Description
This Hot Fudge Cake is a magical, self-saucing chocolate dessert that’s rich, gooey, and ridiculously easy to make. A soft, warm chocolate cake bakes on top while a thick hot fudge sauce forms underneath—all in one pan. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this old-fashioned chocolate pudding cake is pure comfort food, especially when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- For the Cake Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Fudge Layer:
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups hot water
Instructions
-
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. -
Add Wet Ingredients:
Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Pour the batter into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish and smooth the top. -
Add the Fudge Layer:
In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and cocoa powder. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the batter. -
Pour Hot Water:
Slowly pour the hot water over the top—do not stir. It will look strange, but trust the process! -
Bake:
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes, or until the cake looks set on top and the center still jiggles slightly. -
Cool & Serve:
Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Spoon warm cake and fudge sauce into bowls and top with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
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Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness.
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A pinch of espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor.
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Add cinnamon or chili powder for a fun twist.
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Can be made in individual ramekins—reduce bake time slightly.
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Best served warm, but leftovers reheat beautifully.
