Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe

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If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, look no further than the Hot Fudge Pudding Cake. This cozy classic is a brilliant surprise of textures—a tender chocolate cake on top with a luscious, molten fudge pudding underneath. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it delivers maximum comfort and indulgence with every spoonful. Trust me, once you try this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake, it will quickly become your go-to treat for sharing and savoring any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a few staple pantry items is all it takes to bring this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake to life. Each ingredient plays a key role in crafting that perfect balance of fluffiness, rich chocolate flavor, and gooey pudding magic.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake, ensuring a tender crumb that holds up beautifully to the gooey layer below.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a light texture when combined with the leavening agents.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor without overpowering sweetness, enhancing both the cake and pudding layers.
• Baking powder: This leavening agent lifts the batter, making the cake fluffy and airy.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes for a richer taste.
• Milk: Contributes moisture and tenderizes the cake for a soft bite.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth batter, plus a slightly caramelized flavor when baked.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth, rounding out the chocolate flavors beautifully.
• Brown sugar: For the fudge topping, it melts into a thick sauce that is irresistible when baked.
• Hot water: The key to forming that signature pudding beneath the cake, activating the cocoa and brown sugar mixture into a luscious sauce.

How to Make Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing an 8-inch square baking dish. This ensures your cake won’t stick and comes out with beautiful edges that hold the gooey pudding perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until the mixture is combined evenly. This blend gives the cake its chocolatey foundation and rise.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract into your dry mix. The batter will be thick and rich, promising a dense yet tender cake. Make sure everything is well combined for uniform texture.

Step 4: Spread the Batter in the Pan

Pour your luscious batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly with a spatula. This sets the stage for the contrasting textures and puddings that will form during baking.

Step 5: Make and Sprinkle the Fudge Topping

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar with ¼ cup of cocoa powder. Sprinkle this evenly over the batter, resisting the urge to stir. This topping will melt into a rich, fudgy layer beneath the cake.

Step 6: Pour on Hot Water Carefully

Now for the magic: gently pour 1 ¾ cups of hot water over the top, pouring evenly. Do not stir—this allows the batter to bake on top while the hot water reacts with the sugary cocoa layer to form the pudding underneath.

Step 7: Bake Until Set and Gooey

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the surface looks set with slight cracks, signaling the pudding below is perfectly molten. The contrast of textures is what makes this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake so addictive.

Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve

Allow the cake to stand for 10 to 15 minutes after baking. This resting time lets the layers settle, making it easier to scoop out steaming portions that drizzle with fudgy sauce. Serving warm is essential for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

How to Serve Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

Garnishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream is almost a must-have, its creaminess counterbalancing the intense fudge beneath. Or try a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or chopped nuts for extra texture and flair.

Side Dishes

This cake shines on its own, but for a little extra indulgence, fresh berries or a simple fruit salad can add brightness and cut through the rich chocolate. A cup of strong coffee or robust tea also pairs beautifully with the layers of chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive occasion, serve the Hot Fudge Pudding Cake in individual ramekins, topped with toasted marshmallows or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also turn it into a trifle layered with whipped cream and crushed cookies for something truly spectacular.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hot Fudge Pudding Cake keeps wonderfully covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Just pop it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent the top from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, you can freeze this cake in tightly wrapped portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving to bring back its gooey charm.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds, or until warm and soft. Avoid overheating, which could dry out the cake. A quick warm-up refreshes that lovely molten pudding and cake contrast.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of milk?

Absolutely! While regular milk works best for that classic texture, you can substitute almond, oat, or soy milk if you prefer. Just remember that plant-based milks might slightly tweak the flavor and richness.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend, you can enjoy the Hot Fudge Pudding Cake without gluten. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too.

Why do I pour hot water on top instead of mixing it in?

Pouring hot water over the topping instead of mixing creates the signature pudding layer beneath the cake. It allows the sugars and cocoa to dissolve and settle at the bottom during baking, giving you that gooey sauce you love.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

You can prepare the batter up to the point before pouring hot water, then refrigerate it briefly. For best results, though, bake it fresh so the pudding layer forms perfectly and you get the best texture contrast.

What can I do if my cake turns out too dry?

Sometimes ovens vary, so if your cake feels dry, serve it with extra sauce, ice cream, or whipped cream to add moisture and richness. Also, try reducing the baking time slightly next time for a fudgier outcome.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a Hot Fudge Pudding Cake that’s warm, fudgy, and easy to whip up with basic ingredients. It’s a dessert that invites sharing, smiles, and seconds at the table. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite chocolaty tradition!

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