Quick Description
This Chocolate Pudding Cake is a magical, old-fashioned dessert that creates its own rich chocolate sauce while baking. Soft, cake-like on top and warm, fudgy pudding underneath, it’s simple to make with pantry ingredients and perfect served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Servings & Timing
- Serves: 6–8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: ~50 minutes
Ingredients List
Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Topping
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cocoa powder.
Stir in melted butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
3. Spread the Batter
Pour batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Add the Topping
In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cocoa powder.
Sprinkle evenly over the batter.
5. Add Boiling Water
Carefully pour boiling water over the entire dish.
Do not stir.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the top looks set and slightly cracked.
7. Serve
Let cool for 5 minutes. Spoon cake and sauce together and serve warm.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 32g
Benefits
- Self-Saucing Dessert: Cake and pudding in one
- Easy & Affordable: Simple pantry ingredients
- Comfort Food Classic: Warm, rich, and satisfying
- Crowd Favorite: Always impresses with minimal effort
Additional Notes
- Do not stir after adding boiling water
- Use hot water for best sauce formation
- Serve immediately for best texture
Dietary Info
- Vegetarian
- Dairy-Free Option
- Gluten-Free Option (use GF flour blend)
Brief Introduction
This chocolate pudding cake is pure comfort in dessert form. It looks simple going into the oven, but once baked, it transforms into a warm chocolate cake floating on a rich sauce. Perfect for cozy nights and chocolate cravings.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Mix dry ingredients
- Add wet ingredients
- Spread batter
- Sprinkle topping
- Pour boiling water
- Bake and enjoy
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened works best
- Walnuts: Optional or replace with pecans
- Milk: Any milk works
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Add chocolate chips to the batter
- Serve with vanilla ice cream
- Sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers up to 3 days
- Reheat: Microwave gently to revive sauce
- Freezer: Not recommended
