You’re about to dive into a rich, old-fashioned chocolate pudding cake—a beloved dessert that’s equal parts cozy and decadent. Imagine slicing into that cake to find a fudgy, self-saucing layer hidden beneath, giving you a bit of both worlds: cake and pudding.
What is Chocolate Pudding Cake?
Chocolate pudding cake is unique because of its baking magic: it transforms into both cake and pudding with one simple batter. Unlike traditional cakes, where the texture is uniform throughout, a pudding cake creates a fluffy, spongy layer on top and a thick, rich chocolate sauce beneath. This self-saucing effect happens thanks to an unusual step in the recipe—you pour boiling water over the batter before baking. Don’t stir it; just let it sit. As the cake bakes, the hot water helps separate the layers, giving you a moist cake layer on top and gooey pudding at the bottom.
With just a few pantry ingredients, you’ll create a dessert that’s indulgent, satisfying, and perfect for chocolate lovers. It’s no wonder chocolate pudding cake has become a staple for home bakers worldwide.
A Brief History of Chocolate Pudding Cake
Pudding cakes have a long history in North American kitchens, especially in households where traditional puddings are made on stovetops. In the mid-20th century, home bakers began experimenting with these recipes, adding new flavors and adapting the techniques to ovens. That’s how chocolate pudding cake came to be—a simple,
Through the years, the recipe has held a special place in family gatherings and holiday celebrations, standing the test of time as a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert. If you grew up with it, the smell alone might take you back. And if you’re trying it for the first time, you’re in for a real treat.
Why We Love This Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe
There are endless reasons to love chocolate pudding cake, and this recipe has all the makings of a classic.
- Self-Saucing Wonder: The pudding sauce forms on its own as the cake bakes—no need for extra steps!
- Warm and Fudgy: This cake satisfies those chocolate cravings in the best possible way.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From family dinners to cozy nights in, it’s a dessert that fits any setting.
Ingredients For Chocolate Pudding Cake
All-purpose flour – I do not recommend substituting all-purpose flour in this recipe. It provides the structure needed for the cake layer. If substituted with cake flour, your cake will have a lighter texture but may lack the necessary structure for the pudding effect.
Granulated sugar – Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and helps balance the bitterness of the cocoa powder. If you substitute with brown sugar, the texture may change slightly, and the cake will have a bit more moisture.
Unsweetened cocoa powder – Provides a rich chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give a smoother flavor, while natural cocoa adds a slightly more acidic, tangy taste. Make sure you use unsweetened cocoa powder, as sweetened cocoa will affect the sweetness of the entire cake.
Baking powder – It’s important not to substitute baking soda for baking powder, as they have different properties and functions in the recipe. Baking powder is essential to make the cake rise and create a light, fluffy texture on top of the pudding.
Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the cake without making it “salty.” It helps balance out the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor.
Milk – Whole milk is ideal for adding moisture and richness to your cake. If you use lower-fat milk, the texture may be slightly less creamy. You can substitute it with non-dairy milk if needed, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Unsalted butter – Adds flavor, moisture, and richness to the cake. You can substitute it with salted butter, but be sure to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by half.
Pure vanilla extract – Provides a depth of flavor to the cake, complementing the chocolate. You can substitute with vanilla essence, but pure extract will give a better and more authentic taste.
Espresso powder (optional) – This enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. If you don’t have it, you can omit it, but the depth of chocolate flavor will be a bit lighter.
Light brown sugar – Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor to the pudding layer. If you use all white sugar, the pudding layer will still form, but the flavor will be a bit more straightforward.
Boiling water – The secret ingredient that helps form the self-saucing pudding layer. Don’t substitute this with cold or room-temperature water, as it will not create the proper texture and separation between the cake and pudding layers.
How to Make Chocolate Pudding Cake
Creating this classic dessert is as simple as following a few basic steps. Here’s how to make chocolate pudding cake that will impress everyone at the table:
1. Preheat Your Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup granulated sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder (if using). This forms the base of your cake layer.
- Add milk, with melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Whisk until the batter is smooth and free of large lumps.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out using a spatula.
3. Make the Fudge Sauce
- In another bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over top of the cake batter
- Carefully pour boiling water over the entire cake—do not stir! The water will sit on top and create the magic pudding layer as it bakes.
4. Bake the Cake
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the center is almost set. The top should look like a typical cake, but underneath, the pudding layer will be bubbling away.
