Hot Fudge Cake

Craving an indulgent, gooey dessert? Look no further than Hot Fudge Cake, a rich and comforting treat that combines the best of cake and pudding in one magical dish. This self-saucing dessert bakes into a soft, chocolatey cake on top, while the bottom transforms into a luscious, fudgy sauce.

Whether you’re a chocolate lover or just need a cozy dessert for a chilly evening, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients List

Creating a perfect Hot Fudge Cake requires simple pantry staples that come together to form a decadent chocolate dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Hot Fudge Sauce:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ¼ cups boiling water

Required Kitchen Tools

To make Hot Fudge Cake seamlessly, having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable:

1. Mixing Bowls – For combining the cake batter and the fudge sauce ingredients separately.
2. Whisk & Spatula – A whisk helps incorporate the dry ingredients, while a spatula is useful for folding the wet ingredients into the batter.
3. 9-inch Square Baking Pan – The ideal size for baking this cake evenly and ensuring the right cake-to-fudge ratio.
4. Measuring Cups & Spoons – Accuracy is key when measuring out dry and wet ingredients for the perfect texture.
5. Kettle or Saucepan – To boil water for the fudgy sauce layer.

By gathering these ingredients and tools, you’ll be well on your way to making the most indulgent Hot Fudge Cake with minimal effort.

Cake Preparation

Making Hot Fudge Cake is surprisingly easy, and the magic happens in the oven as it transforms into a cake with a rich, molten chocolate sauce beneath. Follow these steps to create this irresistible dessert.

Mixing the Ingredients

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan and set it aside.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Add the milk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
4. Using a spatula, stir until the batter is smooth and well-mixed. The consistency should be thick but spreadable.

Assembling the Cake

1. Transfer the batter to the greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder for the hot fudge sauce.
3. Evenly sprinkle this dry sugar mixture over the cake batter in the pan—do not stir.
4. Carefully and slowly pour the boiling water over the entire surface of the batter. Again, do not stir. The water will sit on top, but as the cake bakes, it will create the signature hot fudge layer underneath.

Baking the Hot Fudge Cake

Now that your cake is assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection. The key to achieving the signature fudgy sauce beneath the cake layer lies in the baking process.

Baking Instructions

1. Place the prepared baking pan in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven.
2. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is set on top but still slightly soft in the center. The fudgy sauce will remain underneath, so don’t overbake!
3. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick only into the cake layer—it should come out clean, while the bottom remains gooey.

Resting and Serving

1. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly while keeping its luscious consistency.
2. Using a large spoon, scoop out portions of the cake, making sure to get plenty of the hot fudge sauce from the bottom.
3. Serve warm, drizzling extra sauce over the top.

Serving and Decoration

When it comes to serving Hot Fudge Cake, the warm, gooey texture pairs perfectly with a variety of toppings. Elevate this decadent dessert with these delicious add-ons:

Suggested Toppings and Pairings

• Vanilla Ice Cream – The ultimate pairing! The cold, creamy ice cream melts into the hot fudge sauce, creating an irresistible contrast.
• Whipped Cream – A light and airy topping that balances the richness of the chocolate.
• Chocolate Shavings or Chips – Sprinkle some over the top for extra indulgence.
• Chopped Nuts – Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch to the soft cake.
• Fresh Berries – A handful of raspberries or strawberries can add a refreshing touch.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is rare with this delicious cake!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

How to Store Hot Fudge Cake

• At Room Temperature – Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
• In the Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving to restore its gooey texture.

Freezing Hot Fudge Cake

• While this cake is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month.
• To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the microwave before serving.

Conclusion

Mastering Hot Fudge Cake is as easy as mixing, baking, and serving! With its rich chocolate flavor and indulgent fudgy sauce, it’s a must-try dessert for any occasion.

Whether enjoyed on a cozy night in or served at a gathering, this self-saucing cake is guaranteed to impress. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you have a dessert that’s pure chocolate bliss.