This Pudding Cake is a chocolate lover’s DREAM!
Rich chocolate cake paired with creamy chocolate pudding, layered together in a dessert that’s guaranteed to make anyone weak in the knees.
I like to describe it as cake + pudding + magic. Because the layers magically makes themselves as it bakes! If you’re looking for a dessert to win over the chocolate lover in your life, this is it!
When it comes to dessert, you really can’t go wrong with chocolate. Everyone loves it, and the possibilities for it are endless.
But there’s something about a delicious old fashioned pudding cake that blows the other options out of the water.
Why? Well, for starters, it’s basically two desserts in one. Why have cake OR pudding when you can have both!? Especially when both are amazingly rich, decadent, and so delicious!?
It’s the perfect dessert for dinner parties, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or any day. I’ve made it thousands of times and believe me when I say it never gets old. Everyone LOVES it! I guess some desserts are just like that.
🍫 Ingredients
This recipe is easy to make with just 9 basic ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. No box mixes or special ingredients required!
When I made it, I used 2% milk, but for a thicker pudding you may want to substitute whole milk.
As for the water, it should be hot (from the tap) but does NOT need to be boiling.
- 1 c. all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 5 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 c. granulated sugar
- 1/2 c. milk
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 c. brown sugar
- 2 c. hot water
⏲ Instructions
I can almost guarantee there’s no cake recipe out there that’s easier than this one. Just measure, pour, stir, and pop it in the oven… and the ingredients do all the work. A “magic” pudding layer forms as the cake bakes, making it a 2-in-1 dessert no one can resist!
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Combine flour, salt, 2 Tbsp. cocoa powder, baking powder, and 1/2 c. granulated sugar in a 2 quart baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Mix into dry ingredients in baking dish until fully combined.
- Combine remaining 3 Tbsp. cocoa powder, 1/2 c. granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Sprinkle over cake batter.
- Pour hot water evenly over batter.
- Bake at 350° for 30-40 minutes, or until top of cake is set.
- Spoon into individual dishes; top as desired.
🍒 Topping ideas
This cake is a delicious base for so many different toppings. From fruit to nuts to caramel to whipped cream, no matter how you top it, it’s amazing. And equally amazing all on its own!
- Caramel, butterscotch, or hot fudge sauce
- Pie filling
- Ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Pecans, almonds, or walnuts
- Crushed Oreos
- Marshmallow topping
- Chocolate chips
♨️ Storing & reheating
Because this cake is so gooey and pudding-like, the best way to store it is covered, in the same pan it is baked in.
To reheat, just set the oven temperature to 350°, cover with foil, and bake 30 minutes or until heated through.
🥧 Related recipes
- Eclair Cake
- Death by Chocolate Pie
- Chocolate Sheet Cake
- Chocolate Lava Cake
- Baileys Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate Fudge Pudding Cake
Ingredients
- 1 c. all purpose or cake flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 5 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 c. granulated sugar
- 1/2 c. milk
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1/2 c. brown sugar
- 2 c. hot water
- Optional:
- cherry pie filling
- vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Combine flour, salt, 2 Tbsp. cocoa powder, baking powder, and 1/2 c. granulated sugar in a 2 quart baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Mix into dry ingredients until fully combined.
- Combine remaining 3 Tbsp. cocoa powder, 1/2 c. granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Sprinkle over cake batter.
- Pour hot water evenly over batter mixture.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes, or until top of cake is set.
- Spoon into individual dishes; top with cherries and ice cream as desired.
Notes
- Almond extract may be substituted for vanilla extract.
- The center of the cake will be gooey - this is the whole point!
- Cake is best served warm.
Nutrition
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
If I came over and you didn’t have dessert well, we might not be friends anymore. KIDDING! 😉 LOVE THIS!!!
Becky Hardin | The Cookie Rookie says
Oh how i wish you could send me a piece of this through the cyber world. lol YUM
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Wowieee! This sounds weird, but I’ve been craving cherry pie filling lately and wanting to make something delicious with it. I think I’ve found my “something delicious!” Love this!
Megan Keno says
This sounds so great…. This is definitely one way to get your chocolate fix!
eat good 4 life says
This looks so gooey and moist. I would love to get my hands on a piece. It looks great!
Jessica @ Sprinkle Some Sugar says
Ahhh, I am OBSESSED with pudding cakes!! So good with a {large} scop of vanilla ice cream!
Charles ojiambo says
Delicious, thxs I Nontired it in my hotel
Serene @ House of Yumm says
That fudgy gooeyness has definitely stolen my heart. If my friends made that when I came over I don’t think I would ever leave!
Sandra says
Is this baked in 9×13 pan?
Cathy Trochelman says
Yes! I will clarify in the recipe- thanks!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
I know for sure this Chocolate Pudding Cake would be a huge hit in my house!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
so easy! What a great recipe to have on hand when you’re craving a sweet treat!
katerina @ diethood.com says
Such an incredible dessert! I bet it tastes amazing!! YUM!
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes says
Oh boy, this sounds terrific!! I can’t wait to try it!
Allyson Zea says
I love how delicious and moist this cake is!
Beth says
This looks heavenly and so yummy! My hubby and daughter are going to love this!
Sandra says
This was a huge hit at my house!! I will definitely make it again!