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Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 169 reviews
  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Chocolate Pudding Cake is a delightful self-saucing dessert featuring a rich, moist chocolate cake with a luscious pudding layer beneath. Perfectly balanced with a chocolaty crust and gooey center, this easy recipe delivers a warm, comforting treat that’s ideal for any chocolate lover.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for topping)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups hot water

Optional

  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture until you achieve a smooth batter.
  4. Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the optional semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly into the batter for extra chocolatey pockets, then spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  5. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and remaining cocoa powder, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the dish.
  6. Add Hot Water: Carefully pour the hot water over the top of the batter and sugar mixture. Do not stir; this helps create the pudding layer beneath.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes until the top is set and slightly cracked while the bottom remains gooey and pudding-like.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving warm to enjoy the perfect texture contrast and rich flavors.

Notes

  • For an extra rich flavor, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry mix.
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent experience.
  • Do not stir after pouring the hot water to ensure the pudding layer forms properly.