Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake

If you love gooey, chocolatey desserts, this Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is about to become your new obsession! With its soft, cake-like top and rich, fudgy sauce underneath, every bite is pure chocolate bliss. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make with pantry staples, and you don’t need any fancy equipment.

Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle extra chocolate sauce on top, this pudding cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a one-bowl, no-mixer-needed recipe that’s perfect for busy nights or last-minute cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Self-Saucing Magic! The cake bakes with its own gooey hot fudge sauce—no extra work required.
• Super Easy to Make: You only need one bowl and simple ingredients.
• No Fancy Equipment: No mixer, no layers—just mix, pour, and bake!
• Deep Chocolate Flavor: A rich, chocolate lover’s dream with a moist cake and fudgy sauce.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a party dessert, this cake always impresses!

Key Ingredients for the Cake & Fudge Sauce

Here’s what makes this dessert absolutely irresistible:

For the Cake Layer:

• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and a tender crumb.
• White Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake and enhances moisture.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – The key to deep chocolate flavor. Use high-quality cocoa for the best results!
• Baking Powder – Helps the cake rise and stay light.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate richness.
• Milk – Keeps the cake soft and moist.
• Melted Butter – Adds richness and a buttery flavor.
• Vanilla Extract – Elevates the chocolate taste for a deeper flavor.

For the Fudge Sauce:

• Brown Sugar & White Sugar – A combo that gives the sauce its perfect consistency.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – More chocolatey goodness for the sauce.
• Boiling Water – The secret ingredient that creates the gooey fudge sauce underneath!

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this hot fudge pudding cake, you’ll need:

• Mixing Bowl – For combining the ingredients.
• Whisk & Spatula – To mix the batter smoothly.
• 8×8-inch Baking Dish – The perfect size for baking.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make this gooey, chocolatey delight!

1. Prepare the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until a smooth batter forms—do not overmix!
4. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.

2. Make the Fudge Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, white sugar, and cocoa powder together.
2. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cake batter.
3. Carefully pour boiling water over the entire surface—do not stir! The water helps create the magic self-saucing effect as the cake bakes.

3. Bake the Cake

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly cracked. The magic happens underneath—the sauce will be bubbling below the cake!
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly as it sits.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Style: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect contrast between hot and cold.
• Extra Indulgent: Drizzle with chocolate syrup or sprinkle with chocolate shavings.
• Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
• Fruity Twist: Serve with fresh raspberries, strawberries, or bananas to balance the richness.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade or store-bought whipped cream makes it even more luxurious.

Storing & Meal Prep Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Refrigeration: Store the cooled cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven effect.
• Freezing: While the texture is best fresh, you can freeze portions for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Variations & Customizations

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ways to customize your pudding cake!

1. Make It Extra Chocolaty

• Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips into the cake batter for pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
• Swap regular cocoa powder for Dutch-process cocoa for a deeper, richer flavor.

2. Add a Flavor Twist

• Mocha Version: Replace half of the boiling water with hot brewed coffee for a bold coffee-chocolate combo.
• Peppermint Pudding Cake: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract for a festive touch.
• Orange-Chocolate Delight: Mix in 1 teaspoon of orange zest for a citrusy contrast.

3. Go Gluten-Free

• Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for a gluten-free version.

4. Lower Sugar Option

• Reduce the sugar in the cake by ¼ cup and swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a naturally sweetened option.

Tips & Tricks for Success

💡 Want the best results? Follow these expert tips:

✔ Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
✔ Use boiling water, not hot water! This ensures the fudgy sauce forms properly as the cake bakes.
✔ Don’t stir after adding water! It might look strange, but just trust the process—the magic happens in the oven!
✔ Let it rest before serving. The sauce thickens as it cools, so give it 5–10 minutes before digging in.
✔ Make it ahead! You can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until ready to bake.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimate of the nutrition per serving (based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~290 kcal
Carbohydrates	~50g
Sugar	~35g
Protein	~4g
Fat	~10g
Saturated Fat	~6g
Fiber	~3g
Sodium	~200mg

Note: Exact values may vary based on ingredients used.

Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake FAQs

Why didn’t my cake form a sauce?

• Make sure you used boiling water, not just warm or hot water. The heat is essential for creating the fudge sauce.
• Avoid stirring after adding the water—just let it do its thing in the oven!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

• Yes! While it’s best served fresh, you can reheat leftovers in the microwave for 20–30 seconds to revive the fudgy sauce.

Can I double this recipe?

• Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 40–45 minutes.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving for the best texture.

Can I freeze this pudding cake?

• It’s possible, but the texture is best fresh. If freezing, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

This Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that magically creates its own fudge sauce while baking! Whether you’re making it for a cozy family night or a dinner party, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Serve it warm with ice cream for the ultimate indulgence!

If you loved this recipe, check out these other chocolate dessert recipes on DessertHungry.com!