Description
A rich and gooey Hot Fudge Cake that magically creates its own luscious fudge sauce as it bakes. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, offering a delightful combination of cakey crust and molten chocolate sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Fudge Sauce Layer:
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ¾ cups hot water
Instructions
- Preheat and Grease: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, stirring gently just until the batter is smooth and combined without overmixing.
- Assemble Cake Layer: Spread the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking dish, creating a flat, uniform layer for even cooking.
- Mix Fudge Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and cocoa powder thoroughly to prepare the fudge sauce topping.
- Add Fudge Layer and Water: Sprinkle the brown sugar and cocoa mixture evenly over the batter. Without stirring, carefully pour the hot water evenly over the entire dish, allowing the water to seep through and create a self-saucing effect as it bakes.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is set with a cakey crust, and you see the gooey fudge sauce bubbling underneath.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Let the cake cool for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the fudge sauce to thicken slightly. Spoon into bowls and serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- This dessert creates its own hot fudge sauce during baking—do not skip adding the hot water layer.
- Best enjoyed fresh and warm for the gooey texture.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently in the microwave before serving.
