Get ready to sink your fork into one of the richest, gooiest, most chocolate-packed desserts you’ll ever taste. This Blackout Chocolate Pudding Cake is everything a chocolate lover dreams about: soft, velvety cake with a molten, pudding-like center that oozes with dark chocolate decadence. The best part? It’s easy to make and uses pantry staples!
Did you know the name “Blackout Cake” originally came from Brooklyn’s Ebinger’s Bakery during WWII, when blackouts were common and chocolate was a comforting escape? This version takes that idea up a notch, adding pudding for extra gooey goodness. Perfect for family gatherings, casual weeknights, or when you simply need a chocolate fix—fast.
This cake comes together in under an hour and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you’ve loved our Espresso Infused Mocha Poke Cake, this one is just as indulgent—only with a more classic, all-American twist.
So preheat your oven, grab that mixing bowl, and get ready to fall head over heels in love with the easiest, most comforting chocolate dessert ever.
What is Blackout Chocolate Pudding Cake?
Let’s get this out of the way: no, you won’t actually black out from eating this Blackout Chocolate Pudding Cake—unless it’s from sheer chocolate bliss. The name comes from its ultra-dark, ultra-rich cocoa base that’s so intense it could eclipse all other desserts in your kitchen.
Legend has it, this cake was named during World War II as a sweet remedy to the darkness of the times. Today, it’s our sweet escape from busy schedules and store-bought sweets. And hey, they say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, right?(Wikipédia)
This dessert lives up to the name with layers of rich, fudge-like cake and molten pudding. You deserve a slice—try it tonight!
Why You’ll Love This Blackout Chocolate Pudding Cake
There are a hundred reasons to adore this dessert, but let’s focus on the top three:
1. Unbelievably Rich Texture:
The cake forms its own pudding as it bakes, resulting in a warm, gooey center and a crackly, cake-like top. Every bite is a sensory delight—soft, velvety, and deeply chocolatey.
2. Budget-Friendly & Bakery-Worthy:
Forget overpriced cakes at gourmet bakeries. Making this Blackout Chocolate Pudding Cake at home costs a fraction of the price. Most ingredients are already in your pantry!
3. Irresistible Flavor Combinations:
With bold cocoa, brown sugar, and vanilla, each spoonful is packed with flavor. Want to elevate it? Add chocolate chips or a drizzle of caramel.
If you loved our Espresso Infused Mocha Poke Cake, this one offers the same wow factor without the coffee twist. Give it a try tonight—you won’t regret it.
How to Make Blackout Chocolate Pudding Cake
Quick Overview: Simplicity Meets Satisfaction
This cake may look bakery-fancy, but it’s incredibly simple to make. No mixers or fancy tools needed—just two bowls and an oven. Prep time? Just 15 minutes. Bake time? About 35. What you get in return is a rich, chocolatey masterpiece you can serve with ice cream, whipped cream, or nothing at all—it’s that good.
Key Ingredients for Blackout Chocolate Pudding Cake
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (for topping)
- 1 1/4 cups boiling water
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips for extra gooeyness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix the dry ingredients (flour, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa, baking powder, salt) in a large bowl.
- Add wet ingredients (milk, melted butter, vanilla). Stir until just combined. Spread into the baking dish.
- Mix the topping: combine brown sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa powder. Sprinkle evenly over the batter.
- Pour boiling water slowly over the entire mixture—do NOT stir.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top looks set but a pudding-like sauce forms underneath.
- Cool for 10-15 minutes, then serve warm. Spoon the pudding from the bottom!
What to Serve Blackout Chocolate Pudding Cake With
This luscious dessert stands tall on its own, but here are a few pairings that make it shine even more:
- Vanilla ice cream – The cold creaminess is perfect with the hot pudding.
- Whipped cream – Lightens up the richness beautifully.
- Fresh berries – Strawberries or raspberries add a lovely tart contrast.
- Espresso or strong coffee – The bitterness balances the sweetness.
Looking for another crowd-pleaser? Check out our last hit recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shrimp Feas.
Top Tips for Perfecting Blackout Chocolate Pudding Cake
- Use quality cocoa powder: This makes all the difference. Opt for unsweetened Dutch-process for deep flavor.
- Don’t stir the boiling water in: It feels strange, but that’s how the pudding layer forms.
- Add-ins make it fun: Try chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or chopped nuts.
- Serve warm: That gooey texture is at its best fresh from the oven.
- Want a stronger chocolate punch? Add a pinch of espresso powder to the batter.
For more chocolate baking science, visit Foody Buzz.
Storing and Reheating Tips for Blackout Chocolate Pudding Cake
This dessert stores surprisingly well—if you manage to have leftovers!
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Microwave individual servings for 20–30 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
Just note: the pudding layer may thicken after cooling, but a quick reheat brings it back to life.
FAQs About Blackout Chocolate Pudding Cake
What makes it a pudding cake?
The cake bakes with a sauce layer underneath—thanks to the hot water poured over the top.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the batter and topping, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Is this cake very sweet?
It’s sweet but balanced. The cocoa and optional espresso help tone it down.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free blend and check the texture.
This Blackout Chocolate Pudding Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a warm hug in every bite. Rich, moist, chocolatey, and made with love, it’s the perfect recipe for cozy nights, last-minute guests, or just because you deserve a treat.
So, what are you waiting for? Whip it up tonight, share it with someone you love, and don’t forget to check out more crave-worthy desserts on the blog!