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Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe with Warm Fudge Sauce

Chocolate Pudding Cake

A soft chocolate cake bakes over a warm, spoonable fudge sauce in one dish. This classic self-saucing dessert is best served warm with vanilla ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter
  • 1 cup (120 g) All-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) Granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (21–22 g) Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons Baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Milk
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) Vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Fudge Sauce Topping
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) Granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (21–22 g) Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 3/4 cups (420 ml) Boiling water

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish; a 9-inch square dish may also be used, although the cake will be slightly thinner.
  2. Whisk the flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl until evenly combined.
  3. Stir in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract just until a thick, smooth batter forms. Stop mixing as soon as the dry ingredients disappear to help keep the cake tender.
  4. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to reach the corners without pressing the batter down too firmly.
  5. Mix the remaining 1/2 cup sugar with the remaining 1/4 cup cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture in an even layer over the batter.
  6. Pour the boiling water slowly and evenly over the entire surface. Do not stir, because the layered mixture must remain undisturbed so the sauce can form beneath the cake.
  7. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top looks set while the underside remains moist and saucy. Begin checking near the 35-minute mark, since ovens and baking dishes can vary.
  8. Let the pudding cake stand for 5–10 minutes before serving. Spoon portions into bowls, making sure each serving includes both the warm cake and the chocolate sauce from the bottom.

Notes

Use genuinely boiling water and do not stir after adding it. The sauce thickens as it cools, so serve the cake warm with vanilla ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream.