Microwave Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe

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Cook Time: 10 minutes

Chocolate Lava Cake

Ingredients

• Topping:
• 1 1/2 cups hot water
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup salted butter, cubed
• Cake:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso coffee powder
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup vanilla ice cream (or to taste)

Directions

1. Gather all the ingredients before starting.
2. For the topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the hot water, brown sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, and cubed butter. Microwave on high for about 4 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and smooth.
3. For the cake: In a 2-quart round casserole dish, whisk together the flour, white sugar, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder.
4. Add the milk and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Whisk the mixture until smooth and fully combined.
5. Carefully pour the prepared topping over the cake batter. The two will merge together, creating a layered effect.
6. Microwave the entire dish on high for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cake is fully cooked on top of the sauce.
7. Serve the cake warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Value	Amount per Serving
Calories	486
Total Fat	11g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	32mg
Sodium	335mg
Total Carbohydrate	91g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	70g
Protein	6g
Calcium	180mg
Iron	4mg
Potassium	175mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Microwave Chocolate Pudding Cake

The microwave chocolate pudding cake is a modern twist on classic chocolate desserts. Unlike traditional cakes that require lengthy baking, this dessert was popularized in the late 20th century as microwaves became common in households. Its invention is often credited to home cooks seeking a fast yet indulgent treat that could deliver the rich flavors of chocolate pudding and cake simultaneously without the wait of a conventional oven.

Regional Variations and Preferences

While the cake itself is rooted in American dessert culture, regional variations can be found throughout the United States. In the Midwest, the dessert often features darker chocolate and brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like taste. On the West Coast, lighter chocolate and almond milk alternatives are sometimes used to suit local dietary trends. Each region tends to emphasize either the pudding layer or the cake layer, giving subtle differences in texture and sweetness.

Distinguishing Features Compared to Similar Desserts

This microwave pudding cake differs from other chocolate desserts such as lava cakes or traditional pudding cakes. Lava cakes rely on molten chocolate cores baked in the oven, whereas microwave chocolate pudding cake develops a self-contained pudding layer under a soft cake crust during microwaving. Unlike boxed instant pudding served on its own, this dessert combines both textures in a single dish, creating a layered, indulgent experience in minutes.

Where Its Commonly Served

Microwave chocolate pudding cake is typically served as a dessert at home, often for family dinners or impromptu gatherings. Restaurants offering comfort desserts or quick-service cafes may feature it as a warm, single-serving dessert topped with ice cream. Its ease of preparation makes it a popular choice for after-school treats, office potlucks, and casual celebrations.

Fun Facts and Culinary Notes

• The cake is sometimes called a self-saucing pudding because the microwave process separates the topping from the batter naturally.
• Adding instant espresso powder, as in some recipes, enhances the chocolate flavor without making the dessert taste like coffee.
• Despite being cooked in a microwave, the dessert achieves a layered texture similar to oven-baked puddings due to careful mixing and the heat distribution of liquid and batter.
• For an extra indulgent twist, serving it with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream adds temperature contrast and richness.
• This dessert is an excellent example of how modern kitchen appliances have influenced classic recipes, allowing decadent treats to be made in under 15 minutes.

FAQ about Microwave Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe

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