Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake: A Self-Saucing, Gooey Chocolate Lover’s Dream

Rich, Moist Cake with a Melted Fudge Center—Baked in One Pan

This Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is a decadent dessert that magically creates its own fudge sauce while it bakes. With a soft, fluffy chocolate cake on top and a rich molten chocolate pudding underneath, this easy, old-fashioned treat is pure comfort food. Perfect for weeknights, holidays, or when your sweet tooth demands something spectacular.

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Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

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

For the Fudge Topping:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/4 cups hot water

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How to Make Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 2: Add the Fudge Topping

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cocoa powder. Sprinkle this dry mixture evenly over the cake batter. Do not stir.

Carefully pour the hot water over the entire surface. Again, do not stir—this is what creates the gooey fudge layer beneath the cake.

Step 3: Bake and Serve

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is set and the cake layer is puffed and cracked. The pudding will bubble underneath.

Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Spoon the cake into bowls and drizzle with the rich fudge sauce from underneath.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

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Why You’ll Love This Cake

• No mixing of separate sauces—magic happens in the oven
• Super chocolatey, soft, and gooey
• Simple ingredients, one pan
• Perfect for last-minute dessert cravings
• Easily feeds a crowd

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Tasty Variations

• Add a pinch of espresso powder for deeper chocolate flavor
• Top with chopped walnuts or pecans before baking
• Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the batter for extra gooeyness
• Use almond or oat milk to make it dairy-free
• Add a swirl of peanut butter to the batter for a twist

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Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate up to 3 days
• Reheat in the microwave in 20-second intervals
• Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it moist
• Best served warm for that gooey fudge effect

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Final Thoughts

Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is the perfect dessert when you want something warm, rich, and outrageously chocolatey—without needing fancy ingredients or frosting. It’s a self-saucing miracle in a pan that’ll keep everyone coming back for seconds.

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