Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

A delightful twist on traditional chocolate cake, Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is an irresistible dessert that combines the rich flavors of cocoa, semisweet chocolate chips, and a gooey, warm fudge sauce that forms as it bakes. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting, indulgent treat. As the cake bakes, a decadent fudge sauce forms at the bottom, creating an irresistible contrast between the light, fluffy cake on top and the warm, rich fudge underneath.

This no-fuss dessert is easy to prepare and can be assembled in just a few simple steps. The ingredients come together effortlessly to create a dessert that’s both visually stunning and incredibly satisfying. The beauty of this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake lies in its simplicity—while it may look and taste like a complex creation, it’s surprisingly easy to make with just a few pantry staples. Plus, it’s the perfect dessert to enjoy when you want something warm and comforting with minimal effort.

If you’re a chocolate lover or just looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is sure to become a go-to recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. With its fudgy sauce and rich, moist cake, it delivers a perfect balance of textures that’s sure to satisfy. The best part is the magic that happens as it bakes—the cake and sauce separate into two distinct layers, creating a warm, gooey chocolate fudge at the bottom. It’s a comforting dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any time you want something indulgent without too much effort. Whether served on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert is always a hit.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup boiling water

Variations

While this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is a delicious classic, there are many ways to customize it:

• Mint Chocolate Pudding Cake: Add a few drops of mint extract to the batter for a refreshing minty twist that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate flavor.
• Nutty Pudding Cake: Fold in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the batter to add texture and crunch.
• Caramel Fudge Pudding Cake: Swap the chocolate chips for caramel chips for a different sweet flavor that complements the fudgy base.
• Double Chocolate Cake: Add extra cocoa powder or use dark chocolate chips to intensify the chocolate flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish or a similar-sized dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

In the same bowl, add the milk, melted butter, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well incorporated and the batter is smooth.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold the semisweet chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.

Step 5: Pour the Batter Into the Baking Dish

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Add Boiling Water

Pour the boiling water over the top of the batter. Do not stir—this will help form the fudgy sauce at the bottom of the cake.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges are slightly golden. The center will be soft, and the sauce will form underneath the cake.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before serving. Spoon out portions of the warm cake, making sure to get some of the fudgy sauce from the bottom of the dish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Stir the Water: When adding the boiling water to the batter, don’t stir it. The water helps create the fudgy sauce at the bottom, which is the hallmark of this dessert.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking powder is fresh to ensure the cake rises properly.
• Serve Immediately: This cake is best enjoyed fresh from the oven while the sauce is still warm and gooey.
• Customize the Chocolate: If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, you can use dark cocoa powder or add more chocolate chips.

How to Serve

Serve the Hot Fudge Pudding Cake warm, directly from the baking dish. For an extra indulgent treat, top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also drizzle with additional hot fudge sauce or sprinkle with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. The cake will continue to absorb some of the sauce, but it will still be delicious.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cake cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Reheating

Reheat the pudding cake in the microwave or oven. If using the microwave, heat individual portions for 30-45 seconds or until warm. In the oven, cover the dish with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of chocolate for this recipe?

Yes, you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chips for a slightly different flavor.

2. Can I make this cake without the chocolate chips?

Yes, if you prefer a less intense chocolate flavor, you can omit the chocolate chips. The cake will still be delicious!

3. Can I use a different size baking dish?

Yes, you can use any similar-sized baking dish. Just make sure the batter is spread evenly and check the cake for doneness after 30 minutes.

4. Can I substitute the egg yolk with something else?

The egg yolk adds richness to the cake. You can try using a flax egg or another egg substitute, but the texture may vary slightly.

5. How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The top should be set and the edges golden brown. The center will remain soft, and the fudgy sauce should be visible underneath.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger baking dish. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.

7. Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

Yes, low-fat milk can be used, but whole milk will give the cake a richer texture.

8. Is it necessary to use boiling water?

Yes, the boiling water is essential to create the fudgy sauce at the bottom of the cake.

9. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

You can prepare the cake ahead of time, but it’s best to bake it just before serving to enjoy the warm, gooey fudge sauce.

10. How can I make this cake less sweet?

If you want a less sweet version, you can reduce the sugar slightly and use unsweetened cocoa powder for a more balanced flavor.

Conclusion

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers, combining the best of both worlds: a rich, gooey fudge sauce and a fluffy, moist cake. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether served as a quick weeknight treat or a showstopper for a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to impress. Enjoy it warm, topped with ice cream, and let the chocolatey goodness melt in your mouth!

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