This outrageously delicious hot fudge chocolate pudding cake couldn't be any easier! The warm, gooey molten layer of chocolate fudge on the bottom combined with its rich brownie cake top make this the perfect dessert for lovers of the sweet and decadent. Absolutely delightful topped with ice cream or whipped cream, this recipe is sure to please your palette like no other dessert can!
This has got to be one of THE MOST chocolatey, delicious and EASY desserts you will ever make! If you're a chocolate lover like me, you'll fall completely in love with this Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding cake. 🙂
Also known as hot fudge sundae cake or chocolate cobbler, whatever you call this…
I swear to you that this recipe is magic! 😋
I hope you enjoy this recipe! ❤️ If you give it a try, please let me know how it turned out for you in the comments section at the bottom of the page or share a pic of your om noms on Instagram and tag @dishesanddustbunnies! ❤️
*This post has been updated from an earlier version to include new photos and a few tweaks to the original recipe to make it even more scrumptious!*
Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredients & instructions!
How to make Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake – Overview
This cake is made from magical layers of soft velvety, and moist chocolate. Tucked underneath the cake is a glorious chocolate hot fudge sauce magically appears during baking.
Seriously, when I say this recipe is magic, you've got to trust me….lol…. This is so easy to make that it's almost ridiculous!
The magic hot fudge sauce is created by making a special layer on the bottom of the baking dish using the ingredients in the recipe. Then to make the cake part appear on top, some of the dry ingredients are sprinkled over this layer.
Next, here's the weirdly magical part. Hot water is gently poured over the top of the dry ingredient layer in the baking dish. After the hot water goes on top, it gets put in the oven to do its wonderful chocolately thing!
After this spectacular thing comes out of the oven, you just have to let it sit for about 20 minutes to settle down a bit. I mean, really – that cake is just way too excited to get in your tummy, so it needs a moment! 😋 lol
Now scoop some out, put a little ice cream on top and enjoy the magic! 😀
Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake – Ingredients & Variations
Essential ingredients – This recipe uses simple ingredients such as flour, sugar (white and brown), cocoa, baking powder, salt, butter, milk and vanilla. Before baking, you'll need some hot water to pour over the top – sounds weird, I know, but this is what creates the chocolatey magic of this cake! 😋
Variations
Cocoa – I used standard cocoa for this recipe, but you can also try using dark chocolate cocoa for a richer flavour.
Toppings – We usually like our pudding cake topped with vanilla ice cream, but you can also try it with some whipped cream.
Instead of vanilla ice cream, you can try it with any other flavour that suits your tastes – others that work well are death by chocolate, maple walnut, butterscotch ripple, etc.
Feel free to add sprinkles or chopped nuts on top! 😋
How to Serve Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake
Hot fudge pudding cake is best served warm with a scoop of ice cream on top! Ice cream compliments the hot fudge sauce very well! You can use plain vanilla ice cream or other flavours such as ‘death by chocolate', ‘maple walnut' or any other flavour you enjoy!
How to Store & Reheat Leftover Chocolate Pudding Cake
How to Store Leftovers – Allow the cake to cool to room temperature while still in its baking dish, cover with plastic wrap or the baking dish lid, then store in the fridge. You can also store individual portions in containers if you like.
When stored in the fridge, it'll last for 5 days, and when stored in the freezer, it should be good for about 2 months.
Reheating – You can either use the oven or the microwave to reheat the cake, depending on the container you're using. The reheat times below are estimates based on the containers I use, so please use your best judgment when reheating the cake at home.
To reheat in the oven – When using the oven and the baking dish, it's best to set the dish on the counter to return to room temperature before heating. Set the oven to 350°F, put on its lid to keep in the moisture, then warm it for about 15-20 minutes.
To reheat in the microwave – If taking the cake directly from the fridge, set the dish on the counter to return to room temperature before heating. Warm up in the microwave, with the lid on to keep in the moisture, heat for about 5-6 minutes. Please keep in mind that microwaves will heat differently for everyone, so adjust the time as necessary.
Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 – 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
First Layer (Bottom) Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa
- 2 1/4 tsps baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 2 tsps vanilla
- 2/3 cup milk
Second Layer Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
Third Layer (Top) Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup hot water
Optional:
- Ice cream for serving on top
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Prepare the First Layer
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup of the white sugar, flour, 1/2 cup of the cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine with melted butter, vanilla and milk. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Spread the above batter in a greased 2 quart glass baking dish (a 10″ glass pie plate will also work).
Prepare the Second Layer
- In another bowl combine the remaining sugar and cocoa with the brown sugar. Use a whisk to do this so everything is well combined.
- Sprinkle the above over top of the batter that was spread in the baking dish.
Prepare the Third Layer and Bake
- Now, GENTLY pour the hot water over the powdered layer. DO NOT MIX THIS! The hot water must sit on top of these layers for the magic to happen! 😀
- Now place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 – 40 minutes.
- Allow the pudding cake to stand for 15 – 20 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with a dollop of ice cream on top if desired! 😀
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
