If you love chocolate desserts, then the Hot Fudge Sundae Cake is a must-try! This cake is warm, gooey, and packed with rich chocolate flavor. It’s the perfect treat whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends.
Why Make This Recipe
There are so many reasons to make this Hot Fudge Sundae Cake! First, it’s super simple to prepare, so even beginner bakers can whip it up in no time. Second, it combines a delightful chocolate cake with a delicious hot fudge sauce that forms right in the pan. Your family will love it, and you might find yourself making it every weekend!
How to Make Hot Fudge Sundae Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 3/4 cups hot water
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish to keep the cake from sticking.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and baking powder.
- Stir in the milk and melted butter until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Add in the vanilla extract and semi-sweet chocolate chips, mixing until they are evenly spread throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix the brown sugar with hot water until it’s completely dissolved.
- Carefully pour the hot water mixture over the batter in the baking dish. Don’t stir it! Just let it sit as is.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the cake part comes out clean.
- Serve it warm and enjoy the ooey-gooey hot fudge that has formed at the bottom.
How to Serve Hot Fudge Sundae Cake
This cake is best served warm. You can enjoy it as is or top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that classic sundae experience. Drizzle more chocolate sauce on top if you’re feeling extra indulgent!
How to Store Hot Fudge Sundae Cake
If you have leftovers (which might be a challenge), store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Simply warm it up in the microwave when you want to enjoy another slice.
Tips to Make Hot Fudge Sundae Cake
- Make sure to grease your baking dish well to avoid sticking.
- Don’t skip the hot water step—it creates that amazing fudge sauce at the bottom!
- If you want a richer taste, try using dark chocolate cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder.
Variation
You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. Another great variation is to mix in some peanut butter chips with the chocolate chips for a delightful combo!
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just pour the hot water on top before baking.
2. What if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips?
You can use milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips instead. Each will give a slightly different flavor.
3. Can I bake this in a different dish?
Yes, you can use a square or round cake pan, just be aware that the baking time might change slightly depending on the size and material of the dish.

Hot Fudge Sundae Cake
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder Use dark chocolate cocoa for a richer flavor.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Can substitute with milk or dark chocolate chips.
Topping
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 3/4 cups hot water Do not stir once poured over batter.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and baking powder.
- Stir in the milk and melted butter until well combined and smooth.
- Add in the vanilla extract and semi-sweet chocolate chips, mixing until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Assembly
- In another bowl, mix the brown sugar with hot water until completely dissolved.
- Carefully pour the hot water mixture over the batter in the baking dish. Do not stir!
Baking
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean from the cake part.
Serving
- Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce.
Notes
ANNONCE