If you’ve ever craved a dessert that combines the best of both worlds — a moist cake with a rich, gooey pudding — then this Traditional Pudding Cake is for you. It’s a simple yet satisfying treat that practically makes itself as it bakes, perfect for when you want something warm and comforting without fuss.
The backbone of our cake is granulated sugar, providing the right sweetness and texture. All-purpose flour forms the base, giving structure to our cake. A touch of salt balances the flavors, while baking powder ensures it rises nicely. The subtle chocolate flavor comes from cocoa powder, offering a hint of bitterness that complements the sweetness. Milk adds moisture, creating a tender crumb, and melted butter brings richness and depth. A dash of vanilla extract ties the flavors together.
For the pudding layer, brown sugar caramelizes beautifully, adding a deeper sweetness. More cocoa powder enhances the chocolatey goodness, while the boiling water is the magic that helps create the pudding layer beneath the cake.
This pudding cake is delightful on its own, but for an extra treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess pairs beautifully with the warm, gooey pudding. A sprinkle of nuts or a few fresh berries can add a lovely contrast in texture and flavor.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s ready to go once your batter is prepared. In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, flour, salt, baking powder, and cocoa powder. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is well mixed.
Next, pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until you have a smooth batter — no lumps should be visible. Pour this batter into an ungreased 9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cocoa powder. This mixture gets sprinkled evenly over the top of your batter. Now, here comes the fun part: carefully pour the boiling water over everything. It might seem strange, but trust me, it works! Just don’t stir it.
Pop it into the oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is set, and a toothpick inserted into the cake part comes out clean. The magic happens underneath, where a luscious pudding forms. Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes before diving in for the best texture and flavor.
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