Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake

Highlighted under: Baking Favorites

Indulge in the rich and decadent experience of Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake. This dessert is a perfect blend of a soft cake and a gooey chocolate center, ideal for any chocolate lover.

Lena

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2025-12-29T14:43:28.690Z

This Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the best of both worlds: a rich cake with a molten chocolate center. Perfect for cozy nights or special occasions, it’s sure to impress your guests!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
  • Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake is not just a dessert; it's an experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this cake offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth. The soft cake exterior gives way to a rich, gooey chocolate center that feels indulgent yet comforting. It's an ideal treat for birthdays, anniversaries, or even a cozy night in.

What makes this dessert even more appealing is its versatility. You can serve it as is, or elevate it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of the warm cake with cold toppings is simply divine. Plus, a sprinkle of fresh orange zest adds an aromatic twist, making it a memorable dish for your guests.

Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

You don’t need an extensive list of ingredients to create this masterpiece. Most of the items required are kitchen staples that you likely already have on hand, including flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and eggs. The addition of semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream for the pudding center brings an extra layer of indulgence without complicating the preparation process.

The use of fresh orange zest is a brilliant way to enhance the chocolate flavor. It adds a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness, making each bite even more enjoyable. This combination creates a dessert that is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying to eat.

Tips for Perfecting Your Cake

To ensure that your Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake turns out perfectly, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully. Make sure to preheat your oven adequately, as this will help the cake rise properly and achieve that perfect texture. Greasing the cake pan well is also crucial to prevent sticking, ensuring that your dessert comes out beautifully.

Another tip is to let the cake cool slightly before serving. This short cooling time allows the pudding center to set just enough to create that wonderful molten effect. If you're feeling adventurous, consider experimenting with different types of chocolate or adding nuts for added texture. Each variation can bring a new twist to this beloved dessert.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

For the Pudding Center

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Gradually add to dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.

Incorporate Boiling Water

Stir in the boiling water until well combined. The batter will be thin.

Add to Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and sprinkle chocolate chips evenly on top.

Bake

Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is set. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake, the options are endless. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top creates a delightful contrast between hot and cold, enhancing the overall flavor experience. Drizzling with chocolate or caramel sauce will take the indulgence up a notch, making it an irresistible treat.

For an elegant touch, consider garnishing with fresh berries or a sprig of mint. This not only adds a pop of color but also introduces a refreshing element that complements the richness of the cake beautifully. Your guests will be impressed by both the presentation and the taste!

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare with this delicious cake!), storing them properly is essential to maintain the texture and flavor. Allow the cake to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This quick warming will revive the gooey chocolate center, making it feel freshly baked! Just remember to check the temperature to avoid overheating, which can alter the cake's delightful texture.

Variations to Try

While the classic Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake is a crowd-pleaser, you can also experiment with different flavors to keep things exciting. Try adding a splash of espresso to the batter for a mocha twist, or incorporate peppermint extract for a festive touch during the holidays. Each variation will bring a new dimension to the dessert.

For a nutty flavor, consider folding in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking. The added crunch pairs wonderfully with the soft cake and gooey center. Likewise, substituting some of the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate can create a delightful contrast while still keeping that indulgent chocolate essence.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving.

→ What can I serve with the cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, ice cream, or fresh berries.

→ Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate will create a more intense flavor.

→ What should I do if the cake cools and the pudding center hardens?

Microwave individual slices for a few seconds to warm them up and restore the gooey center.

Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake

Indulge in the rich and decadent experience of Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake. This dessert is a perfect blend of a soft cake and a gooey chocolate center, ideal for any chocolate lover.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Lena

Recipe Type: Baking Favorites

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 6 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  4. 1 tsp baking powder
  5. 1/2 tsp salt
  6. 1/2 cup milk
  7. 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  8. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  9. 1 cup boiling water

For the Pudding Center

  1. 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  2. 1/2 cup heavy cream

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Step 03

In another bowl, mix milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Gradually add to dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.

Step 04

Stir in the boiling water until well combined. The batter will be thin.

Step 05

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and sprinkle chocolate chips evenly on top.

Step 06

Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is set. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g