Grandma’s Hot Fudge Sundae Cake is a super easy cake that makes its own hot fudge sauce as it bakes! Perfect with ice cream.
I feel like we know each other well enough now that I can share with you a few family secrets. Like my Grandma’s Hot Fudge Sundae Cake.
It’s a really big deal.
My grandma has made all of her granddaughters and granddaughters-in-law a cookbook, with recipes written out by hand and pictures from cooking magazines. She collects recipes from family members to contribute, so it is an amazing compilation of well-loved recipes.
This cake has been my favourite dessert for many, many, many years. Certainly all throughout my childhood. And as I’ve grown up and started experimenting more in the kitchen, I tend not to make the same recipe repeatedly because there are just so many that I want to try.
But I made some pork chops in the slow cooker, and they tasted great, they just didn’t look great. And I have a hard time wanting to share things with you guys that don’t photograph well. Because we eat with our eyes first, they say.
So after supper I was feeling like I should make something blogworthy, but I just didn’t have a lot of energy. I wanted something outstanding without putting in a ridiculous amount of time. And I didn’t want to mess around a lot with recipes I don’t know.
So it just made sense that I would share this with you today.
I made this entire cake, minus the baking, in the time it took my husband to unload and reload the dishwasher.
Not that it was a race.
(It was a race.)
And it’s not like it took him a really long time. I’m telling you, 10 minutes max and you can have this baby in the oven. The ingredients are all simple: there’s nothing to be chopped, melted, sifted, whatever it is that takes extra time. It’s all about minimal effort and maximum wow factor.
This recipe is awesome for entertaining, too. You could make the batter, spread it in the pan, top with the brown sugar mixture and then cover with plastic wrap and let sit in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Then just pour the hot water on top and bake.
This cake has a chewy, almost brownie-like layer on the top and a thick, hot, rich chocolate sauce on the bottom. And it’s divine. Grab a tub of your favourite ice cream and go to town.
*NOTE: Some people have mentioned the sauce was very runny. This is the recipe we have used over and over again, and yes, this is the recipe used to make the cake in the pictures! There is a lot of fudge sauce when all is said and done — as it cools it will continue to set up. If you want more of a gooey chocolate cake and less a chocolate cake with chocolate fudge sauce, reduce the boiling water to 1 1/2 cups. I have done this before, but I find that as it sits it doesn’t leave much sauce, so we like to stick to the full 1 3/4 cups.
Grandma’s Hot Fudge Sundae Cake
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour or sub all-purpose
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp + 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder divided
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 3/4 cup hot water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, 2 tbsp cocoa, baking powder, salt, milk, oil and vanilla. Batter will be very thick — don’t fear. You might need to stir with a metal spoon.
- Spread batter into a greased 9″ pie plate or square pan (*Note: make sure your pan has tall sides, otherwise your cake might run over a bit.)
- Combine brown sugar and ¼ cup cocoa. Spread over batter.
- Top with hot water (I use freshly boiled). Bake for about 30-35 minutes until top is dry and puffed. (*Note: put a cookie sheet underneath your pan in the oven, just in case a little spills over).
- Serve warm with ice cream.
Nutrition Information
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Charlene says
Thank you for including the nutrition facts. This looks delicious and is low in sodium.
Ashley Fehr says
You’re welcome!
fab says
hi, may I bake in Microwave? do you know how much time, aproximately?
thanks.
Ashley Fehr says
I have never tried it in the microwave. If you do I’d love to hear how it turns out!
Betty says
I noticed on your grandma’s recipe, the word “walnuts”, but no mention in your recipe..do you omit those???? I’m always “leery” of online recipes, because I’ve had them fail due to incomplete recipes…Please advise!!! Thanks!
Ashley Fehr says
Well, obviously this recipe is not going to fail because of a lack of walnuts. You can add some in, or not — I choose not to.
Kaelyn says
How do you store leftovers? Fridge? Counter? Will the sauce still stay runney and delicious?
Ashley Fehr says
I usually store in the fridge and reheat — it gets gooey again once it’s reheated!
Sumi says
Can i use a bottom removable cake pan for this recipe?
Ashley Fehr says
No I definitely would not. It’s very gooey!
Abby says
While this recipe did in fact work for me (which shocked me, really), it wasn’t very “chocolatey.” Next time I’ll sprinkle some chocolate chips on top of the batter before I sprinkle the brown sugar mixture on.
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Abby! That’s interesting — I’ve never gotten that feedback from anyone when I’ve made it! You can definitely add more though.
