This Hot Fudge Cake is a decadent, gooey dessert that’s perfect for chocolate lovers. With its rich fudgy topping that forms as it bakes, this cake is like magic in the oven. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Prep Time
- 10 minutes
Cook Time
- 30–35 minutes
Total Time
- 40–45 minutes
Servings
- 6–8 servings
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Fudge Topping:
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ cups hot water
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream (optional but highly recommended!)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until a thick, smooth batter forms.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Fudge Topping
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ¼ cup cocoa powder.
- Sprinkle this dry mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish.
- Carefully pour the hot water over the top of the entire mixture. Do not stir —the water will combine with the dry ingredients as it bakes to create the fudgy sauce.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes , or until the top of the cake is set and the edges are bubbly. The center may still look slightly soft, but it will firm up as it cools.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes to allow the fudge sauce to thicken slightly.
- Scoop the cake into bowls, ensuring each serving gets plenty of the gooey fudge sauce from the bottom.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Pro Tips
- Double the Sauce: If you love extra fudge sauce, increase the brown sugar and cocoa powder by ¼ cup each and add an additional ½ cup of hot water.
- Customize: Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the batter for a subtle flavor boost.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a warm, gooey dessert.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the cake up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if starting cold.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 30g
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Hot Fudge Cake is pure chocolate magic. The cake bakes to perfection while the fudgy sauce forms underneath, creating a luscious, molten layer that pairs beautifully with the tender cake. It’s easy to make, uses pantry staples, and is guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re craving a cozy dessert or hosting a dinner party, this cake is sure to be a hit.
Ready to indulge in this warm, gooey delight? Grab your ingredients and get ready to savor a slice of chocolate heaven—it’s comfort food at its finest!
