Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake – A Decadent, Self-Saucing Dessert Dream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is the perfect dessert for true chocolate lovers. It magically forms two layers while baking — a rich, gooey fudge sauce underneath and a moist, tender chocolate cake on top. Every spoonful delivers deep cocoa flavor and a warm, molten texture that feels indulgent yet effortless. I tried this recipe with a mix of dark cocoa powder and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top — the contrast between the warm fudge and cold cream was heavenly. It’s a one-bowl, no-fuss dessert that’s perfect for cozy nights, dinner parties, or anytime you crave something sweet, warm, and soul-satisfying.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the cake, giving it just the right structure without being too dense.

Sugar – Sweetens the batter and helps balance the deep cocoa flavor.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Use high-quality cocoa for the richest chocolate taste. I’ve found that Dutch-process cocoa makes the flavor more intense and smooth.

Baking Powder – Provides the necessary lift for the cake layer while keeping it soft and moist.

Salt – A pinch enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.

Milk – Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, pourable batter. Whole milk works best for richness.

Butter – Melted butter adds a luscious texture and buttery flavor that enhances the cake’s softness.

Vanilla Extract – Deepens the flavor and complements the chocolate beautifully.

Brown Sugar – Used in the topping to create that signature fudgy sauce underneath the cake. Its molasses notes add depth and warmth.

Hot Water – The secret ingredient that transforms the sugar and cocoa into a molten fudge sauce as it bakes.

Chocolate Chips (optional) – Sprinkle a few into the batter or on top for extra pockets of melted chocolate.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth and well combined. The batter will be thick. Spread it evenly into the prepared baking dish.

In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar and additional cocoa powder, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter — don’t stir. Gently pour hot water over the top using the back of a spoon to avoid disturbing the layers. Again, do not stir — this step is what creates the fudge sauce as it bakes.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top of the cake is set but still slightly soft in the center. You’ll notice a bubbling sauce underneath — that’s the magic. Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Scoop into bowls and spoon some of the hot fudge sauce from the bottom over each serving.

Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Equipment needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• 8×8-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Spoon or ladle for serving

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds until warm and gooey again. The fudge sauce thickens slightly after chilling but loosens beautifully when reheated.

Variations and Customizations

Mocha Fudge Cake
Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a subtle coffee flavor that enhances the chocolate.

Nutty Delight
Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch and nutty contrast.

Peanut Butter Swirl
Dollop spoonfuls of peanut butter into the batter before baking for a delicious twist.

Salted Caramel Version
Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked cake and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty balance.

Dark Chocolate Indulgence
Use dark chocolate chips and Dutch-process cocoa for an extra-rich, bittersweet flavor.

Mint Chocolate Treat
Add a drop or two of peppermint extract for a festive, refreshing variation.

Gluten-Free Option
Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. I’ve tested this version, and it turns out just as fudgy and soft.

FAQs

How does this cake make its own sauce?

As it bakes, the sugar and cocoa topping sink through the batter, combining with the hot water to form a thick fudge sauce beneath the cake.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply bake it in a 9×13-inch pan for about 40–45 minutes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served warm and fresh, but you can bake it a few hours ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Conclusion

Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert — rich, gooey, and impossibly easy to make. With its self-saucing magic and deep chocolate flavor, it transforms simple pantry staples into something extraordinary. Whether you serve it straight from the oven with ice cream or savor it on a quiet evening, this dessert promises pure indulgence in every spoonful.

• Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!