Name: Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 32 min
Total time: 47 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed); 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup buttermilk; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed); 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/3 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional); 1 1/4 cups boiling water

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 1 review

If you have a soft spot for desserts that feel like a warm hug, then this Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This magical cake is a perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor and a moist, spoonable pudding texture hidden right beneath its crackly top. The beauty here is in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients come together to create something that tastes so indulgent but feels downright cozy. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or craving an effortless treat, this Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe offers pure comfort in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eleven small glass bowls and measuring cups arranged on a white marbled surface in a loose circular pattern. From the top left going clockwise, the first bowl holds light brown sugar with a coarse texture, followed by a bowl of dark brown cocoa powder with a fine, powdery texture. Next, a blue patterned bowl contains white baking powder in a fine powder form, and a small white bowl holds dark amber vanilla extract. Below that, a blue patterned bowl has fine white salt, and a clear glass bowl contains dark mini chocolate chips. A small clear measuring cup is filled with clear water, while a larger clear measuring cup contains white buttermilk. Another clear measuring cup nearby holds pale yellow vegetable oil. A medium-sized clear bowl has off-white all-purpose flour with a powdery texture, and a smaller clear bowl contains white granulated sugar. Each ingredient is clearly visible, neatly placed, and the surface is clean and bright. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this recipe’s luscious texture and chocolatey depth. Each player here has an important role, from the cocoa powder bringing intense flavor to the buttermilk adding moisture and tang that balances sweetness beautifully.

1 cup all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure and tenderness when combined with the other ingredients.
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Packed with real chocolate flavor, this gives the cake its deep, rich color and taste.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the perfect crumb texture.
1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed): Brings a subtle molasses note that enhances the cake’s complexity and moistness.
2 teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent that ensures the cake rises nicely and stays fluffy.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the chocolate flavors.
3/4 cup buttermilk: Adds tenderizing acidity and moistness, making every bite melt in your mouth.
1/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake soft and moist without overpowering the flavor.
1 tablespoon vanilla: A warm, fragrant note that rounds out the chocolate perfectly.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Used again in the topping to create the liquid pudding layer.
1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds richness and caramel undertones to the pudding layer.
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Boosts the chocolate intensity in the pudding topping.
1/3 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional): For extra melty bursts of chocolate that reward every spoonful.
1 1/4 cups boiling water: Poured over the batter to activate the magic of the pudding layer forming beneath the cake.

How to Make Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, thoroughly spray a 9-inch round baking dish or pie plate with a non-stick spray. This ensures the cake will come out easily and keep its beautiful shape.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step combines all the dry elements so they’re evenly distributed, which is crucial for that uniform rise and chocolate flavor throughout.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, stir in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the bowl with your dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined and you no longer see any dry spots. This forms the chocolatey batter base that will give the cake its tender crumb.

Step 4: Spread Batter and Prepare Topping

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. In a separate medium bowl, combine the sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and optional mini chocolate chips. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the batter—this will become the luscious pudding layer once baked.

Step 5: Add Boiling Water and Bake

Carefully pour the boiling water over the top of the batter and sugars, but do not stir. You’ll notice the water starts to blend with the sugar on top as the cake bakes, creating that signature pudding beneath the cake layer. Place the dish in the oven and bake for approximately 28 to 32 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top looks set and crackled, and the edges start gently pulling away from the pan.

Step 6: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for about 15 minutes. This brief rest lets the pudding layer thicken just enough to scoop out perfect servings without losing that velvety texture.

How to Serve Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe

A single thick layer of dark brown chocolate batter with a smooth, slightly glossy, and dense texture spreads evenly on a round white plate with a raised dotted edge. The batter's surface shows swirling patterns and gentle peaks, creating a rich, creamy look. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This cake is delightful on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch, try topping it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar also add a lovely pop of color and brightness that contrast beautifully with the rich chocolate.

Side Dishes

Pair this Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe with a cup of strong coffee or a bold black tea for a truly comforting dessert experience. If serving for a group, consider adding a platter of fresh fruit or simple cookies to complement the moist, pudding-like layers.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this cake in individual ramekins for personal pudding cakes. You could also add caramel sauce or a drizzle of chocolate ganache on top to make it feel extra special. Another idea is to layer it with fresh whipped cream and sliced strawberries for a dessert parfait that’s sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled preserves the luscious pudding layer and allows the flavors to meld even further.

Freezing

If you want to keep this treat longer, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or until just heated through. This brings back the gooey pudding texture and makes the cake taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s acidity, which helps tenderize the cake. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before adding it to the batter.

Do I have to use boiling water?

Boiling water is essential because it activates the cocoa and sugar to create the moist pudding layer beneath the cake. Using hot but not boiling water will also work but might alter the texture slightly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, since it uses all-purpose flour. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends that are meant for baking to make it gluten-free. Just keep in mind that results may vary slightly in texture.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch. You can also fold in some espresso powder for a mocha twist or swap in white chocolate chips for variety.

What’s the best way to serve this cake warm?

Serving it warm fresh from the oven is fantastic, especially with a scoop of ice cream on top. Just let it cool slightly before serving to avoid burns but enjoy it while the pudding layer is still gooey and comforting.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe is one of those magical desserts that feels both indulgent and homey, perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in a moment of self-care. Its straightforward ingredients and simple steps deliver a result that tastes far more complicated than it is. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make this your go-to chocolate treat—you’ll be amazed how effortlessly it wins hearts every time.