Introduction
As the chill of winter blankets the landscape, my mind drifts back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the scent of freshly baked treats filled the air and the warmth of family gathered around the table ignited joy in every heart. One of our favorite winter traditions was creating her beloved hot chocolate fudge cake, a rich, decadent dessert that was a sweet finale to our hearty meals. Its gooey chocolate center and fluffy topping echo the comfort of loved ones coming together. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a tradition, a moment of solace during the coldest months, and a treat that delights all ages.
Imagine savoring each forkful, the warmth melting into a rich chocolate goodness that leaves a lingering sweetness on your palate. Whether you’re hosting a winter gathering, cozying up with a movie on a snowy evening, or simply looking to bring a smile to your family, this hot chocolate fudge cake promises to be a crowd-pleaser that celebrates the joy of winter.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake
- One-Bowl Wonder: Easy cleanup with minimal dishes required!
- Kid-Approved: The gooey chocolate filling is irresistible to little ones.
- Decadent Delight: Layers of rich chocolate flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in with loved ones.
- Versatile Toppings: Pair with whipped cream, ice cream, or fresh berries.
Ingredients
-
For the cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
-
For the fudge filling:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8-inch square baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla to the dry mixture. Mix until smooth.
- Incorporate Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the boiling water; the batter will be thin—it’s supposed to be!
Bake the Cake
- Pour into Pan: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan.
- Prepare Fudge Filling: In a small saucepan, combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Stir until smooth and melted. Pour this fudge filling on top of the batter.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Carefully pour the remaining cake batter over the fudge filling.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Cool & Serve
- Cool Down: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Tips & Variations
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
- Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules for a mocha flavor.
- Nutty Option: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts for added texture.
- Serving Enhancements: Drizzle caramel sauce on top for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Freezer: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 250 calories
- Servings: 9 pieces
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk or dark chocolate, just adjust the sweetness accordingly. -
Is it possible to make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. -
Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, almond milk works well as a substitute! -
How can I make this a single-layer cake?
Simply pour all the batter into one pan and omit the fudge filling for a streamlined, chocolaty treat.
Serving Suggestions or Pairings
Serve this decadent hot chocolate fudge cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollops of whipped cream. Pair it with a glass of rich hot cocoa for an extra special treat or enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or chai for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
Final Thoughts
This hot chocolate fudge cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm hug on a winter’s day, evoking sweet memories and creating new ones with every bite. I invite you to try out this recipe and share your experiences—did you add any unique twists? What memories did it bring up for you? Let’s savor these moments together—leave a comment below!
PrintHot Chocolate Fudge Cake
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich, decadent hot chocolate fudge cake with a gooey center, perfect for winter gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla to the dry mixture. Mix until smooth.
- Carefully stir in the boiling water; the batter will be thin.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan.
- In a small saucepan, combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk over low heat; stir until melted and smooth. Pour this fudge filling on top of the batter.
- Carefully pour the remaining cake batter over the fudge filling.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap slices in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg