Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe

Chocolate Pudding Cake is a decadent and comforting dessert that combines the richness of chocolate pudding with the fluffy texture of a cake. The creamy, velvety pudding is topped with a light, moist cake that forms during baking, creating the perfect contrast of textures in every bite. This dessert is a chocolate lover’s dream come true and is incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this dessert will satisfy your sweet cravings and leave everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy

The combination of whole milk, heavy cream, and semisweet chocolate chips creates a rich, creamy texture that chocolate lovers will adore. The pudding-like consistency is simply irresistible.

2. Two Desserts in One

This recipe is the best of both worlds—pudding and cake in one dessert. The pudding forms at the bottom of the pan while the cake rises to the top, giving you a perfect mix of both textures in every bite.

3. Simple Ingredients

With just a few pantry staples like milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips, this dessert is easy to make without needing a ton of special ingredients or tools.

4. Quick and Easy to Make

Despite its indulgent flavors, this pudding cake comes together quickly and requires minimal preparation, making it perfect for last-minute desserts or a weeknight treat.

5. Versatile Serving Options

This chocolate pudding cake is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or just on its own for a truly satisfying dessert.

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• Whole milk
• Granulated sugar
• Heavy cream
• Dark cocoa powder
• Cornstarch
• Kosher salt
• Semisweet chocolate chips

Variations

• Peanut Butter Pudding Cake: Swirl in some peanut butter into the pudding layer for a sweet and salty contrast.
• Mint Chocolate Pudding Cake: Add a few drops of mint extract to the batter for a refreshing minty twist on the classic chocolate flavor.
• Fruit Add-ins: Layer in fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries before baking to introduce a fresh, fruity element to the pudding cake.
• Spicy Chocolate Pudding Cake: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the cocoa powder for a warm, spicy flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Pudding Base

In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, granulated sugar, heavy cream, dark cocoa powder, cornstarch, and kosher salt. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Once the mixture begins to thicken and bubble, remove it from the heat.

Step 3: Add the Chocolate Chips

Stir in the semisweet chocolate chips and continue to whisk until they have completely melted and the pudding is smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Pour the Pudding into the Baking Dish

Pour the prepared pudding into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Pudding Cake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake should rise to the top and form a light crust while the pudding remains rich and gooey underneath.

Step 6: Serve

Allow the chocolate pudding cake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. It can be enjoyed warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix the Pudding: When making the pudding, make sure to whisk constantly but not aggressively to avoid creating air bubbles or lumps.
• Adjust the Texture: If you prefer a thicker pudding base, add a little more cornstarch. For a thinner texture, reduce the amount slightly.
• Use High-Quality Chocolate Chips: Using good-quality semisweet chocolate chips will give the pudding cake its deep, rich chocolate flavor.
• Serve Warm: This dessert is best served warm when the pudding is gooey, and the cake is soft and light.

How to Serve

Chocolate Pudding Cake can be served in individual bowls or scooped directly from the baking dish. For extra indulgence, top with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also serve it with fresh berries for a touch of freshness to balance out the richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chocolate pudding cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 250°F (120°C) until warm.

Freezing

Chocolate pudding cake doesn’t freeze well due to its creamy texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you must freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for 20-30 seconds or bake in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for 10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can use almond milk, coconut milk, or any other milk substitute, but it may affect the texture and flavor slightly.

2. Can I use a different kind of chocolate?

You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile, but semisweet chocolate chips are recommended for the best balance of sweetness and richness.

3. What should the pudding consistency be like?

The pudding should be thick and creamy, but still pourable before baking. It will thicken further as it cools and sets.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the pudding cake a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just make sure to reheat it before serving.

5. Can I use a larger baking dish?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time depending on the size of the dish. A larger dish may require less time to bake, so keep an eye on it.

6. Can I make this without heavy cream?

You can replace the heavy cream with additional milk, though the texture will be slightly different. The cream adds a richness that may be missing without it.

7. Can I make individual servings?

Yes, you can make this pudding cake in individual ramekins or muffin tins. Just adjust the baking time and keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

8. Can I use cocoa powder instead of chocolate chips?

Cocoa powder is part of the recipe, but chocolate chips are necessary for the pudding’s rich flavor. You can’t replace the chips entirely with cocoa powder.

9. How can I make this dessert less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in both the pudding and the cake layers to taste.

10. Can I add nuts to the cake?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the cake mixture for extra crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

Chocolate Pudding Cake is a delightful dessert that satisfies chocolate cravings with its creamy, rich pudding and fluffy, cake-like texture. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients, and the result is a decadent treat that can be served warm for maximum enjoyment. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a party, or just because you’re in the mood for something sweet, this pudding cake is sure to impress. Indulge in this melt-in-your-mouth dessert and enjoy the perfect balance of chocolatey goodness!

Print