Ridiculous Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe
This chocolate pudding cake is outrageously rich, ultra-moist, and magically creates its own gooey pudding layer as it bakes. A timeless comfort dessert that’s as easy as it is indulgent—perfect for chocoholics, beginner bakers, and nostalgic souls alike. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate treat.
Equipment
- 8x8-inch baking dish or similar
- Medium mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Spatula or spoon
- Kettle or saucepan (for boiling water)
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk (or buttermilk)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ¼ cups boiling water (or hot brewed coffee for deeper flavor)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
- ½ tsp cinnamon or pinch of cayenne
- ½ tsp peppermint or orange extract
Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat & Grease:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
Step 2 – Make the Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Spread evenly in the prepared pan.
Step 3 – Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cocoa powder. Sprinkle evenly over the batter (do not stir). Slowly pour the boiling water or coffee over the top—again, do not stir.
Step 4 – Bake:
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top looks set and cracked, but a sauce is bubbling underneath. A toothpick inserted into the top cake layer should come out with moist crumbs.
Step 5 – Cool & Serve:
- Let cool for about 10 minutes. Serve warm with a spoon, scooping from the bottom to get that pudding layer. Optional: top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Don’t stir after adding the boiling water! This is what allows the pudding layer to form beneath the cake.
- Use coffee instead of water for a richer chocolate depth.
- For a s’mores twist, toss in mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers.
- Easily made vegan: use plant-based milk, oil instead of butter, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.
- Best served fresh and warm, but leftovers can be reheated in the microwave with a splash of milk.