Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake

A Rich, Self-Saucing Chocolate Delight

Description:

This luscious dessert is a warm, fudgy chocolate cake with a gooey, molten chocolate sauce beneath the surface. As it bakes, the cake magically creates its own rich hot fudge pudding, perfect served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Origin:

Self-saucing pudding cakes originated in Australia and the UK, designed as an easy, one-bowl dessert that combines cake and sauce. This chocolate version has become a classic indulgence worldwide.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8):

🍫 Cake:

1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

🍫 Hot Fudge Sauce:

1 cup (240ml) boiling water
1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder

Optional Ingredients:

1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for topping
1 teaspoon instant coffee powder (enhances chocolate flavor)
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Add milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

2. Pour Batter and Add Sauce:

Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cocoa powder. Sprinkle evenly over the batter.
Carefully pour boiling water over the top — do not stir.

3. Bake:

Bake for 35–40 minutes. The top will set into a cake layer, and underneath will be a hot, fudgy pudding sauce.

4. Serve:

Serve warm, spooning the hot fudge sauce over each portion. Best enjoyed with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips for Success:

Use boiling water to help form the pudding sauce beneath the cake.
Do not stir after adding water and sugar mixture — this creates the layered effect.
For extra fudginess, add chocolate chips to the batter before baking.