Welcome to your new favorite dessert! Discover this magical chocolate pudding cake, a true delight that’s as fun to bake as it is to eat. Enjoy two distinct layers: a wonderfully moist cake on top and a rich, warm chocolate pudding sauce forming beneath. This old-fashioned, comforting treat guarantees smiles with every spoonful. It’s perfect for beginners and busy bakers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Pudding Cake

This fantastic chocolate pudding cake will quickly become a cherished recipe in your home. Here’s why it’s so special:

Simple, minimal effort recipe: You need just a few basic ingredients for a show-stopping dessert.
Amazing self-saucing effect: The magic happens in the oven as the pudding forms beneath the cake.
Decadently rich chocolate flavor: Every bite bursts with deep, satisfying chocolate flavor.
Ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights: It’s a versatile dessert for any occasion.
Warm, gooey, and comforting: This cake truly wraps you in a hug of flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your irresistible chocolate pudding cake:

For the Chocolate Cake:

¾ cup (105g) all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (20g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
¼ cup (½ stick or 56g) unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Pudding Sauce:

¼ cup (25g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
⅓ cup (65g) light brown sugar
⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
1 ½ (360 ml) cups boiling water

Notes & Substitutions

For the best chocolate pudding cake, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for both layers. It offers a darker color and milder, less acidic chocolate flavor compared to natural cocoa. Learn more about the culinary science behind Dutch-processed cocoa powder and how it affects baked goods. Whole milk provides the richest cake texture, but 2% milk or even buttermilk can work in a pinch for a slight tang. Using melted butter, as in this recipe, contributes to a denser, chewier texture in baked goods compared to softened butter. Always use unsalted butter to control the salt content. The sugars play a crucial role in both the cake’s structure and the pudding’s luscious texture.

Equipment

You’ll need a few essential items for this easy chocolate pudding cake:

8 or 9-inch square baking pan
Two medium mixing bowls
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Optional: Individual 6-ounce ramekins for single servings

Instructions

Creating this delightful chocolate pudding cake is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect result:

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F/180°C. Lightly grease an 8 or 9-inch square baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving of your chocolate pudding cake.
Combine dry cake ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Add the ¾ cup granulated sugar and whisk to combine thoroughly.
Mix wet cake ingredients: In a separate small bowl, combine the whole milk, melted unsalted butter, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients until well-combined.
Fold wet into dry; spread batter: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry flour mixture. Mix just until combined; do not overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Scrape the smooth cake batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly across the bottom.
Whisk pudding ingredients: In another small bowl, toss together the remaining ¼ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, light brown sugar, and ⅓ cup granulated sugar. Make sure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Evenly sprinkle pudding mix: Carefully sprinkle this dry pudding mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter in the pan. Ensure it covers the entire surface for uniform pudding formation.
Pour boiling water: Gently pour 1 ½ cups of boiling water evenly over the entire surface of the cake batter and dry pudding mixture. Do not stir the layers after pouring the water. This is crucial for the self-saucing effect of the chocolate pudding cake.
Bake the cake: If using an 8×8-inch pan, bake for 25-30 minutes. If using individual ramekins, bake for 15-20 minutes. Bake until the top of the cake is set, cracked, and just beginning to pull away from the sides of the pan. Do not overbake, or your cake will lose its gooey pudding center.
Cool slightly before serving: Allow the baked chocolate pudding cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes on a wire rack. This helps the pudding sauce thicken slightly.
Serve warm: Serve individual portions warm, typically inverted so the luscious pudding sauce can be spooned generously over the cake.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve the best chocolate pudding cake by following these expert tips:

Quality Cocoa: Use a high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a deep, rich chocolate flavor. This significantly impacts your dessert’s taste.
Avoid Overbaking: Do not overbake the cake! The top should be set, but the magic happens with a gooey, moist center. Keep an eye on it.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your milk and butter are at room temperature for a smooth, consistent batter. This prevents lumps.
Ramekin Baking: For individual desserts, bake in 6-ounce ramekins, adjusting the baking time to 15-20 minutes. They make elegant single servings.
Prevent Thin Pudding: If your pudding sauce is too thin, this can happen if the cake is underbaked or the pan size is too large. Ensure you bake it fully and use the recommended pan size.
No Stirring: Absolutely do not stir the hot water layer into the batter. The distinct layers are essential for the self-saucing effect of this delicious chocolate pudding cake.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile chocolate pudding cake offers many ways to enjoy it.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy warm straight from the oven, with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
Serve with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra richness.
Add a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or fresh berries for an elegant garnish.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover chocolate pudding cake covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until warm and gooey again.

Flavor Variations

Enhance the chocolate flavor by adding 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry cake ingredients.
Mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the cake batter before baking for added texture.
Consider baking in a 9×13-inch pan for a larger yield; just note that the cake layer will be thinner, and the baking time might need slight adjustment.

Nutrition

Nutritional facts for this chocolate pudding cake are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Nutrient	Per Serving (Estimate)
Calories	350 kcal
Total Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	50g
Protein	4g

Please remember, this delicious chocolate pudding cake is an indulgent treat best enjoyed in moderation.

FAQ

You’ve got questions about this delightful chocolate pudding cake, and we have answers!

What is a “self-saucing” pudding cake? It’s a magical dessert where the cake batter bakes on top, and a rich, gooey sauce forms underneath it, all in one pan.
Why doesn’t this recipe use any eggs? This particular chocolate pudding cake recipe is naturally egg-free, making it a great option for those with egg allergies or who are simply out of eggs.
Can I prepare the pudding cake ahead of time? You can prepare the batter and pudding mix, but it’s best to bake the cake right before serving for the freshest taste and best sauce consistency.
What if my pudding sauce is too runny? This can happen if the cake is underbaked or the pan size is too large. Ensure you bake it fully and use the recommended pan size.

Conclusion

This easy chocolate pudding cake truly is a magical dessert, effortlessly delivering both a tender cake and a rich, warm chocolate sauce in one delightful package. We’ve simplified every step, ensuring that even beginners can achieve a perfect, comforting treat every time. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake this classic. Your family and friends will absolutely adore this irresistible chocolate pudding cake, making it a cherished recipe for years to come!