If you’re craving an irresistibly rich and cozy dessert that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe. Imagine a chocolate cake with a tender, cakey top and a luscious, gooey hot fudge sauce bubbling right underneath—this magical combination is pure comfort on a plate. It’s one of those desserts that feels special yet comes together quickly with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re sharing with friends, family, or indulging solo, this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe promises joy with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dessert shine. Each element plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of texture and chocolatey flavor—simple components that come together to create something truly extraordinary.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetness is essential, and this amount keeps the cake perfectly balanced without being overpowering.
- ½ cup cocoa powder: Adds that deep, rich chocolate flavor that forms the heart of the cake.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base keeping your cake soft yet structured.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the cake a light, airy rise for the perfect cakey texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
- ½ cup milk: Moistens the batter and contributes to the tender crumb.
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds richness and helps with a smooth texture.
- 1 large egg yolk: Binds ingredients and gives a silky mouthfeel.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Provides warmth and depth to the chocolate flavors.
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips: Little pockets of melty chocolate scattered throughout for extra indulgence.
- 1 cup boiling water: Surprisingly crucial, this creates the hot fudge sauce beneath the cake during baking.
How to Make Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish. This step ensures your cake comes out cleanly and maintains its perfect shape.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute everything evenly for a consistent cake texture and flavor.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Mix
Next, stir in the milk, melted butter, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined. The batter will start to smell incredibly chocolaty and inviting at this point.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the semisweet chocolate chips into the batter—these little bits will melt slightly once baked and give delightful bursts of chocolate in each bite.
Step 5: Pour Batter into the Dish and Add Boiling Water
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish but do not stir. Then, carefully pour the boiling water over the batter. This step may seem unusual, but the boiling water creates the luscious hot fudge sauce that settles beneath the cake as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake Until Set
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top of the cake is set and slightly cracked. The pudding underneath should remain soft and gooey—this contrast is the signature of this amazing recipe.
Step 7: Cool and Get Ready to Serve
Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes. This resting period lets the hot fudge sauce thicken slightly so that every spoonful is a perfect harmony of cakey and fudgy goodness.
How to Serve Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe truly shine, consider topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or a few fresh berries can add texture and a splash of color, making each serving look irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dessert is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp, tart fruit salad or a refreshing citrus sorbet can balance the intense chocolate flavors nicely and add a refreshing finish to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins straight from the oven. This presentation elevates the experience, making each diner feel like they’re enjoying a personalized gourmet treat. Drizzle extra melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top for extra decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which might be hard!), store them covered in the refrigerator. The Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe will keep well for up to 3 days, and flavors often deepen overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil to enjoy later. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Freezing is a great way to have this dessert ready whenever a chocolate craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring back that warm, gooey magic, reheat servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm gently in the oven. You’ll want it piping hot to melt any lingering chocolate chips and recreate the original experience any time.
FAQs
Can I use milk alternatives in the Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk can all be used without sacrificing much flavor. Just ensure they’re unsweetened to control the sugar level in your cake.
Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, you can enjoy the same rich taste and texture without gluten. Just keep in mind that some blends might require slight adjustments.
Why do I pour boiling water over the batter?
This step is magical because the boiling water sinks to the bottom and mixes with the cocoa to create the signature hot fudge sauce layer beneath the cake’s surface.
Can I prepare this dessert in individual servings?
Definitely! Using ramekins or small baking dishes will let you create single servings perfect for a cozy dinner or a party—just reduce baking time slightly and keep an eye on the texture.
How can I make my Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe more decadent?
Adding extra chocolate chips, a swirl of peanut butter, or a splash of espresso powder to the batter can intensify the flavors. Serving it with rich ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce elevates the indulgence.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe is a gorgeous blend of tender cake and decadent chocolate sauce that makes dessert feel like a special occasion, every time. It’s straightforward to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and delivers show-stopping results. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch it become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation!
Print
Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and fudgy Hot Fudge Pudding Cake that combines a moist chocolate cake topping with a luscious hot fudge sauce beneath, perfect for a comforting dessert served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring they are well mixed.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in the milk, melted butter, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate chocolate chips: Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter to add bursts of chocolate.
- Prepare for baking: Pour the batter into the greased baking dish but do not stir further to keep the batter’s texture intact.
- Add boiling water: Carefully pour the cup of boiling water over the top of the batter without stirring. This will create the hot fudge sauce underneath as it bakes.
- Bake the cake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is set and cracked, while the pudding remains soft underneath.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally topped with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Do not stir after pouring boiling water to ensure proper formation of the fudge sauce.
- Use a 9-inch baking dish for best results, but similar sized casseroles will work.
- Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
- Extra toppings like vanilla ice cream or whipped cream complement the warm cake wonderfully.
