There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a warm pudding cake wafting through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. This delightful dessert, with its gooey center and fluffy top, promises an explosion of flavors that will dance on your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Picture this: you’re hosting a dinner party, and as you serve up generous portions of this pudding cake, your guests can’t help but ooh and ahh. It’s the kind of dish that sparks joy and creates memories, making it perfect for cozy family gatherings or special occasions. Get ready to indulge in a sweet experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This pudding cake is incredibly easy to whip up, making dessert stress-free
- Its rich flavor profile balances sweetness with a hint of tanginess
- The visual appeal is irresistible with its golden crust and luscious filling
- Enjoy it warm out of the oven or chilled for a refreshing treat
I remember the first time I made this pudding cake for my family; their delighted faces still bring a smile to my heart.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of your cake; sifted for the fluffiest texture.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance flavors.
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Milk: Whole milk works best here for an ultra-creamy consistency.
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Baking Powder: Fresh baking powder ensures your cake rises beautifully.
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Unsalted Butter: Use melted butter for richness; it also helps keep the cake moist.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla elevates the flavor profile significantly.
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Eggs: They add structure and moisture—use large eggs for best results.
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Cocoa Powder (optional): For chocolate lovers, cocoa powder enhances flavor and provides decadence.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a square baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter until bubbly. Let it cool slightly before adding other ingredients.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This combo sets the stage for deliciousness.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in 1 cup milk and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Stir until just combined; it’s okay if there are lumps—trust me!
Pour Batter into Dish: Transfer your batter into the prepared baking dish evenly. Don’t be alarmed if it seems thin; that’s part of its charm!
Create the Pudding Layer!: Sprinkle ½ cup cocoa powder over the top of your batter. Then slowly pour an additional cup of hot water over everything without stirring—it’s magic in action!
Now that you have everything set up pouring into your baking dish like a culinary artist, it’s time to bake! Place it in your preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and centers jiggle slightly when shaken.
Enjoy this delightful pudding cake warm from the oven or allow it to cool slightly before serving. Top with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra special treat!
Your friends will rave about how much they love this dessert while you nod humbly because you know they’re right!
You Must Know
- Perfecting your pudding cake requires a delicate balance of ingredients
- The aroma while baking is heavenly, and the texture should be soft and fluffy
- Remember, patience is key—allow it to cool before serving for the best results
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix dry and wet ingredients separately before combining for a smooth batter. Bake until golden brown, ensuring even cooking throughout.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your pantry. Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor, or use almond milk instead of regular milk for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover pudding cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave for quick enjoyment without losing its delicious texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect pudding cake, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing; this creates a smoother batter
- Avoid overmixing—mix just until combined for lightness
- Allow it to cool completely before serving to enhance flavor and texture
Sharing my first pudding cake experience brings back fond memories of family gatherings where everyone devoured it before I could even grab a slice!

FAQ
Can I make pudding cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance; just store it properly.
What can I substitute for eggs in the pudding cake?
You can use applesauce or yogurt as an egg replacement in this recipe.
How do I know when my pudding cake is done?
Check if the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean for doneness.
Pudding Cake
Warm and inviting, this delectable pudding cake features a fluffy top and a gooey center, captivating everyone at your dinner table. Perfect for gatherings or special occasions, this easy-to-make dessert is sure to create lasting memories. Serve it warm with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup cocoa powder (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a square baking dish.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and let it cool slightly.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk and vanilla to the dry mixture; stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish evenly.
- If using cocoa powder, sprinkle it over the batter, then gently pour hot water on top without stirring.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and slightly jiggly in the center.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg





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