Warm, gooey, and intensely chocolatey, this dessert is pure comfort for cold nights and serious chocolate cravings.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 45 min
Total: 55 min
Ingredients
1 box chocolate cake mix
1 box chocolate pudding mix
1½ cups whole milk
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish so the cake lifts easily once baked.
Whisk the pudding mix with the milk until smooth, then pour it evenly into the bottom of the baking dish to form a rich base layer.
Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the pudding layer, covering the surface without stirring.
Drizzle the melted butter slowly over the cake mix, making sure most of the dry mix is lightly moistened.
Scatter the chocolate chips over the top, letting them sink slightly as the cake bakes.
Bake until the top looks set and crackled and the pudding layer bubbles gently around the edges.
Nutrition Facts (approx)
Calories: 460 | Protein: 5g | Carbs: 54g | Fat: 24g
Quick Facts
• one-pan baked dessert
• cold weather comfort
• chocolate lover favorite
• pantry friendly
• serve warm
Tips
- Drizzle the butter slowly and evenly to avoid dry patches of cake mix.
- Bake until just set, overbaking can dry the top while the center should stay gooey.
- Let the cake rest briefly so the layers settle before scooping.
Variations
Boost the richness by replacing a small portion of the milk with cream. It gives the pudding layer a silkier, more luxurious texture that melts right into the cake. If you love that smooth finish, the Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pudding brings that same comfort in a classic stovetop version.
Add texture by sprinkling chopped nuts over the chocolate chips before baking. The contrast adds just enough crunch to balance the gooey center. For a spoonable dessert with that same cozy feel, the Hot Chocolate Pudding Cups offer a rich option you can prep ahead and serve warm.
Create a mocha-style twist by mixing a teaspoon of instant coffee into the pudding base. It deepens the chocolate flavor without overpowering it. To match the mood, serve it alongside a mug of Thick European-Style Hot Chocolate, slow-sipped and deeply comforting.