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A spoon lifting a warm chocolate pudding cake with rich, self-saucing chocolate dripping back into a rustic baking dish, served with vanilla ice cream in the background.

Chocolate Pudding Cake (Self-Saucing Dessert)

This easy Chocolate Pudding Cake is a classic self-saucing dessert that bakes into a soft chocolate cake with a rich, fudgy chocolate sauce underneath. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this old-fashioned favorite comes together quickly and is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 360 kcal

Equipment

  • 8 X 8 inch baking dish or similar casserole dish
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl for hot water

Ingredients
  

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 melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Sauce

  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ¼ cups hot water

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  • Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  • In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cocoa powder. Sprinkle evenly over the batter — do not stir.
  • Carefully pour the hot water over the entire dish. Again, do not stir. This is what creates the self-saucing magic.
  • Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the cake is set on top and sauce has formed underneath.
  • Let cool slightly. Spoon into bowls, making sure to scoop up plenty of that warm chocolate sauce.

Notes

Nutritional values provided are estimates only and are calculated based on general nutritional data for the listed ingredients. Actual values may vary depending on the specific brands, measurements, and preparation methods used. For precise dietary information, please consult a registered dietitian or use a verified nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients you use.

Nutrition

Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 260mgPotassium: 290mgFiber: 3gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 380IUCalcium: 90mgIron: 3.2mg
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