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Classic Self-Saucing Chocolate Pudding Cake

Close-up of a moist slice of chocolate pudding cake oozing with rich, dark chocolate sauce.

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Make this easy chocolate pudding cake for a comforting dessert featuring a moist cake top and a rich, gooey hot fudge sauce bottom. It uses simple pantry ingredients and requires no mixer.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for sauce)
  • 1 cup boiling water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add the cold water, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon or whisk until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  5. In a separate small bowl, mix the brown sugar and the remaining 1/4 cup cocoa powder for the sauce. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter.
  6. Carefully pour 1 cup of boiling water over the sugar and cocoa topping. Do not stir.
  7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake layer will set, and the liquid underneath will turn into a rich chocolate pudding sauce.
  8. Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • For the best self-saucing effect, pour the boiling water slowly and evenly over the top layer.
  • If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder in the batter and sauce.
  • This dessert is best eaten warm on the day it is made to enjoy the molten center.

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