Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake

Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake in a white ceramic dish, topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with rich hot fudge sauce. A decadent, self-saucing chocolate dessert recipe from FoodForYourGood.com — Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake – a rich, gooey, self-saucing chocolate cake topped with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge. Get the recipe at FoodForYourGood.com

Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake: The Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Dessert

If you love warm, gooey, chocolatey desserts, then this Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is about to become your new favorite treat! It’s rich, decadent, and unbelievably easy to make. With just one batter, you’ll get a moist chocolate cake on top and a thick, velvety hot fudge sauce underneath—all baked in the same dish!

But here’s the magic: you don’t even have to stir the layers. Simply sprinkle the topping over the batter, pour on hot liquid, and let the oven do the rest. As it bakes, the cake rises to the top while the fudge sauce forms below—pure dessert alchemy!

Fun fact: This self-saucing cake dates back to the 1950s, when home bakers craved easy, comforting desserts that felt indulgent but required minimal effort. Today, it remains a go-to crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy nights, special occasions, or whenever a chocolate craving strikes!

So, grab a spoon and dig in—this warm, gooey, irresistible dessert is best enjoyed straight from the dish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!

Recipe Yield: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

For the cake batter:

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tsp vanilla extract

For the hot fudge sauce:

3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups hot milk (or boiling water for a thinner sauce)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat & prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish (glass or ceramic recommended).

2. Make the cake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.

3. Prepare the fudge topping: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cake batter.

4. Add hot liquid: Slowly pour the hot milk (or boiling water) over the entire dish. Do NOT stir. The liquid will sink to the bottom and create the gooey fudge layer as it bakes.

5. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top looks set but the cake jiggles slightly (this means the sauce is still liquid underneath).

6. Cool & serve: Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Scoop into bowls, ensuring you get both cake and the rich hot fudge sauce in every bite. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Use hot milk instead of water – It creates a silkier, more luxurious fudge sauce.
Don’t overbake – If baked too long, the sauce will get absorbed, and the cake will be dry.
Customize the flavor – Add 1/2 tsp espresso powder for a deeper chocolate taste, or swap vanilla for almond extract for a nutty twist.

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