Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like diving into a warm slice of hot fudge chocolate pudding cake! Seriously, it’s like a hug in dessert form—rich, gooey, and absolutely divine. I remember the first time I baked this for a gathering; the aroma wafting through my kitchen made it impossible for anyone to resist. As soon as I took it out of the oven, I could already hear the “oohs” and “aahs” from my friends. The best part? When you scoop into it, you hit that velvety chocolate fudge at the bottom, and it’s just pure bliss! Trust me, once you try this hot fudge chocolate pudding cake, it’ll become a go-to indulgence in your dessert repertoire. So, let’s get baking!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this luscious hot fudge chocolate pudding cake! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – This is the base of our cake, giving it structure.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – We need this for sweetness, of course!
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – This adds that rich chocolate flavor.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – To help the cake rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- 1 cup milk – This adds moisture and ensures a tender cake.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil – For richness and to keep the cake moist.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – A must for that warm, sweet aroma!
- 1 cup brown sugar – This creates that gooey fudge layer we love.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Another layer of chocolatey goodness for the topping.
- 2 cups hot water – Pour this over the top to create the pudding layer.
Make sure you have everything ready before you start, and you’ll be on your way to dessert heaven!
How to Prepare Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake
Alright, let’s get this decadent hot fudge chocolate pudding cake into the oven! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a dessert that’ll impress everyone!
- Preheat the oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect bake.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This will ensure even distribution of all those yummy flavors.
- Add the wet ingredients: Pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overdo it! A few lumps are totally okay.
- Transfer to baking dish: Grease your baking dish (a 9×13-inch works great) and pour the batter in, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the batter. It might seem like a lot, but trust me, it’s worth it!
- Add the hot water: Now, carefully pour the hot water over the top of everything. Do NOT stir it in! This is what creates that delicious fudge layer underneath.
- Bake: Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges look set but the center is still a bit gooey.
- Cool before serving: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the cake and fudge layer settle a bit—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
And there you have it! Your hot fudge chocolate pudding cake is ready to be devoured. Just imagine the warm, gooey goodness waiting for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in just 15 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for last-minute dessert cravings!
- Rich, Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate cake and gooey fudge is an indulgent treat that chocolate lovers crave.
- Comforting Dessert: There’s nothing quite like a warm slice fresh from the oven, especially on a chilly night.
- Perfect for Sharing: It yields 8 generous servings, so it’s great for gatherings or family dinners.
- Versatile Pairing: Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
Tips for Success
To make sure your hot fudge chocolate pudding cake turns out perfectly every time, here are my best tips! First, use high-quality cocoa powder; it really makes a difference in flavor. You want that deep, rich chocolate taste to shine through. Also, be careful not to overmix your batter—just combine until you see no dry spots. A few lumps are totally fine!
When it comes to baking, keep an eye on the time. Ovens can vary, so start checking it at the 30-minute mark. You want the edges set, but the center should still be a little jiggly. This will ensure that gooey fudge layer we love!
And don’t forget to serve it warm! A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is an absolute must—it melts into the cake and creates a deliciously creamy contrast. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Variations
Want to switch things up with your hot fudge chocolate pudding cake? Here are some fun ideas! You can stir in a cup of chocolate chips for an extra gooey texture—who doesn’t love more chocolate, right? If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the batter for a rich mocha flavor. For a fruity twist, top your warm cake with fresh berries or sliced bananas before adding that scoop of ice cream. And if you want a nutty crunch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top right before serving. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this scrumptious hot fudge chocolate pudding cake, and now you’re wondering how to store those leftovers—if there are any! First off, let it cool completely before you store it. Once it’s cool, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just a heads-up: the longer it sits, the less gooey it may become, but it’ll still be delicious!
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice again, simply pop it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to warm it up. You want it to be warm, but not so hot that it burns your mouth! If you want to elevate the experience, serve it with a scoop of ice cream right on top as it warms—trust me, it’s pure comfort in a bowl!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
While I can’t give you precise nutritional data for this hot fudge chocolate pudding cake since it varies based on the ingredients and brands you choose, I can offer a general idea! A typical serving size (1 slice) contains around 350 calories, with about 15g of fat and 40g of sugar. Keep in mind that these values can fluctuate depending on your specific ingredients. So, if you’re keeping an eye on your diet, feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your preferences! Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Just make sure it has xanthan gum included for the best results!
What can I use instead of vegetable oil?
Canola oil works great if you don’t have vegetable oil on hand. You could also use melted coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor.
How should I serve this cake?
This hot fudge chocolate pudding cake is fantastic on its own, but I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. The contrast of the warm cake with the cold ice cream is pure magic!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for a day. Just remember to add the hot water before baking. It’ll be just as delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to reheat it gently in the microwave when you’re ready for another slice!
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making and indulging in this hot fudge chocolate pudding cake as much as I do! It’s such a simple yet indulgent treat that brings everyone together. I’d love to hear about your baking adventures—did you try any fun variations or serve it with a twist? Share your experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! Let’s inspire each other to keep creating delicious memories in the kitchen!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
Looking for more dessert ideas? Try this chocolate chip cheesecake cookies recipe!
And if you want to explore other cake recipes, don’t miss our almond nut cake recipe!
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Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake: 7 Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and gooey hot fudge chocolate pudding cake.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons 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 bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. 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 top without stirring.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with ice cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: hot fudge chocolate pudding cake