Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe
This Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is a dessert that truly feels like magic. Imagine a warm, fluffy chocolate cake that bakes right on top of its own rich, fudgy sauce—yes, all in one pan! With everyday ingredients and a straightforward process, it’s the kind of sweet, gooey treat that sparks instant joy and comfort. Whether you’re hoping to wow chocolate fans or simply want a quick fix for those cozy cravings, this cake is destined to become a favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—they’re the magic-makers behind the unforgettable taste and textures of Hot Fudge Pudding Cake. Each one brings a specific role to the party, from the fudgy base to the delicate sponge on top.
- Granulated sugar (1¼ cups, divided): Sweetens both the cake and the decadent fudge sauce, making every bite a treat.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides the essential structure for your cake layer to rise just right.
- Unsweetened Hershey’s Cocoa powder (½ cup, divided): Adds bold chocolate flavor and that signature dark color.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Gives the cake its soft, fluffy lift.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances all the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate tones.
- Milk (½ cup): Delivers moisture for a tender crumb—whole milk is best for richness, but any will do.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/3 cup): Adds richness and helps achieve a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cake.
- Vanilla extract (1½ teaspoons): Elevates the flavors and brings a warmth that lingers behind the chocolate.
- Packed brown sugar (½ cup): Deepens the sauce with caramel undertones for that signature fudge sensation.
- Hot water (1¼ cups): The not-so-secret magic for creating the molten fudge sauce that forms underneath the cake.
- Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving): Melts into the warm cake, balancing every bite with a creamy chill.
How to Make Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Heat the Water
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. While the oven is warming, heat up a pot of water on the stove—you want it hot, just below a simmer. Choose a 2-quart ceramic dish or a 9-inch square baking pan. If you’re using ceramic, give it a light grease to help your cake serve up smoothly. (Metal pans typically don’t need greasing if they’re nonstick!)
Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Cake Ingredients
In the bowl of a stand mixer—or a large mixing bowl—combine ¾ cup of the granulated sugar, all the flour, ¼ cup of cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Blend these dry ingredients together, then pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until you have a smooth, rich batter—it’ll smell heavenly!
Step 3: Spread the Batter Evenly
Pour your luxurious chocolate batter into the greased dish or pan. Smooth the top with a spatula so it bakes up evenly. At this point, things might look basic, but trust the process—Hot Fudge Pudding Cake always has a dramatic transformation in store.
Step 4: Make and Add the Fudge Topping
In a small bowl, stir together the remaining ½ cup granulated sugar, the brown sugar, and the remaining ¼ cup cocoa powder. Sprinkle this sweet, chocolatey mixture evenly over the smooth cake batter. Now for the magic: pour the hot water slowly over the top. Do not stir! It’ll look odd, but as the cake bakes, the water will sink to form a deep fudge sauce beneath the cake layer.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes if you’re using glass or ceramic (or 30–35 minutes in a metal pan). The center should look almost set—the real clue is the deliciously chocolatey aroma that fills your kitchen. Remove the cake and let it rest for 15 minutes so the fudgy layer can set up perfectly underneath.
Step 6: Serve Up That Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Goodness
After letting it stand, get ready for the best part. Spoon generous helpings into bowls, making sure to scoop up some of that molten chocolate sauce from the bottom. Top with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream (if you like), and serve right away for peak decadence!
How to Serve Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
Garnishes
This Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is a showstopper on its own, but a touch of garnish never hurts. Try fresh berries for a pop of color and tartness, a handful of chocolate curls for a dramatic effect, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts if you want a little crunch. A light dusting of extra cocoa powder can add an elegant finishing touch.
Side Dishes
If you’re building a dessert spread, balance the richness of this cake with something light and bright. Fresh fruit salad or a citrusy sorbet cleanses the palate between bites. If you’re going all in, serve it alongside small glasses of cold milk or coffee for an indulgent duo.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, portion the Hot Fudge Pudding Cake into ramekins or mini oven-safe cups. You can also layer it parfait-style with ice cream and fresh fruit in clear glasses for a stunning visual. Or, for family-style fun, just bring the baking dish right to the table and let everyone dive in—spoonfuls of warm cake and fudge sauce always bring big smiles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hot Fudge Pudding Cake will keep beautifully. Simply cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fudgy layer may thicken a bit, but it’s still absolutely delicious—especially when gently reheated.
Freezing
If you want to freeze individual portions, spoon cake and sauce into microwave-safe containers and let them cool completely before sealing. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the texture at its best.
Reheating
To restore that melting, fudgy bliss, warm leftover cake in the microwave for 20–30 seconds per serving or cover the baking dish and reheat in a 300°F oven until hot. Don’t forget to add a fresh scoop of ice cream—the contrast with the hot, gooey cake is unbeatable!
FAQs
Why do you pour hot water over the cake batter without stirring?
This is the magic step that turns Hot Fudge Pudding Cake into the ultimate self-saucing dessert. As it bakes, the hot water melds with the cocoa and sugars, migrating down to form a luscious, molten sauce beneath the cake.
Can I use Dutch-process cocoa instead of natural cocoa powder?
Yes, you can substitute Dutch-process cocoa in this recipe for an even richer color and flavor, but the cake will turn out slightly less fluffy because of the change in acidity. The taste, though, will still be fabulous.
Is it possible to make Hot Fudge Pudding Cake dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute non-dairy milk and plant-based butter to keep things vegan, and double-check that your cocoa powder is dairy free. The results are surprisingly close to the classic version—gooey, rich, and irresistible.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The top of your cake should look set around the edges with a slightly underdone center, and you’ll see a thick fudge sauce bubbling underneath. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Can I make Hot Fudge Pudding Cake ahead of time?
For the best wow factor, bake and serve the cake fresh so the fudge sauce is at its most molten. But leftovers reheat beautifully; just warm individual servings as needed for instant chocolate comfort.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Hot Fudge Pudding Cake at home, now is the perfect time to see why it’s been a well-kept secret among chocolate lovers. It’s simple, spectacular, and requires no fancy equipment—just a craving for something warm and wonderful. Grab your favorite baking dish and enjoy every gooey spoonful!
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Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent and comforting Hot Fudge Pudding Cake, a delightful dessert that creates its own rich chocolate sauce as it bakes.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar, divided
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened Hershey’s Cocoa powder, divided
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Topping:
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1¼ cups hot water
Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream, if desired for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare water: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Heat a pot of water on the stove to very hot (just under a simmer).
- Mix dry ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine ¾ cup of the granulated sugar, flour, ¼ cup of the cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Prepare batter: Pour the batter into a greased 2-quart ceramic dish or 9-inch square baking pan.
- Make topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa. Sprinkle over the batter. Pour hot water over the top without stirring.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes in a glass dish or 30-35 minutes in a metal pan until the center is almost set.
- Serve: Let it stand for 15 minutes, then spoon into serving bowls, topping with fudgy sauce. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
- For best results, serve the cake warm.
- This dessert pairs perfectly with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 49g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Hot Fudge Pudding Cake, Chocolate Cake, Dessert Recipe
