Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
This hot fudge pudding cake features a tender chocolate cake layer with a rich self-saucing fudge base—perfect served warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
9 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup chopped walnuts optional
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1¾ cups hot water
Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until a smooth batter forms. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, if using. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Create the Fudge Layer
- In a separate small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter in the baking dish.
Add the Hot Water
- Carefully pour the hot water over the top of the batter and sugar mixture. Do not stir. The water will create a sauce beneath the cake as it bakes.
Bake the Cake
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top appears set and the cake is nearly firm in the center. The cake will have a moist, soft top with a rich, pudding-like layer beneath.
Cool Briefly and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool for approximately 10–15 minutes before serving. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
To prepare this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent. Additionally, confirm that your baking powder and cocoa powder are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. The remaining ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to ensure product safety.