Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe

The Ultimate Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe for Chocoholics

Chocolate lovers find pure bliss in this hot fudge chocolate pudding cake that melts hearts instantly.

Warm comfort wraps around each decadent spoonful like a sweet embrace.

Rich cocoa flavors dance through layers of gooey goodness, promising indulgence with every bite.

Dark, velvety textures create a dessert that feels like a passionate culinary hug.

Simple ingredients come together in magical ways, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences.

No complicated techniques stand between you and this dreamy treat.

Dive into a dessert that promises pure chocolate euphoria waiting to be savored.

Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe

  • Indulge in Decadence: This hot fudge chocolate pudding cake delivers an incredible chocolate experience that melts in your mouth with rich, gooey goodness.
  • Bake with Minimal Effort: The recipe requires simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels from beginners to experienced home cooks.
  • Family-Friendly Dessert Delight: Guaranteed to bring smiles around the dinner table, this dessert appeals to both kids and adults with its irresistible chocolate sauce and warm cake texture.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this dessert straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, creating a delightful contrast of warm cake and cool creamy topping.

Ingredients for Decadent Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

For the Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that provides structure to the chocolate pudding cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the cake's tender texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the dessert.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chocolate cake.
For the Liquid Ingredients:
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps bind the cake ingredients together.
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and contributes to the cake's tender crumb.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings depth and complexity to the chocolate flavor.
For the Fudge Topping and Additional Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Cocoa Powder: Creates a decadent fudge sauce that forms during baking.
  • Hot Water: Helps create the signature pudding-like texture underneath the cake.
  • Chopped Nuts (Optional): Adds crunch and extra texture to the dessert.

How to Make Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-inch baking dish and coat it with a light layer of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Magical Batter

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
Whisk these ingredients until they’re well blended. Next, pour in:
  • Whole milk
  • Melted butter
  • Vanilla extract

Stir everything together until you have a silky, smooth batter.

Want some extra crunch? Gently fold in chopped walnuts or pecans.

Step 3: Fill the Baking Dish

Carefully transfer your chocolatey batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Secret Layer

In a separate small bowl, mix together:
  • Brown sugar
  • Additional cocoa powder

Scatter this sweet mixture generously over the top of the cake batter.

Step 5: Add the Mysterious Water

Slowly and gently pour hot water over the entire surface of the cake. Don’t stir!

Let the water settle naturally – this is the magic that creates the incredible fudge sauce.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the cake has risen beautifully and the top looks set, with a tempting fudgy sauce bubbling underneath.

Step 7: Indulge and Enjoy

Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes.

Serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Tips for Rich and Gooey Chocolate Pudding Cake

  • Grease the baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy removal and a perfect cake presentation.
  • Use room temperature milk and melted butter to create a smoother, more consistent batter that blends easily.
  • Select high-quality cocoa powder for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender and prevent a dense, tough result when baking.
  • Let the cake rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow the fudge sauce to set slightly and create a more decadent dessert experience.

Variations on Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake

  • Espresso Chocolate Pudding Cake: Enhance the chocolate flavor by adding 1-2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients, creating a rich coffee-chocolate depth.
  • Salted Caramel Version: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the fudge topping before baking, and drizzle with caramel sauce after cooking for a sweet-salty combination.
  • Berry Chocolate Fusion: Scatter fresh raspberries or chopped strawberries over the batter before adding the fudge topping, introducing a tangy fruit element to the chocolate dessert.
  • Nutty Chocolate Delight: Mix chopped pecans or almonds into the batter and sprinkle additional chopped nuts on top for a crunchy, textural experience.

Pairing Ideas for Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake

  • Scoop Creamy Vanilla Companion: Vanilla ice cream provides a cool, smooth contrast to the warm, rich chocolate pudding cake. Its subtle sweetness perfectly balances the intense chocolate flavor.
  • Brew Rich Coffee Match: Dark roast coffee complements the deep chocolate notes, enhancing the dessert's decadent profile. The bitter undertones of espresso or French roast create a luxurious taste experience.
  • Pour Velvety Red Wine Partner: Choose a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. These wines' robust fruit and tannic qualities beautifully amplify the cake's chocolate complexity, creating a sophisticated dessert moment.

Storing Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake Fresh

Store leftover cake in an airtight container, covering the surface with plastic wrap to prevent drying. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freezes perfectly for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add extra seconds if needed. Add a small splash of water to prevent drying out.

Warm cake slices at 325F for 10-15 minutes, covered with aluminum foil. This method helps maintain moisture and restore the cake’s original texture. Drizzle extra hot fudge sauce on top for extra decadence.

FAQs

  • What makes this hot fudge chocolate pudding cake unique?

The cake creates its own fudge sauce during baking, with hot water transforming the bottom layer into a rich, gooey chocolate sauce without stirring.

  • Is this recipe beginner-friendly?

Yes, it’s super easy. You simply mix dry ingredients, pour batter, sprinkle sugar-cocoa mixture, add hot water, and bake – no complicated techniques required.

  • Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The recipe’s simplicity makes it easy to adapt for gluten-free needs.

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Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe

Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Chocolate lovers rejoice with this luxurious Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake that melts effortlessly in your mouth. Rich dark chocolate and warm, gooey sauce create an irresistible dessert experience you’ll crave after every meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Topping Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 3/4 cups hot water

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients including flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until uniformly combined and free of lumps.
  3. Incorporate milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture, stirring gently until a smooth, consistent batter forms. If using nuts, gently fold them into the batter at this stage.
  4. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
  5. Create the fudge topping by sprinkling a mixture of brown sugar and cocoa powder uniformly over the cake batter’s surface.
  6. Carefully pour hot water over the entire surface of the batter, ensuring complete coverage without stirring. The water will naturally sink and create a rich, gooey chocolate sauce during baking.
  7. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is ready when it has risen, the top appears set, and a bubbly chocolate sauce is visible underneath.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to rest for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm, accompanied by vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Notes

  • Customize the sweetness by adjusting the sugar quantity based on your preference for a more intense or milder chocolate flavor.
  • Substitute dairy milk with almond, soy, or oat milk for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the rich, decadent texture.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this indulgent treat.
  • Enhance the chocolate depth by adding a pinch of espresso powder or instant coffee, which amplifies the cocoa’s complex flavor profile without making it taste like coffee.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 234 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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