Decadent Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe

Indulgent Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe to Savor

Chocolate lovers rejoice as this hot fudge chocolate pudding cake emerges as the ultimate dessert indulgence.

Rich, velvety, and intensely satisfying, this recipe promises pure decadence in every single bite.

Warm chocolate sauce cascades through tender cake layers, creating a magical dessert experience.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of gooey texture and deep cocoa flavor.

The simple ingredients blend seamlessly to create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery.

No complicated techniques or special equipment are needed to craft this irresistible treat.

Prepare to seduce your taste buds with a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 6

What Goes Into Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake

For Cake Batter:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure for the cake's delightful texture and ensures tender crumb.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a smooth, rich base with perfect caramelization.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor and deep, dark color to the cake.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy consistency.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the chocolate's rich flavor profile.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together smoothly.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist, tender cake with soft crumb and prevents dryness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Boosts chocolate flavor and adds subtle aromatic depth.
For Topping:
  • Granulated Sugar: Creates a crisp, sweet layer that caramelizes during baking.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor with rich molasses undertones.
  • Cocoa Powder: Intensifies chocolate layer and creates a decadent sauce.
For Liquid Layer:
  • Hot Water: Transforms into a luscious, gooey fudge sauce during baking, creating the cake's signature pudding-like texture.

Tools to Nail the Fudge Pudding Cake Texture

  • Mixing Bowl (medium): Perfect for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients without lumps and creating a silky batter.
  • 8×8-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for creating the perfect pudding cake texture and size.
  • Small Bowl: Great for preparing the sugary topping mixture.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Spatula: Helps spread batter evenly and scrape bowls clean.
  • Oven: Necessary for baking and creating the magical hot fudge sauce.

Follow These Steps to Make Chocolate Pudding Cake

Follow These Steps to Make Chocolate Pudding Cake
  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F. Grab your favorite baking dish and give it a quick grease-up to prevent any sticky situations.

  • Mix the Chocolatey Base

Dump all your dry ingredients into a mixing bowl. Pour in the milk, oil, and vanilla, then whisk until silky smooth. Spread this decadent mixture evenly across your greased dish.

  • Create the Magic Powder

Sprinkle a dreamy layer of sugar and cocoa right on top of your batter. Don’t worry about being too precise – let it rain chocolate!

  • Unleash the Liquid Wonder

Gently cascade hot water over the entire surface. Don’t stir – this is where the cake’s secret sauce happens.

  • Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into the oven and let it transform for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top looks set and slightly puffy, with a bubbling sauce hiding underneath.

  • Dive into Deliciousness

Give the cake a quick breather for 5-10 minutes. Scoop generously into bowls, making sure to capture that gooey fudge sauce. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Chef Secrets for Rich and Gooey Fudge Cake

  • Chocolate Pudding Cake Mastery: Expert Tips & Delicious Twists
  • Texture Perfection: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light and tender. Gentle stirring helps maintain a soft, delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake batter and topping in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for a fresh, warm dessert that's ready in minutes.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for a lactose-free version that doesn't compromise on rich chocolate flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a celiac-friendly treat that's just as gooey and delicious as the original.
  • Creative Flavor Boost: Sprinkle chopped nuts, add a dash of espresso powder, or mix in orange zest to elevate the chocolate experience with exciting flavor dimensions.

Best Ways to Serve Hot Fudge Cake

  • Decadent Dessert Companion: Top vanilla ice cream on each slice, letting it slowly melt into the warm chocolate pudding for an extra creamy texture.
  • Elegant Presentation Twist: Dust the top with powdered sugar or cocoa powder, creating a beautiful contrast against the rich dark chocolate surface.
  • Gourmet Garnish Delight: Sprinkle chopped roasted nuts like almonds or pecans around the dessert, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the chocolate's richness.
  • Flavor Boost Technique: Drizzle fresh raspberry or caramel sauce over the warm cake, introducing a tangy or sweet element that elevates the overall taste experience.

Store and Reheat Your Chocolate Pudding Cake

  • Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep leftover cake covered in the baking dish or transfer to an airtight container. Enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture. Refrigeration helps maintain the cake's moisture and prevents quick spoilage.
  • Quick Reheating Technique: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. For best results, use medium power to prevent overheating and maintain the cake's delicate fudge sauce consistency.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat before serving to restore its original delicious qualities.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake batter and topping layers in advance. Store unbaked mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature and bake as directed for a fresh, homemade dessert with minimal prep time.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Decadent Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe

Decadent Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Sinful hot fudge chocolate pudding cake delivers pure chocolate bliss from Southern United States. Rich layers combine intense cocoa flavors with smooth molten chocolate, promising delightful comfort for dessert enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsps (15 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup (20 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) hot water
  • 2 tsps baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Dry Ingredient Blend: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour, white sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, whisking to eliminate any potential lumps.
  3. Batter Creation: Incorporate milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients, mixing until a smooth, homogeneous batter forms without any dry streaks.
  4. Initial Layer Setup: Spread the chocolate batter evenly across the prepared baking dish, ensuring a level surface.
  5. Topping Application: Sprinkle a mixture of white sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder generously over the batter, creating a delicate powdery layer.
  6. Liquid Infusion: Carefully pour hot water over the entire surface, allowing it to rest atop the batter without disturbing the underlying layers – this will create a rich, molten chocolate sauce during baking.
  7. Baking and Finishing: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is slightly puffed and edges are bubbling. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to stabilize and intensify in flavor.
  8. Serving: Scoop generous portions that capture both the tender cake and the luscious hidden fudge sauce, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

  • Ensure Accurate Measurements: Use precise measuring cups and spoons to maintain the delicate balance of dry and wet ingredients, which directly impacts the cake’s texture and taste.
  • Avoid Overmixing Batter: Stir the batter just until ingredients are combined to prevent developing gluten and creating a tough, dense cake – stop mixing when no dry streaks remain.
  • Create Perfect Sauce Layer: Gently pour hot water over the batter without stirring, allowing the liquid to sit naturally on top for the signature molten chocolate sauce during baking.
  • Temperature Matters: Let the cake rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to stabilize and develop deeper, richer chocolate flavors before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 2 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star