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–+ servings
Chocolate Fudge Pudding Cake
Chocolate Fudge Pudding Cake is a classic self-saucing dessert that magically forms its own rich chocolate sauce while baking. Popular in mid-20th-century American kitchens, this comforting treat combines simple pantry staples like cocoa, flour, sugar, and milk into a soft cake layer with a luscious pudding-like base underneath. As it bakes, the batter rises to the top while the chocolate sauce settles beneath, creating a warm, spoonable dessert that feels both rustic and indulgent. Served warm with whipped cream, it’s a cozy, old-fashioned favorite perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (sifted )
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • ½ cup nuts (chopped )
  • 1 ½ cups boiling water

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat Oven

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a medium casserole dish.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into a bowl.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

  • Add milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
  • Mix until just combined.

Step 4: Add Nuts

  • Fold in chopped nuts.

Step 5: Transfer to Dish

  • Pour batter into the greased casserole dish and spread evenly.

Step 6: Add Boiling Water

  • Carefully pour 1½ cups boiling water evenly over the batter.
  • Do not stir.

Step 7: Bake

  • Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
  • The pudding layer will settle at the bottom as it bakes.

Step 8: Serve

  • Serve warm with whipped cream.

Tips

  • Serve immediately for the best gooey texture.
  • Add chocolate chips for extra richness.
  • Substitute walnuts or pecans for different nut flavors.
  • Use dark cocoa for a deeper chocolate taste.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
  • Top with vanilla ice cream instead of whipped cream.
  • Reduce sugar slightly for a less sweet version.
  • Sprinkle sea salt on top before serving for contrast.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 5gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 280IUCalcium: 110mgIron: 1.8mg
Keyword baked dessert, chocolate, comfort food, cozy meals, nostalgic food, pudding cake, self-saucing cake, vintage dessert