Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this hot fudge chocolate pudding cake! It’s one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The rich, gooey texture just melts in your mouth, and honestly, who can resist a dessert that gives you both cake and fudge in one delightful bite? What I love most is how easy it is to whip up—just a few simple ingredients that come together in no time! Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to fancy gatherings. Trust me, once you try this cake, you’ll be coming back for seconds (and thirds!). So, let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to make your hot fudge chocolate pudding cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for the topping)
- 2 cups hot water
These ingredients come together to create a decadent dessert that will make your taste buds sing! Make sure everything is fresh for the best flavor.
How to Prepare the Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake
Alright, let’s get this deliciousness going! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important so that your cake bakes evenly and perfectly. While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything’s mixed well—trust me, this will help your cake rise beautifully!
Next, add in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Now it’s time to mix! You can use a whisk or a handheld mixer, but just be careful not to overmix. We’re looking for a smooth batter here, but lumps are totally okay. Once that’s done, pour the batter into a greased baking dish. I like to use a 9×9 inch dish, but you can go a bit bigger if that’s what you have!
Now comes the fun part! In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and the extra cocoa powder. Sprinkle this delightful mixture evenly over the cake batter. Don’t skip this step—it’s what creates that gooey fudge layer we all love!
Next, carefully pour 2 cups of hot water over the entire dish. Yes, you read that right—don’t stir! The magic happens in the oven. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it around the 40-minute mark; the top should be set and looking invitingly cracked.
Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for just a minute or two. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Trust me, that hot fudge oozing out is absolutely irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for last-minute cravings!
- Rich, indulgent flavor that satisfies any chocolate lover.
- One dish wonder—minimal cleanup after enjoying this delicious dessert.
- Perfectly gooey hot fudge layer that makes every bite heavenly.
- Great for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering.
Equipment Needed
To whip up this scrumptious hot fudge chocolate pudding cake, you’ll need a few essential tools:
- 1 large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate measurements
- A whisk or handheld mixer for mixing the batter
- A greased baking dish (9×9 inch is ideal)
- Oven mitts for safe handling of the hot dish
Having these on hand will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable!
Tips for Success
To ensure your hot fudge chocolate pudding cake turns out perfectly, here are some golden tips! First, make sure your oven is fully preheated before popping in the cake—this helps it bake evenly. If you’re using dark cocoa powder, be aware that it can intensify the flavor, so adjust your sweetening if needed. When mixing, don’t overdo it; lumps are totally acceptable! And remember, let it cool for a couple of minutes after baking. This allows the fudge layer to settle just right, making it easier to serve. Enjoy every gooey bite!
Variations of the Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to switch up your hot fudge chocolate pudding cake! Try using dark cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor or even a mix of milk and dark cocoa for a balanced taste. Want a crunch? Add some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top before pouring the hot water. You can also fold in chocolate chips into the batter for an extra gooey surprise! The possibilities are endless—let your creativity shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your hot fudge chocolate pudding cake is super simple! Just cover any leftovers with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days—if they last that long! When you’re ready to indulge again, simply reheat a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This will warm it up nicely without losing that gooey texture. Trust me, it’s just as delicious the second time around!
Nutritional Information
Now, I know you’re curious about the nutritional breakdown of this delicious hot fudge chocolate pudding cake! While I can’t provide the exact numbers, here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fiber: 2g
Keep in mind that these values may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes, so consider this just an estimate. Enjoy your indulgence, and remember that every bite is worth it!
FAQ Section
Got some questions about your hot fudge chocolate pudding cake? I’ve got you covered!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and bake it just before serving. It tastes incredible warm!
What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
If you’re out of cocoa powder, you can use carob powder as a substitute, though the flavor will vary a bit.
Is it normal for the top to crack?
Yes! That cracked top is completely normal and adds to the cake’s charm. It’s where the fudge magic happens!
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Definitely! You can swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar or even brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
Look for the top to be set and slightly cracked. A toothpick inserted should come out with some moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake: 5 Irresistible Layers
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and gooey hot fudge chocolate pudding cake that is easy to make and irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups hot water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and cocoa powder.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the batter.
- Pour hot water over the entire dish; do not stir.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is set.
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: hot fudge chocolate pudding cake, chocolate dessert, easy cake recipe