Hamna Attique says
Hello. I am baking it and it’s in the over for like 30 minutes but the top isn’t puffed up as you said in the recipe. What should I do?
Ashley Fehr says
I would give it maybe 10 more minutes but at that point you should definitely be able to see the top has baked. Did you stir after adding the hot water?
Pam Jones says
I didn’t, it said nothing about stirring & mine was pure chocolate water on the bottom.
Ashley Fehr says
Sorry Pam, I’ve never had that happen before and I’ve made the recipe (and my mom has made the recipe and my Grandma has made the recipe) probably literally hundreds of times. It’s a favorite!
Anum says
Do we have to stir it after we add the hot water?
Ashley Fehr says
No, definitely don’t! That is what makes the sauce 🙂
Lindsay says
I made this and we all thought it was great! I love how when you scoop it out the chocolate sauce comes pouring. Yummmm!
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, it is quite saucy! I’m glad you liked it!
Aless says
This was the first thing my now 30something kids taught themselves to bake!!! If I hadn’t made a dessert, they were eager to offer!! LOL!!
Ashley Fehr says
Haha! I can imagine they would be! Me too 🙂
Jamir says
In the oven now!
Ashley Fehr says
Let me know how it was!
Ashli says
I think I goofed! Mine didn’t turn out at all—but two things against me…I live in the mountains over 7500 feet—the altitude often wreaks havoc on baking! The other is I decided to make it in a 8 x 8 glass pyrex dish. LOL help!
Zorbin says
I’ve made this for over 40 years. It came from The Betty Crocker’s Cookbook, but the name is Hot Fudge Pudding Cake. I have also made the Lemon Pudding Cake, which also comes from The Betty Crocker’s Cookbook. Both are yummy and easy.
Lady Cherston says
I ‘ve made this before. and it is to die for. You can also add caramel ice cream topping just after removing from the oven. You can also add walnuts or pecans. I find this very rich, but the ice cream cuts the richness down to tolerable levels. Boiling water is the key I think. This is a stellar recipe. I plan to make it for friends when they come over. This one’s a keeper for sure. Thanks for posting it.
carol says
Used 9″ pie plate. Could only put in half of the water. C
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Carol! The water does bring it pretty close to the top, and it will definitely depend on how deep your pie plate is. How was the end result anyway? I would guess it just wouldn’t be quite as saucy but I hope you still enjoyed it!
S says
Looks so good! Is the water supposed to be boiled first?
Della Robbins says
Hi Ashley, I have six grandchildren and bake them homemade goodies several times a week, but my question is can you double this recipe and put it in a 9by13 pan? I usually bake all kinds of candies, cakes, cookies, bars, pies, you name I make it lol, but I ALWAYS have to make double for my daughter that has five children. One batch of whatever I make doesn’t go very far cuz of so many people in their family, plus I bake so much for others also. I am one of seven children and my grandmother, aunts and mom always cooked from scratch and I inherited the baking gene, which everyone looks to me to carry on the tradition of homemade goodies. I have just discovered your site and can’t wait to start baking away! Thanks for passing this one along and I hope you have a great day!
Janet M says
yes, I have double this recipe and put it in a 9by13 pan my family can’t get enough of it LOL
Ashley Fehr says
I’m glad to hear that!
Eden Passante says
This is the epitome of comfort food! Looks so amazing!
Susan says
I will have to try this.
Ashley Fehr says
I’d love to hear how you like it if you do!
Tally says
Yummy! This looks amazing. My mom used to make something similar
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Tally! It’s a recipe that’s been passed around, that’s for sure 🙂
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says
Oh Have mercy! This here almost made me bust my way through my screen! decadently delicious, [email protected]
Rachel @ Bakerita says
Holy yum!! I’m all about ultra gooey and fudgy chocolate cakes and this is the ultimate version of that. I’m swooning!!
Ashley Fehr says
Haha! I am alllll about the ooey and gooey myself! Especially chocolate 😉
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
That is SO nice that your Grandma made you a cookbook of recipe collections! I have a few of my Grandma’s recipes, but she made a lot of things from memory, which makes it hard for me to recreate. This cake looks amazing! Wishing I had this for breakfast right now! And your video is SO good, Ashley! You’re a pro!
Ashley Fehr says
Haha, thanks Gayle! Lots and lots and lots of practice 😉 And there’s still lots to improve! With this cake though? Nothing. Lol. Grandma’s recipes are the best!
Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Ashley! This is chocolate paradise! When my son went out of his own he suggested (more like insisted) that I compile a cookbook of all the recipes that I cooked for him and many of his friends. It ended up being more than 250 pages! I’m currently in the process of compiling another one specifically for my son and his best friend (my “other” son). I would urge every mother (or grandmother) to do that. It’s a gift from the heart! 🙂
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Dorothy! I totally agree! I hope to do the same for my girls when they get older — it’s such a treasure to have and cook from through the years!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
This hot fudge cake looks unreal! And as you said, the best part is how easy it is to throw together. I love the video- that steam coming out of the bowl of gooey chocolatey goodness was SO satisfying 🙂
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Medha!
Kirtida says
Hi Ashley,
made this fudge ,but was sticky…is it because of wheat flour…?
though I will make again,but sad is nobody ate this,coz was so sticky
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Kirtida! I’m not sure what to tell you — it is a hot fudge sundae CAKE and it is not fudge. It bakes up as a cake with a fudge sauce, so yes, it is sticky, and saucy. I recommend serving it warm with ice cream — it’s delicious!
Tiffany says
Oh man, I was scrolling through Pinterest and saw your recipe. It looked so good I immediately clicked over. I’m making this this weekend for sure. I know my husband and I will love it!
Ashley says
I’m sure they will! It’s a family favorite here! Thanks Tiffany 🙂
kathryn davis says
Does this do ok if kept in the fridge after you make it? If we don’t eat it all at once 🙂
Ashley says
Yes! I always keep the leftovers in the fridge and just microwave it the next night 🙂
DessertForTwo says
I love this recipe! Such a classic!
Ashley says
Thanks! I think I’ve only had it about 18,000 times since birth and I don’t think it will ever get old!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
This cake though. It’s AMAZING and I kind of just want to live in it. Is that weird?
Thanks for linking to my Crepe Cake! Pinning this glorious creation!
Ashley says
Haha, not weird at all! Thanks Taylor!
Becky says
First…. My family & I loved this incredible dessert. I was surprised though how much I could taste the whole wheat flour. This is the first dessert I’ve made with whole wheat instead of white flour. Have you substituted white flour instead?
Ashley says
You know, I use whole wheat flour a lot in my baking. I think I would notice a change maybe if I switched to white flour, but I never really notice! It would definitely work fine if you use all-purpose though!
michelle says
Oh my, I love your Grandma & you, thanks for sharing this ooey gooey yumminess!!! 🙂 I pinned it & am baking it tonight!
Ashley says
Hope you like it! It’s a family favorite 🙂
Rhonda says
Ashley, do you know if anyone has tried your grandmothers recipe with gluten free flour? And how/if it turned out?
Ashley says
I don’t know of anyone who has. If you use a cup for cup all-purpose gluten free flour I think it would work!
Ashley says
This is literally in the oven as I write this! I am so excited to try this!! I had to use coconut oil in the recipe, ill be sure to let you know how it is! Thank you for sharing her recipe how wonderful! love your site, I am following you now on all platforms xoxo Ashley from Arrayofstyle.com
Ashley says
Thanks so much Ashley! I’d love to hear how it is with coconut oil!
chelsea says
So i just went to pull mine outta the oven and it’s extremely watery under the top layer….is this normal?
Ashley says
It shouldn’t be watery at all, but it does make a good amount of hot fudge sauce. The cake layer will be on top, and the bottom half will be hot fudge sauce. How was it in the end?
Cassie Hernandez says
I just took mine out of the oven as well. I smells delicious. But it looks really watery under the crust layer. I cooked it for about 40 minutes. I am going to pull it out and see what happens when the fudge under sets up a little. Thank you for sharing!
Ashley says
There is quite a bit of fudge sauce! It will thicken a little as it sits.
Carol Rasco says
AshleIy-I think I’m probably a lot older than you are-my family is raised and gone and their kids are mostly raised and gone. I first came across this recipe in a 50th Anniversary issue of a Gold Medal Flour book. Back then we didn’t have a lot of money and this was my favorite go-to recipe for a quick inexpensive dessert that EVERYONE wanted more of. I still have that old cookbooklet and still go to it for great recipes. I know that anyone who tries it will keep and make it over and over.
Ashley says
It is definitely a keeper! I’m just thankful my grandma turned me onto it 🙂
Abhilash says
Hi Ashley,
This is perfect since this doesn’t contain eggs! I have a questions and would really appreciate it if you could help. I have 2.5 kilos of Callebaut chocolate with me and it isn’t in powder form. How can I use that instead of using Chocolate powder for this cake? Thanks for your help!
