Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the cake layer:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the fudge layer:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
For the hot water:
- 1 3/4 cups boiling water
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven is heating, grease an 8-inch square baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This ensures the cake won’t stick to the pan and will be easy to serve later. - Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the cake layer: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix these ingredients together until well combined, ensuring the cocoa powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. This step ensures that the cake will rise properly and have an even chocolate flavor.Next, add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Pour in 1/2 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir the ingredients together with a spoon or spatula until a smooth, thick batter forms. It’s important not to overmix—just stir until there are no large lumps of flour. The batter will be thick but should spread easily. - Spread the Batter in the Pan
Once the batter is mixed, pour it into the prepared baking dish. Spread the batter evenly across the bottom of the dish using the back of a spoon or spatula. Smooth the surface to ensure even cooking. - Prepare the Fudge Layer
Now it’s time to make the magic fudge sauce that will create that gooey, molten bottom layer. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisk these ingredients together to break up any lumps of cocoa powder and evenly distribute the sugars.Once mixed, sprinkle the fudge mixture evenly over the cake batter in the pan. It might seem strange to put this dry mixture on top of the cake, but don’t worry—this will turn into your hot fudge sauce as the cake bakes. - Add Boiling Water
The next step is where the real magic happens. Carefully pour 1 3/4 cups of boiling water over the top of the cake and fudge layer. Do not stir the mixture. It may look odd to pour water over the top, but as the cake bakes, the water will combine with the sugars and cocoa to create a rich, hot fudge sauce underneath the cake. - Bake the Cake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top of the cake looks firm and set. The cake will rise to the top while the fudge sauce will sink to the bottom during baking. The top should be cracked and slightly dry, while underneath, the rich fudge sauce will be bubbling. - Cool and Serve
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the fudge sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving easier. When you’re ready to serve, scoop portions into individual bowls, ensuring to get both the cake and the fudge sauce. - Optional Toppings
While the cake is delicious on its own, you can elevate it with a few toppings. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which contrasts beautifully with the hot fudge and cake. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for some crunch.
Tips for Success:
- Cocoa Powder Quality: Since cocoa is the star of this dish, use high-quality cocoa powder for the richest flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa will give you a more intense chocolate flavor, but natural cocoa works well too.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
- Be Patient with the Water: The boiling water poured over the top may seem odd, but it’s crucial for creating that fudge layer underneath. Resist the urge to stir it in.
- Storing Leftovers: Hot fudge pudding cake is best enjoyed warm when the contrast between the cake and the sauce is most pronounced. However, if you have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave before serving.
Why This Recipe Works:
Hot fudge pudding cake is a dessert marvel for several reasons. First, the contrast in textures between the moist, chocolatey cake and the gooey fudge sauce makes each bite decadent. The cake isn’t overly sweet, so the fudge sauce provides the perfect balance of rich, deep chocolate flavor. Additionally, the recipe is simple to prepare and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand, making it an ideal last-minute dessert.