Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding
This Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding is one of those desserts that disappears almost as quickly as it hits the table in our house. With a soft rich chocolate sponge on top and a thick fudgy sauce underneath, it’s the ultimate cosy dessert for cold nights, weekend baking or those evenings when everyone suddenly feels like something sweet.
I love this recipe because it feels a little bit special while still being incredibly simple to make. Just mix, pour and bake then let the oven work its magic. As it cooks, the pudding transforms into two beautiful layers with a decadent cake-like top and rich chocolate sauce hiding underneath.
Made from simple pantry staples, this budget-friendly dessert is a true family favourite and perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream, cream or custard. If you love cosy homemade desserts, you might also enjoy my Sticky Date Pudding for another comforting favourite perfect for cooler weather.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Uses simple pantry staples you already have at home
Budget-friendly and perfect for feeding the whole family
The oven creates the chocolate sauce for you with barely any effort
Perfect cosy dessert for cold nights or weekend baking
Leftovers reheat beautifully for late-night dessert cravings
FAQ Section
Can I make Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the pudding then reheat individual portions in the microwave before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave until warm.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely. Milk chocolate gives a sweeter, creamier flavour while dark chocolate creates a richer pudding.
Variations for Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding
Add raspberries or cherries for a fruity twist
Stir chocolate chips through the batter
Add a teaspoon of espresso powder for a richer chocolate flavour
Swap vanilla ice cream for caramel ice cream or salted caramel sauce
More Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding
This Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding recipe is an easy family dessert made with pantry staples. Rich chocolate cake bakes over a gooey self-made chocolate sauce for the ultimate cosy winter dessert.
Ingredients
- 150g unsalted butter
- 150g dark or milk chocolate melts
- ½ cup (125ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups (250g) brown sugar
- ⅓ cup (30g) cocoa powder
- 1 cup (150g) self-raising flour
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup (30g) cocoa powder
- 1¼ cups (250g) brown sugar
- 2 cups (500ml) boiling water
- Vanilla ice cream
- Cream
- Custard
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160°C fan-forced. Grease a medium-sized pudding dish (approximately 1.5–2L capacity).
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the butter, chocolate, milk and vanilla. Stir gently until melted and smooth, then remove from the heat.
- Stir through the brown sugar and cocoa powder. Sift in the flour, add the egg and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pudding dish and smooth the top.
- In a small bowl, combine the cocoa powder and brown sugar for the sauce. Sprinkle evenly over the pudding batter.
- Slowly pour the boiling water over the back of a large metal spoon so it gently runs across the surface without disturbing the batter. Do not stir.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes or until the top is soft and just set in the centre. The pudding should still have a slight wobble underneath for that rich fudgy sauce.
- Allow the pudding to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly while keeping the pudding beautifully gooey underneath.
- Spoon into bowls while still warm and serve with vanilla ice cream, cream, custard or fresh berries.
Notes
TOP TIPS:
- Make ahead tip: You can prep the batter and topping a few hours in advance - just pour the hot water and bake when ready.
- Extra gooey? Reduce baking time by a few minutes for more sauce. Want more cake? Bake a little longer.
- Choc swap: Use dark chocolate for a richer flavour or milk chocolate for a milder, sweeter finish.
- Leftovers: Leftovers are AMAZING the next day! Store covered in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave - it will still be saucy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories
627Fat
26 gSat. Fat
16 gCarbs
100 gFiber
4 gNet carbs
96 gSugar
80 gProtein
6 gSodium
65 mgCholesterol
77 mgThe nutritional information provided is computer generated and is only an estimate. This data is provided as a courtesy for informational purposes only.
