Description
This Chocolate Pudding Cake is a luscious, self-saucing dessert that combines a rich chocolate cake with a gooey pudding layer beneath. Easy to prepare in one bowl and baked to perfection, it creates its own chocolate sauce during baking, making it a perfect decadent treat served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
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
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-Ins
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Topping Ingredients
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/4 cups hot water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined to create a uniform dry base.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the milk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Mix until a smooth batter forms, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips if using. This adds extra bursts of melted chocolate throughout the cake.
- Transfer Batter to Dish: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for even cooking.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the surface of the batter in the dish.
- Add Hot Water: Slowly pour the hot water over the top of the batter and sugar mixture without stirring, which allows the pudding layer to form beneath as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The top should appear set and slightly cracked, while a rich, gooey pudding layer forms underneath.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the cake cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm, ideally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.
Notes
- This cake naturally creates its own chocolate sauce while baking, offering a moist and decadent experience.
- For best results, avoid overbaking to keep the pudding layer soft and gooey.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to enhance its rich flavor.