Introduction
This delightful dessert is a rich and comforting chocolate pudding that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With an easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a luscious treat that features a soft cake layer atop a gooey chocolate sauce. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this dessert is best served warm, and it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of cream.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Topping:
1 cup (175g) brown sugar, loosely packed
1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/4 cups (315ml) boiling water
For the Batter:
1 cup (150g) plain (all-purpose) flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/3 cup (70g) white sugar (preferably caster/superfine, but regular is acceptable)
1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup (125ml) milk
50g (4 1/2 tablespoons) butter, melted
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep Time
Preparation for this recipe takes about 10 minutes.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is approximately 30 minutes, bringing the total time to about 40 minutes. This recipe yields enough pudding for 4 to 6 servings, making it perfect for sharing or enjoying over a couple of days.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 170°C (335°F) if you are using a standard oven. If you have a fan-forced (convection) oven, set it to 150°C (305°F).
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a baking dish with butter that has a capacity of 5 to 6 cups.
Step 3: Make the Topping Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Set this mixture aside.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of plain flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/3 cup of white sugar, 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt.
Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl or jug, whisk together 50g of melted butter and 1/2 cup of milk. Next, whisk in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the mixture of wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; the batter will be thick.
Step 7: Spread the Batter
Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 8: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the sugar and cocoa topping mixture evenly over the batter. Gently shake the dish to help distribute the topping thinly.
Step 9: Pour Boiling Water
Carefully pour 1 1/4 cups of boiling water over the back of a dessert spoon, drizzling it all over the top of the pudding. This ensures the water is evenly distributed without disturbing the layers.
Step 10: Bake the Pudding
Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. It’s ready when the top springs back when lightly pressed and has a crusty texture, similar to brownies.
Step 11: Let It Stand
Remove the dish from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving. It is best served immediately while the sauce is still luscious.
Notes
Serving Suggestion
Serve warm, optionally paired with ice cream or cream for added indulgence.
Baking Dish Size
Ensure your baking dish has a capacity of 5 to 6 cups to accommodate the batter and sauce without overflowing.
Thick Batter
Expect the batter to be thick; proper mixing will enhance the texture of the pudding.
Storage
This pudding is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
Cook techniques
Measuring Ingredients
Accurate measurement of dry ingredients, like flour and cocoa powder, is crucial for the right texture. Use a spoon to scoop the ingredient into a measuring cup, then level off with a straight edge for precision.
Whisking
Whisk ingredients vigorously to ensure they are well combined and aerated. This technique is especially important for integrating wet ingredients like melted butter, milk, and egg to achieve a smooth batter.
Greasing the Baking Dish
Grease the baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. Ensure the entire surface is coated, especially the corners where the batter may cling.
Distributing Toppings
Gently sprinkle the topping mixture over the batter to ensure even coverage. A light shake of the dish helps to spread the mixture thinly without mixing it into the batter.
Pouring Boiling Water
When adding boiling water, pour it over the back of a dessert spoon. This technique allows for gentle distribution, preventing the water from disturbing the topping and batter layers.
Baking
Bake in a preheated oven, monitoring the pudding for doneness. Press lightly on the surface to check if it springs back, indicating that it’s cooked properly.
FAQ
Can I use dark cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder?
Yes, dark cocoa powder can be used as a substitute, but it may result in a richer and slightly different flavor profile.
What is the purpose of using boiling water in the recipe?
Boiling water helps to create a pudding-like sauce underneath the cake, adding moisture and richness while baking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the batter and topping in advance and assemble just before baking for optimal results.
What can I serve with this dessert?
This dessert pairs well with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works as a 1:1 substitute for best results.
Conclusion
This delectable dessert combines a rich chocolate cake with a luscious chocolate sauce, creating a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. The contrast between the fluffy cake and the gooey topping makes it an irresistible indulgence, especially when served warm with ice cream or cream.
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