Hot Fudge Cake
Hot Fudge Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the heart of anyone with a sweet tooth. This rich and gooey cake offers a chocolatey experience that’s hard to resist. With its luscious hot fudge layer and a simplistic preparation method, it’s an easy yet impressive treat to whip up for family gatherings, special occasions, or merely a cozy night in. Imagine a warm slice of cake paired with melting vanilla ice cream – pure bliss!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 350
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 210mg
Why Make This Hot Fudge Cake
Hot Fudge Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a dessert experience. The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity and its impressive outcome. The top layer bakes to a delicate cake while the bottom transforms into a rich, self-saucing fudge. It’s perfect for chocolate lovers and can easily be adapted to suit various tastes. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it a fantastic last-minute dessert option for gatherings or family dinners.
How to Make Hot Fudge Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups boiling water
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish. This step ensures that your cake doesn’t stick, allowing for easy serving later.
Step 2: Mixing
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients until they are well blended.
Step 3: Adding Wet Ingredients
Now, add in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix everything together until smooth, then pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. This thick batter will form the base of your delicious cake.
Step 4: Layering Sugar and Cocoa
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and the remaining cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter. Don’t worry; it might look a bit odd at first, but this step is crucial for creating that luscious fudge layer.
Step 5: Adding Boiling Water
Carefully pour boiling water over the batter. Do not stir this; it might seem strange, but the magic happens in the oven as it bakes.
Step 6: Baking
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is set. The cake will puff up, and you’ll have a beautiful surface with a hidden fudge layer underneath.
Step 7: Serving
Serve your hot fudge cake warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream will melt beautifully into the warm fudge, creating a delightful dessert experience.
How to Serve Hot Fudge Cake
This cake is best served warm, right out of the oven. Pair each slice with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream for that perfect contrast of temperatures and flavors. You can also drizzle additional chocolate syrup or sprinkle chopped nuts on top for an extra touch.
How to Store Hot Fudge Cake
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds before serving again.
Expert Tips for Perfect Hot Fudge Cake
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature to help the batter mix better.
- Use fresh cocoa powder to ensure a rich chocolate flavor.
- If you want extra flavor, you can add a pinch of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate taste.
- Experiment with different ice cream flavors like mint chocolate chip or caramel for a unique twist.
- Try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for added texture.
Delicious Variations
- For a peanut butter twist, swirl in some creamy peanut butter into the batter before baking.
- Add some chopped fruit like cherries or raspberries to increase freshness and a pop of color.
- Create a mocha version by substituting half the cocoa powder for instant coffee granules.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and store it covered in the fridge overnight. Pour boiling water over it right before baking. -
What can I use instead of vegetable oil?
You can substitute with melted butter, canola oil, or even applesauce for a lighter version. -
Can I freeze Hot Fudge Cake?
Yes, you can freeze slices of the cake. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving. -
Is it okay to add ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to add texture and flavor. -
What can I serve with Hot Fudge Cake?
Besides vanilla ice cream, consider whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or fresh berries for a delightful touch.
Conclusion
Hot Fudge Cake is a timeless dessert that brings joy to any occasion. With its effortless preparation and rich, gooey flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Don’t hesitate to give it a try; your taste buds will thank you! Enjoy baking this irresistible treat for friends and family, and watch as they smile with every delicious bite.
Print
Hot Fudge Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and gooey chocolate cake with a self-saucing fudge layer, perfect for dessert lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups boiling water
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well blended.
- Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until smooth, then pour into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and remaining cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.
- Carefully pour boiling water over the batter without stirring.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the top is set.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Best served warm. Can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days, or refrigerate for a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
