Step back in time to a classic dessert that has stood the test of time: the Old-Fashioned Hot Fudge Sundae Cake, also lovingly known as Chocolate Cobbler. This nostalgic treat combines the flavors of a hot fudge sundae with the simplicity of a cake, resulting in a gooey, chocolatey delight that’s been a favorite for generations. In this blog post, we’ll transport you to the past with a delightful journey into this dessert’s history and guide you through preparing it at home. Get ready to enjoy a warm, oozing, and comforting dessert that’s perfect for cozy evenings or when you need a taste of the good old days.
Ingredients
To create the Old-Fashioned Hot Fudge Sundae Cake, gather these essential ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour: For the cake batter, you’ll need all-purpose flour to achieve a perfect texture.
- Granulated Sugar: To sweeten the cake and the fudgy topping.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is the key to the rich, chocolatey flavor.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures the cake rises to perfection.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor.
- Milk: You’ll need milk for the cake batter; whole milk is an excellent choice for richness.
- Vegetable Oil: Provides moisture and tenderness to the cake.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor profile.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar sweetens the fudgy topping.
- Hot Water: Hot water is the magic ingredient that creates the fudgy sauce.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish.
Step 2: Create the Cake Batter
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well-mixed.
- Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until you have a smooth cake batter.
Step 3: Prepare the Fudgy Topping
- In another bowl, combine the remaining granulated sugar, brown sugar, and remaining cocoa powder. Mix well.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the cake batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the fudgy topping mixture evenly over the cake batter.
- Carefully drizzle hot water over the top, but do not stir.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. The cake will rise to the top, and the fudgy sauce will develop underneath.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. The fudgy sauce underneath will be extremely hot, so caution is advised.
- Spoon portions of the cake and the fudgy sauce onto serving plates. This dessert is delicious served warm or at room temperature.
Cook’s Notes
- This dessert is delightful on its own, but you can take it up a notch by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- It’s crucial not to stir the hot water into the cake batter; the magic happens during baking as the cake rises to the top, and a gooey fudge sauce forms underneath.
Variations
Ice Cream Sundae
Transform this classic into a true sundae by topping it with your favorite ice cream, chocolate syrup, chopped nuts, and a maraschino cherry. It’s a hot fudge sundae in cake form!
Nutty Delight
If you love the combination of chocolate and nuts, sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the cake before baking. The nuts will toast and add a delightful crunch.
The Old-Fashioned Hot Fudge Sundae Cake, also known as Chocolate Cobbler, is a timeless dessert that brings back warm memories and sweet flavors. It’s a delightful treat for anyone who appreciates the comforting embrace of a chocolatey dessert. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a scoop of ice cream, this cake is a reminder of the simple pleasures of life. Give it a try and savor the gooey, fudgy goodness that has made this dessert a cherished favorite for generations. It’s a classic that never goes out of style.
