There's nothing quite like the magic of a warm Hot Fudge Pudding Cake fresh out of the oven. As you dig in, you'll uncover a gooey layer of rich chocolate sauce hidden beneath a moist, tender cake—pure indulgence in every bite.

I discovered this dessert on a chilly winter evening when I was craving something comforting but effortless. It quickly became a family favorite, making frequent appearances during cozy nights and gatherings alike.
Let’s dive into the recipe and see why this dessert is a must-try for every chocolate lover.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
Get ready to fall head over heels for this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake, a dessert that combines simplicity with decadence.
First, it’s unbelievably easy to make. You’ll mix up the batter, sprinkle on a magical topping, and watch as it transforms in the oven into a luscious chocolate dessert with its own sauce.
Second, the flavors are unbeatable. The cake is light yet chocolatey, perfectly complemented by the silky fudge sauce that forms underneath. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality dessert in under an hour.
Finally, this recipe is perfect for all occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself after a long day, this dessert is sure to impress.
Ready to experience the magic? Let’s start with the ingredients.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Hot Fudge Pudding Cake lies in its simple pantry staples. Each ingredient has a role to play in creating the cake's unique texture and flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of the cake, giving it structure while keeping it tender.
- Cocoa Powder: You'll need unsweetened cocoa powder to deliver that deep chocolate flavor. Use a high-quality brand for the best results.
- Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: A mix of both sugars adds sweetness and a hint of molasses, which enhances the richness of the chocolate.
- Milk: Whole milk works best, but you can substitute with plant-based milk if needed.
- Butter: Melted butter adds moisture and a subtle buttery flavor.
- Hot Water: This is the magic ingredient! When poured over the batter before baking, it creates a fudgy sauce as the cake bakes.
No special equipment is required—just a mixing bowl, whisk, and an 8x8-inch baking dish.
How to Make This Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

Creating this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is as easy as it is satisfying. Follow these simple steps for a flawless dessert.
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish to ensure easy serving later.
- Make the Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine. Add in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish.
- Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and more cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.
- Pour on the Magic: Carefully pour hot water over the entire dish. Don’t stir! The water will sink to the bottom during baking, creating that gooey fudge layer.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake will look set on top, but the sauce will still be bubbling underneath.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for about 5 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage Options
If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), here’s how to store your Hot Fudge Pudding Cake:
- Refrigerator: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The fudge sauce will thicken as it cools, but it’s still delicious.
- Freezer: While not ideal, you can freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in the microwave.
- Reheating: To enjoy the cake warm again, microwave a portion for 30-45 seconds or until the sauce is molten and bubbly.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
- Espresso Boost: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for a mocha-inspired twist.
- Spicy Chocolate: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a warm, spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter for a completely dairy-free dessert.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the batter before baking for extra crunch.
Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own!
PrintHot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe
Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is a luscious dessert featuring a moist chocolate cake with a rich, gooey fudge sauce hidden underneath. Perfect for chocolate lovers!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (for the cake)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for topping)
- 1 ¼ cups hot water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Spread batter in an ungreased 8x8-inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.
- Pour hot water evenly over the top (do not stir).
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is set and a pudding-like sauce forms at the bottom.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- For extra richness, use dark cocoa powder.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- Best served immediately to enjoy the gooey texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
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