut oil and use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk.
• Extra Chocolate Boost – Fold in a handful of chocolate chips into the batter for even more melty chocolate goodness.

No matter how you customize it, this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is guaranteed to be a hit. So grab a spoon and dig in—you deserve it!

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