Microwave Chocolate Pudding Cake
Creating a cake in the microwave might not follow the traditional method, but it offers a quick and effortless process, resulting in a warm, gooey, pudding-like dessert. Combine the cake ingredients, sprinkle with cocoa, sugar, and boiling water, then microwave on high. (Remember to take the ice cream out of the freezer to soften while the cake cooks.)The base transforms into a moist chocolate cake in the microwave, while the topping becomes a luscious chocolate sauce. Since microwave wattage and dish size vary, determining the ideal cooking time is the only challenge. Look for signs of a firm cake beginning to bubble up to the surface. Don't fret: A slightly underdone result is perfectly acceptable. This dessert will continue to firm up as it cools. While optional, the instant coffee does enhance the chocolate flavor, adding depth to the dish.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 6 tablespoons 86 grams unsalted butter, cubed
- ¼ cup 60 milliliters whole milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon instant coffee or espresso optional
- ¾ cup 165 grams packed dark brown sugar
- 1 cup 128 grams all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup 32 grams unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt such as Diamond Crystal
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
For the Topping
- ½ cup 110 grams dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup 24 grams unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt such as Diamond Crystal
- ¾ cup boiling water
- Ice cream for serving
Instructions
- To prepare the cake, place the butter in a microwave-safe soufflé dish or casserole dish with a capacity of 1½ to 2 quarts, then melt it in short bursts in the microwave.
- Whisk in the milk, vanilla extract, and instant coffee if you are using it. Whisk in the brown sugar, then incorporate the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until combined.
- Next, prepare the topping: Combine the brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cake batter.
- Carefully pour the boiling water over the top of the cake.
- Microwave on full power until you notice the cake setting and emerging through the sauce in different areas and the sauce has thickened, typically taking 5 to 7 minutes. (You can pause to check doneness intermittently during cooking.) Remember that the cake will further set as it cools.
- Serve the cake warm, accompanied by ice cream.