If you love warm, gooey chocolate desserts, this Hot Fudge Cake is the ultimate indulgence! This self-saucing cake magically creates a rich chocolate cake with a decadent fudge sauce underneath as it bakes. Perfect for cozy nights, special occasions, or whenever you crave a warm and comforting treat.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Hot Fudge Cake
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 cup |
| Granulated Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Cocoa Powder | 2 tablespoons |
| Baking Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Unsalted Butter | 2 tablespoons, melted |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Brown Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Cocoa Powder | 1/4 cup |
| Boiling Water | 1 1/4 cups |
How to Make Hot Fudge Cake
Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Make the Cake Batter
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Create the Fudge Sauce
- In another bowl, combine brown sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa powder.
- Evenly sprinkle the sugar-cocoa mixture over the cake batter.
- Carefully pour the boiling water over the mixture, making sure not to stir it!
Bake & Serve
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the cake is set and the sauce is bubbling beneath.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy it warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect indulgence!
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Pro Tips for Perfect Hot Fudge Cake
- Use hot water: This helps create the gooey fudge sauce underneath.
- Do not stir after adding water: This is key to forming the layers.
- Bake just until set: Overbaking can make the cake dry and reduce the sauce.
- Serve warm: The sauce thickens as it cools, so enjoy it fresh out of the oven.
Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter for melted coconut oil and use almond milk.
- Extra Chocolatey: Add chocolate chips to the batter for more richness.
FAQs
What makes Hot Fudge Cake unique?
This cake creates its own fudge sauce while baking, making it different from regular chocolate cakes.
Can I make Hot Fudge Cake ahead of time?
For the best experience, enjoy it fresh. If needed, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy again!
How should I store leftovers?
Keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness. Reheat before serving.
Can I freeze Hot Fudge Cake?
Yes! Freeze individual portions and reheat when ready to serve.
What’s the best cocoa powder for this cake?
Use Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper flavor and color.
Why didn’t my cake form a sauce?
Ensure you added enough hot water and didn’t stir it after pouring.
Can I add nuts or toppings?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce are fantastic toppings to elevate the flavor.
Hot Fudge Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder for topping
- 1 ½ cups hot water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread batter in the prepared dish.
- Mix brown sugar and additional cocoa powder; sprinkle evenly over the batter.
- Gently pour hot water over the top—do not stir.
- Bake for 35 minutes until the cake is set but gooey underneath.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm with ice cream or whipped cream.