Imagine a dessert so decadent, so irresistibly rich, that it transforms from a simple cake into a magical self-saucing chocolate paradise right before your eyes! This Saucy Chocolate Pudding Cake is not just a dessert; it's a culinary miracle that will make your taste buds dance with pure chocolate ecstasy. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you'll create a show-stopping treat that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery's kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or a 2-quart rectangular baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the batter is smooth and no dry ingredients are visible.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it to the edges with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar with the boiling water, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Carefully pour the hot sugar-water mixture over the top of the cake batter. Do not stir. The liquid will sit on top of the batter and create a unique sauce during baking.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake will rise and create a self-saucing pudding as it bakes.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake portion. It should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let the pudding cake cool for 10-15 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
- Serve warm, spooning the sauce over the cake. Optional: Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smoother batter and more even baking.
- When pouring the hot sugar-water mixture, do not stir - this is crucial for creating the signature sauce layer.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for the most intense chocolate flavor.
- Check the cake a few minutes early to prevent overcooking, as the texture should remain slightly gooey.
- Allow the pudding cake to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to let the sauce set and develop its rich consistency.
- For an extra touch of indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and gently reheat before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
