Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is the ultimate answer to every chocolate lover’s craving: a classic American dessert that magically transforms into both a warm, fluffy cake and a glossy, decadent fudge pudding—in just one pan. This irresistible creation needs simple pantry ingredients, minimal effort, and creates the kind of gooey, saucy chocolate comfort that brings friends and family running to the kitchen. If you’re in the mood for a treat that’s as impressive as it is easy, this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is about to become your new go-to dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Hot Fudge Pudding Cake comes from a handful of humble ingredients whose flavors and textures combine into pure chocolate bliss. Each one plays an important role, from the structure of the cake to the rich sauce underneath. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love them:
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the cake and gives it a perfectly tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cake brown beautifully on top.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Don’t skimp here—the cocoa brings deep chocolate flavor to both the cake and the gooey topping.
- Baking powder: The leavening that makes your cake rise to fluffy perfection.
- Salt: Just a pinch, to balance out the sweetness and intensify the chocolate flavors.
- Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the base of the cake.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Gives the cake an indulgent flavor and ultra-tender texture.
- Vanilla extract: A dash for warmth and aroma, tying all the chocolate notes together.
- Brown sugar (for the topping): Melts into the most luscious fudge sauce underneath the cake.
- More unsweetened cocoa powder (for the topping): Double the chocolate means double the decadence in your pudding layer.
- Hot water (for the topping): Sound strange? Pouring hot water on top creates the silky sauce we all crave in this dessert—just trust the process!
How to Make Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing an 8×8-inch baking dish. This quick step ensures your cake rises nicely and slides out with all that gooey sauce intact—no sticking, just chocolaty perfection.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Taking a moment to really mix these ensures the cake bakes up evenly and every bite tastes rich and balanced.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is just combined into a thick, spreadable batter—it should look glossy and a little indulgent even at this stage.
Step 4: Spread the Batter
Now, scoop your batter into the prepared dish and smooth it into all the corners. Try to make the top even, so the pudding layer will set up just right underneath during baking.
Step 5: Mix Up the Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cocoa powder for the topping. This powerful duo is what will create the fudge sauce underneath the cake as it bakes. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over your batter—don’t mix it in!
Step 6: Add the Hot Water
It might feel unusual, but go ahead: slowly pour the hot water right on top of everything. Resist every urge to stir or poke at it! Let the magic happen in the oven, where the water seeps through and creates a luscious hot fudge layer at the bottom.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top looks set like brownies, but a spoon gently pushed in reveals a pool of chocolate sauce underneath. Let the cake cool for five to ten minutes (if you can wait!), so the sauce thickens just a bit before serving.
How to Serve Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
Garnishes
There’s nothing quite like crowning your Hot Fudge Pudding Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The chill melts into the warm chocolate pool, making each bite pure bliss. You can also sprinkle a few chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder for a knockout presentation.
Side Dishes
This cake is a showstopper on its own, but if you’re in the mood for a bigger dessert spread, serve it alongside fresh berries or a crisp fruit salad. The tartness of berries balances out the richness, adding a pop of color and a fresh note to each forkful.
Creative Ways to Present
Make this cozy dessert feel extra special by portioning it into individual ramekins before baking, or serve it family-style straight from the baking dish. For dinner parties, garnish each plate with mint leaves and chocolate curls, or layer small spoonfuls into clear glasses for a trendy, deconstructed twist on Hot Fudge Pudding Cake.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Hot Fudge Pudding Cake, simply cover the baking dish with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for up to three days. The cake will absorb a bit more of the sauce as it sits, but trust me—it’s still absolutely delicious the next day.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Hot Fudge Pudding Cake! Once cooled to room temperature, portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole baking dish tightly in foil. It’s best enjoyed within two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for that molten, chocolatey experience.
Reheating
To recapture all that gooey goodness, reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, or warm the whole baking dish in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes, covered with foil. Add a splash of milk before reheating if it looks a bit dry—your sauce layer will come right back to life!
FAQs
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. The bake time may be a few minutes longer, so keep an eye on the top—it should look set, with that signature fudge layer underneath.
Why shouldn’t I stir after adding the hot water?
The layering is key! Pouring hot water on top and leaving it undisturbed allows the batter to rise and the sugary cocoa topping to melt into hot fudge sauce. Stirring would mix everything together and prevent the sauce from forming properly.
Can I use non-dairy milk or vegan butter?
Definitely. Swap in your favorite non-dairy milk and a plant-based butter substitute to make Hot Fudge Pudding Cake 100% dairy-free. The results are still gooey and indulgent, with all the classic flavor.
Is there a way to make it gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. The cake is very forgiving, and you’ll still get the same delightful textures and layers.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The top should look baked and set—kind of like a batch of brownies—but when you gently spoon into it, look for a glossy fudge sauce at the bottom. Don’t worry if it looks a bit loose at first; it will thicken slightly as the cake cools for a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a show-stopping, fuss-free dessert that brings maximum chocolate flavor with minimal work, Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is truly a winner. There’s nothing like digging your spoon through the soft cake into that molten sauce underneath—it’s pure joy in every bite. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a beloved tradition in your household, too!
Print
Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate chocolate dessert with this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake recipe. A decadent treat that magically creates its own hot fudge sauce while baking, resulting in a gooey and rich chocolate experience.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/4 cups hot water
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Cake Batter: In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla, mix until a thick batter forms.
- Prepare the Topping: Mix brown sugar and cocoa powder. Spread batter in the dish, sprinkle topping over it.
- Add Hot Water: Slowly pour hot water over the topping without stirring.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until set on top with a fudgy sauce underneath.
- Serve: Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with ice cream if desired.
Notes
- The cake creates its own hot fudge sauce while baking, resulting in a layered texture.
- A twist: Add espresso powder for a mocha flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
