Welcome to the world of indulgence with our Hot Fudge Pudding Cake! This dessert is not just a cake; it’s a delicious embrace of chocolatey goodness that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine the perfect combination of rich, gooey fudge and light, fluffy cake—what’s not to love? My family couldn’t keep their forks away from it the first time I made it. Fun fact: this cake is often called the “chocolate lava cake’s cousin” because of the same decadent fudge sauce that forms at the bottom. This delightful dessert is not only easy to whip up but also a fantastic treat for any occasion. If you love simple yet scrumptious recipes, be sure to check out our equally delightful Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe as well! Let’s dive in and create this sweet masterpiece together!
What is Hot Fudge Pudding Cake?
So, what’s in a name? Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is a title that makes your mouth water at first glance! But why is it called pudding cake? Think of it as a magical dessert that starts as a cake but transforms into a gooey pudding as it bakes. It’s almost like a mystery baked right in there! Some say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and trust me, this cake can charm anyone with its rich flavors. So grab your mixing bowls and treat yourself to this delightful recipe—your loved ones will thank you later!
Why You’ll Love This
You’ll absolutely adore Hot Fudge Pudding Cake for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly satisfying. The dessert’s main highlight is the velvety, warm fudge sauce that oozes beneath a light cake top, creating a rich flavor explosion with every bite. Secondly, making this delicious treat at home is budget-friendly, especially compared to pricey dessert spots! Finally, the options for toppings are endless! Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. If you enjoy this, you might also want to check out our Brownie Sundae recipe for another chocolate delight that the family will love!
How to Make
Quick Overview
Making Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is as easy as it gets! In less than an hour, you’ll have a heavenly dessert that combines a fudgy sauce and a light cake. With just a handful of simple ingredients and some straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both seasoned bakers and novices.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (divided)
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (divided)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 1 Large Egg Yolk
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup Boiling Water
Step-by-Step
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cocoa and Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of cocoa powder. Set this chocolatey mixture aside for later.
- Prepare the Batter: In a larger bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, the remaining 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Gradually stir this into the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips for extra richness!
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter into the greased pan, spreading it evenly. Then, sprinkle the reserved cocoa-sugar mixture over the top.
- Add the Water: Carefully pour 1 cup of boiling water over the batter. Do not stir! It may look odd, but trust me, this is where the magic happens!
- Bake It: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22-24 minutes until the top is set and cracked while the sauce is bubbling underneath.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes after baking, then serve warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top! Enjoy every gooey bite!
What to Serve with Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
This delectable dessert pairs beautifully with various sides and drinks. Consider serving it alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cold whipped cream. For a complete meal, why not add a side of fresh berries to balance the sweetness? You can even enjoy it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of milk—perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re out of semisweet chocolate chips, dark or milk chocolate chips work just as well!
- Timing Adjustments: Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Oven temperatures may vary, so check for doneness around the 22-minute mark.
- Mistakes to Avoid: Avoid overmixing the batter; the secret to a perfect fudge pudding is a gentle mix!
Storing and Reheating Tips
You can easily store leftovers of Hot Fudge Pudding Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to a month. To reheat, simply pop individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until warm. For best results, cover them with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.
FAQs
- Can I make it ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the batter a day in advance, but add the boiling water and bake it just before serving.
- How do I know it’s done baking? The top should look slightly cracked, and it should be bubbling around the edges.
- Can I make a larger batch? Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan.
Conclusion
Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is the ultimate dessert that combines ease, flavor, and pure chocolate bliss. With its luscious fudge sauce and soft cake top, it’s bound to become a family favorite around your home. Don’t hesitate to make this treat for your loved ones; they’ll be raving about it for months! Gather your ingredients and start baking today!
Ingredients
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (divided)
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (divided)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 1 Large Egg Yolk
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup Boiling Water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix remaining sugar, cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, egg yolk, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle reserved cocoa-sugar mixture over the top.
- Carefully pour boiling water over the batter. Do not stir.
- Bake for 22-24 minutes, until the top is set and cracked, with bubbling sauce underneath.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with ice cream or whipped cream!
Notes
For extra richness, try using dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds before serving.