Old-Fashioned Hot Fudge Sundae Cake—also known as Chocolate Cobbler or Hot Fudge Pudding Cake—is a beloved dessert that marries the textures of a rich, brownie-like cake with a luscious, fudge-like pudding on the bottom. This classic treat is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few pantry staples, and is served warm, often with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. Here’s how to make this timeless dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, pecans or walnuts)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 3/4 cups very hot water
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish or an equivalent size dish to ensure the cake comes out easily after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Use a fork or whisk to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
- To the dry ingredients, add 1/2 cup of whole milk, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. If you’re using nuts, fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts at this stage. These nuts add a nice crunch and a layer of flavor to the cake.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The batter will form the top layer of the cake and should be smooth.
5. Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of packed light brown sugar and 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. This mixture will be sprinkled over the top of the batter. This layer will create the rich fudge sauce as the cake bakes.
6. Add Hot Water:
- Carefully pour 1 3/4 cups of very hot water over the top of the cake batter and sugar mixture. Do not stir or mix; the hot water will settle to the bottom during baking and will turn into a thick, fudgy sauce.
7. Bake the Cake:
- Place the baking dish on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. The cake is done when the top is set and has a brownie-like texture, while the bottom is full of gooey fudge sauce.
8. Serve Warm:
- Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before serving. The cake is best enjoyed warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. The contrast of the warm, gooey fudge with the cold, creamy ice cream is simply irresistible.
Tips for Success
- Measuring Ingredients: Accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial for the best results. Make sure to pack the brown sugar and measure the cocoa powder correctly to avoid altering the texture and taste of the cake.
- Hot Water: Use very hot water to ensure that the fudge sauce forms properly. The heat helps dissolve the sugar and cocoa, creating a rich, thick sauce at the bottom.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes. Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking around 35 minutes to ensure you don’t overbake.
- Serving: This cake is at its best when served warm. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
Variations
- Flavor Additions: For a different flavor profile, try adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a mocha twist. You can also fold in chocolate chips or chunks into the batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
- Fruit: Incorporate fresh or frozen fruit, such as berries or sliced bananas, into the batter before baking for added flavor and texture.
- Nut-Free Version: If you prefer not to use nuts, simply omit them. The cake will still be delicious and rich.
Old-Fashioned Hot Fudge Sundae Cake is a classic dessert that delivers both simplicity and indulgence. Its brownie-like top and rich fudge sauce make it a favorite among chocolate lovers. This dessert is not only easy to prepare but also budget-friendly, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or as a comforting treat after a long day, this cake is sure to please. Enjoy the ooey-gooey goodness and the delightful contrast of warm cake with cold ice cream.
