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Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake 🍫

Introduction

Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is a classic self-saucing dessert that bakes into two irresistible layers: a soft chocolate cake on top and a rich, molten fudge sauce underneath. Served warm, it’s the ultimate comfort dessert—simple, nostalgic, and impossible to resist.

Origin

This dessert comes from vintage American baking traditions, where “pudding cakes” were designed to create their own sauce during baking. Popular in mid-20th-century home kitchens, it became a favorite for its simplicity and wow factor.

Cultural Significance

Hot fudge pudding cake represents cozy home desserts meant to be shared straight from the pan. It’s often associated with family gatherings, potlucks, and comfort cooking at its finest.

Ingredients and Quantities (Serves 6–8)

Cake Batter

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Âľ cup granulated sugar
  • ÂĽ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ÂĽ tsp salt
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Fudge Topping

  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ÂĽ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1½ cups hot water

Optional Additions

  • Chocolate chips
  • Espresso powder (enhances chocolate flavor)
  • Chopped nuts
  • Splash of heavy cream in the sauce

Tips for Success

  1. Do Not Stir the Topping: Essential for sauce formation.
  2. Use Hot Water: Activates the magic.
  3. Serve Warm: Best gooey texture.
  4. Bake Until Set on Top: Bottom stays molten.

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat to 175°C (350°F). Grease an 8Ă—8-inch baking dish.
  2. Make Batter:
    • Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
    • Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
    • Spread evenly in dish.
  3. Prepare Topping:
    • Mix brown sugar and cocoa.
    • Sprinkle evenly over batter.
  4. Add Water:
    • Carefully pour hot water over top. Do not stir.
  5. Bake:
    • Bake 35–40 minutes until top is set and cracked.
  6. Serve:
    • Let cool 5 minutes. Spoon cake with sauce underneath.

Description

This dessert is rich and tender on top with a deep, glossy hot fudge sauce underneath. Every spoonful is warm, chocolaty, and pure comfort.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated fat: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 68 g
  • Sugars: 46 g
  • Protein: 4 g

Conclusion

Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable desserts. It’s warm, nostalgic, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Recommendation

Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries for the perfect contrast.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

Enjoy this dessert in mindful portions—its rich flavor means a little goes a long way, making indulgence both satisfying and balanced.

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