Name: Hot Fudge Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (divided); 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup milk; 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 1/4 cups boiling water

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert is both simple and spectacular. You don’t need any fancy equipment or ingredients, yet the result is a decadent cake with its own built-in sauce. It’s perfect for last-minute cravings or a cozy night in. The contrast of warm fudge and fluffy cake with cold ice cream makes it a timeless treat everyone will love.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking powder
Salt
Milk
Vegetable oil or melted butter
Vanilla extract
Brown sugar
Boiling water

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
In a bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Add milk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Stir until combined into a thick batter.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and the remaining cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.
Pour boiling water slowly over the top—do not stir.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the cake has set on top but still jiggles slightly when shaken.
Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the fudge sauce to thicken slightly.
Serve warm, ideally with ice cream or whipped cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6 to 8 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes

Variations

Mocha Fudge Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the batter for a coffee-chocolate twist.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Add dollops of peanut butter to the batter before baking for a nutty flavor.
Mint Chocolate: Mix in a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing variation.
Spicy Hot Fudge Cake: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a spicy kick.
Double Chocolate: Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until warm and gooey.
Avoid freezing, as the fudge sauce texture can change, but if needed, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.

FAQs

What makes hot fudge cake different from regular chocolate cake?

Hot fudge cake creates its own fudge sauce while baking, thanks to the layering of batter, sugar, and hot water.

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, you can use an 8×8-inch pan for a thicker cake or a round pan, but adjust baking time accordingly.

Is it supposed to be gooey in the center?

Yes, the center remains soft and fudgy due to the sauce layer that forms underneath the cake.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the batter ahead and bake just before serving.

Can I substitute the cocoa powder?

Dutch-process cocoa can be used, but it may slightly change the flavor and color.

What’s the best topping for hot fudge cake?

Vanilla ice cream is the classic choice, but whipped cream or fresh berries work great too.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute can work, though the texture may be slightly different.

Why pour boiling water on top?

This creates the steamy environment needed to form the fudge sauce beneath the cake.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be set like cake, but the bottom will remain soft and saucy. A gentle jiggle is okay.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish and increase the baking time by 5–10 minutes, checking for doneness.

Conclusion

Hot fudge cake is a quick and satisfying dessert that delivers big on flavor and comfort. With its rich chocolate cake and velvety fudge sauce, it’s the kind of sweet treat that feels special without the fuss. Perfect for family dinners or when you’re simply craving something warm and indulgent, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.