Ashley says
It would take a big of experimenting. To make the sauce, you really need the dry powder combined with the hot water, so I’m not sure how you could make that work. You might be able to find another recipe that doesn’t use cocoa powder.
Peggy Jane says
My mom made this for me on my birthday every year, except instead of hot water at the end she used a hot cup of strong coffee, gave it just a hint of mocha flavor. Glad I found this, better late than never! Thanks!
Ashley says
Anytime! Coffee would be wonderful as well!
Jessica says
I was wondering if I could use a cast iron skillet in place of the pie pan and if so do you think it would be better to use an 8 inch or a 10 3/4 inch skillet?
Ashley says
I’ve never made it in cast iron but I’m sure it’s possible! I would just keep a close eye on it as it bakes because cast iron will probably conduct heat differently. I think I would use a 10 3/4 just to be safe because it does get quite close to the top. It depends on the depth of the pan though — an 8″ might be fine if it’s deep enough. Hope that helps!
plasterers bristol says
One of my favorites this, delicious, thanks for putting this up.
Simon
Jordan says
Saw this yesterday and its in the oven right now! it smells amazing. My only tough choice is do i share or is it all mine…
Ashley says
Haha, that’s a tough one! Let me know how you like it!
Shae says
This sounds crazy amazing! My mouth is literally watering!
Ashley says
Thanks Shae! It is super good!
Debi says
I promise, if you put this down and back away slowly, no one will be hit with flying sauce! I believe I have found a recipe for a get-together my girlfriends and I do every year to “out-do” each other.
God bless your Grandmother for keeping the recipes and the love alive! Whenever you make something from her, it’s like sending a hug!
Ashley says
Thanks so much Debi! It is a pretty special book!
Laura says
Hats off the your grandma, this sounds divine. Like, I can’t possibly share this divine. Fantastic pictures too =)
Ashley says
Thanks Laura! She definitely has some good tricks up her sleeve 🙂
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats says
How cool that your grandma put a cookbook together! I wish mine would have done that, great way to keep all those yummy recipes around.
This hot fudge sundae cake sounds right up my alley. I am a chocoaholic, so anything rich, gooey, and chocolately is a winner! 🙂
Ashley says
Thanks Krista! It is pretty special for all of us grandkids! I don’t know many people who can turn down a piece of this with some melty ice cream on top 🙂
Jelli says
Mmm! This looks scandalously delish. My mom has made something like this a few times, but I don’t have her recipe (and she probably already tossed the magazine where she likely found it.) Love, love the pics and can’t wait to try this. Thanks so much for sharing. I love the stories behind heirloom recipes.
Ashley says
Thanks Jelli! If you do try it, be sure to let me know how you like it!
Jess @ On Sugar Mountain says
I love your grandma. For reals, is she adopting additional granddaughters?? I am first on that wait list. 😀 This cake looks absolutely to-die-for, Ashley! 😀
Ashley says
Lol. She just might! But she’s not making many cookbooks anymore unfortunately 🙁
Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes says
Holy yum!! So awesome that your grandma made you a cookbook! 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing at Freedom Fridays! 🙂
Ashley says
Thanks Jamie! It’s pretty special 🙂
Lee willie says
Hi, new here and will be giving this recipe a go for my family, one question though, when you add the water it goes straight on top of the brown sugar mix is that right?
Ashley says
Yes! You have to be careful putting it in the oven so it doesn’t slosh over the sides (you’ll want to use a deep dish), but it’s what makes the delicious sauce!
Sarah @ Devour says
This looks so scrumptious! Warm chocolate cakes/brownies just aren’t complete without a gigantic scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Yum.
Ashley says
Tell me about it Sarah!
dina says
it looks amazing!
Ashley says
Thanks Dina! Can’t go wrong with chocolate 🙂
Julia Olsen says
Oh my gosh! This looks amazing!! 😀 yum!
Ashley says
It is Julia! Thanks 🙂
Matt Robinson says
This is most definitely blog-worthy! Your grandma nailed it with this recipe, it sounds and looks amazing!
Ashley says
Thanks Matt! It’s been my favorite for quite some time! There are quite a few more treasures in there to bring to the blog someday 🙂
Librarian Lavender says
How sweet of your grandma to make you a cookbook! That is such an amazing treasure! Thank you for sharing this recipe, I can see it’s an absolute winner! Thanks for sharing!
Ashley says
Thanks! It is something I will cherish for a long time, that’s for sure 🙂