- Once it’s done baking, take the cake out of the oven and let it rest for around 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken slightly before serving
5. Serve and Enjoy
- To serve, spoon portions of the cake into bowls, ensuring each scoop includes some of the pudding sauce from the bottom. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Pudding Cake
Want your chocolate pudding cake to turn out flawless every time? let’s go
- Choose the Right Cocoa: For a rich, deep chocolate flavor, go with unsweetened cocoa powder or even Dutch-processed cocoa powder. It makes a noticeable difference in taste.
- Avoid Stirring the Water: When pouring the boiling water over the cake, resist the urge to stir! Letting the water sit on top helps create the sauce layer underneath.
- Use Hot Water: The boiling water activates the pudding effect, creating that deliciously gooey layer.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Add nuts like pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch, or a splash of peppermint extract for a holiday twist.
Fun Variations to Try For Chocolate Pudding Cake
Looking to add a personal touch? Here are a few ideas:
- Nutty Chocolate Pudding Cake: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the batter before adding the boiling water.
- Spicy Chocolate: For a hint of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
- Mint Chocolate: Add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract to the cake batter for a refreshing twist.
Serving Suggestions For Chocolate Pudding Cake
Chocolate pudding cake is best served warm so the sauce remains gooey and delicious. Here are some tasty ways to serve it:
- With Vanilla Ice Cream: A cold, creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream is a perfect contrast to the warm chocolate.
- Topped with Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a wonderful balance to the rich chocolate flavor.
- Perfect for Casual Gatherings or Holiday Dinners: Chocolate pudding cake fits right in for cozy family dinners or as an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert for holiday meals.
How to Store Chocolate Pudding Cake
If you have leftovers (which may be unlikely!), here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It may thicken slightly, but the sauce should stay soft.
- Reheat: For best results, microwave a portion for 15-20 seconds to reheat and restore the gooey texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Pudding Cake
How is a pudding cake different from a regular cake?
A pudding cake has two layers: a spongy cake on top and a sauce on the bottom. The sauce forms as the cake bakes, giving it a unique, self-saucing texture.
What happens when you add a box of pudding to a cake mix?
Adding pudding to a cake mix makes it extra moist and dense. It’s a popular way to enhance boxed cake mixes, making the cake richer and more flavorful.
What is chocolate pudding cake made of?
This cake includes pantry basics like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and milk. The sauce is made by sprinkling more sugar and cocoa powder over the batter, followed by boiling water.
What’s a secret ingredient for making cake extra moist?
For ultra-moist cakes, try adding a spoonful of sour cream, yogurt, or pudding mix to the batter. These ingredients help create a tender crumb and boost the cake’s richness.
Bake Your Perfect Chocolate Pudding Cake Today!
This old-fashioned chocolate pudding cake is pure comfort food—a delicious treat that’s simple to make and delightfully satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a warm, self-saucing cake that’s sure to impress family and friends. Whether it’s a quiet night at home or a special gathering, this dessert is guaranteed to be a hit.
So go ahead, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy the sweet magic of chocolate pudding cake. Don’t forget to top it off with ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
More Cake recipes you will love!
chocolate pudding cake
Ingredients
For the Cake Layer:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ teaspoon espresso powder
For the Fudge Sauce:
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ¼ cups boiling water
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup granulated sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder (if using). This forms the base of your cake layer.
- Add milk, with melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Whisk until the batter is smooth and free of large lumps.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out using a spatula.
Make the Fudge Sauce
- In another bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over top of the cake batter
- Carefully pour boiling water over the entire cake—do not stir! The water will sit on top and create the magic pudding layer as it bakes.
Bake the Cake
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the center is almost set. The top should look like a typical cake, but underneath, the pudding layer will be bubbling away.
- Once it’s done baking, take the cake out of the oven and let it rest for around 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken slightly before serving
Serve and Enjoy
- To serve, spoon portions of the cake into bowls, ensuring each scoop includes some of the pudding sauce from the bottom. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Choose the Right Cocoa: For a rich, deep chocolate flavor, go with unsweetened cocoa powder or even Dutch-processed cocoa powder. It makes a noticeable difference in taste.
- Avoid Stirring the Water: When pouring the boiling water over the cake, resist the urge to stir! Letting the water sit on top helps create the sauce layer underneath.
- Use Hot Water: The boiling water activates the pudding effect, creating that deliciously gooey layer.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Add nuts like pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch, or a splash of peppermint extract for a holiday twist.