They were a team in the kitchen. Watching them prepare a meal together was like watching a well-orchestrated dance. Many times music was playing in the background. They knew their steps and would exchange taking the lead as needed. Now one of the partners is gone. Memories live on through the food they prepared and enjoyed together. One of their favorites is Hot Fudge Pudding Cake.
Who are those kitchen dancers and food lovers? They are my parents. My dad passed away a few years ago and is missed dearly. I think about him all the time, especially this time of year. It's almost his birthday and Father's Day. So when I was invited to participate in a virtual Father's Day Feast event, it made me think of the book they gave me long ago that contains their favorite recipes.
The recipe book is not fancy. It is a plain black binder with pages typed by my mom and separated with standard index tabs. Some of the recipes are family ones like German Potato Salad, Dad's Cornbread and Beef Stew. Some are ones they collected from friends like this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake.
Wine was a reason for making this cake. Why? Gallo Family Vineyards sent their Pinot Noir and Café Zinfandel to inspire recipes and pairings for the feast. All I had to see was how Café Zinfandel can stand up to a rich chocolate dessert. I ran to the kitchen and looked through that special book and found the recipe. Plus the wine has a medium sweetness and my dad preferred sweet wines.
About the Hot Fudge Pudding Cake: I discovered it is an old recipe with slight variations that can be found on countless internet sites and in cookbooks. I have no idea who created the original one. I can see why it is so popular. It is warm, comforting, rich, fudgy cake oozing with pudding. My version has a nod to my dad and includes a hint of coffee. He adored coffee and would not let a day pass without it.
Father's Day is June 15th. Sunday Supper is proud to partner with Gallo Family Vineyards celebrating the wonderful dads in our lives. What better way to celebrate than with a feast of good food and wine? Head to the store and get GFV's Café Zinfandel or Pinot Noir. Oh, and there is a $1 off coupon or rebate available (depending on your area). Scroll down to find a list and links to recipes and pairings for the wines.
More on Gallo Family Vineyards: You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Their website has information on all Gallo Family wines and a store locator.
Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar divided
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk at room temperature
- ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup hot water
- ¼ cup hot strong-brewed coffee
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
- Whisk together ¾ cup sugar, flour, ¼ cup cocoa, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add milk, butter, and vanilla. Stir to combine. Spread evenly in prepared pan.
- Whisk together ½ cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ¼ cup cocoa in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over batter.
- Combine water and coffee. Gently pour over top. Do not mix.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until center is almost set. Let cool 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm.
Notes
Are you ready for a Father's Day feast? Take a look at these recipes by Sunday Supper contributors featuring or paired with Gallo Family Vineyards Café Zinfandel or Pinot Noir:
Father's Day Salads and Main Dishes:
- Avocado and Quinoa Salad by Ruffles & Truffles
- Baked Lentil Chilaquiles Casserole by Shockingly Delicious
- Barbecue Chicken with Pinot Noir Blueberry Sauce by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Chicken in a Caramelized Onion Wine Sauce by Family Foodie
- Filet Mignon with Mushrooms and Pinot Noir Sauce by Hip Foodie Mom
- French Onion Soup au Gratin Stuffed Meatballs by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Southwestern Zinfandel Glaze by Cooking On The Ranch
- Jambalaya Kabobs by Foxes Love Lemons
- Man Burgers Stuffed with Pinot Noir Caramelized Onions by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
- Marinated Flank Steak by The Foodie Army Wife
- Mushroom Topped Pinot Noir Burgers by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Pinot Noir Glazed Salmon by Cindy's Recipes and Writings
- Pinot Noir Mushroom Reduction Sauce with Grilled T-Bone Steak by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Red Wine Meatball Subs by Momma's Meals
Father's Day Sweets and Treats:
- Angel Food Cake Smores Skewers by Melanie Makes
- Cafe Zinfandel Cake & Pinot Noir Quinoa by NinjaBaking.com
- Cherry Pinot Noir Pie by girlichef
- Chocolate Decadence with Cafe Zinfandel Whipped Cream and Raspberry Sauce by Desserts Required
- Hot Fudge Pudding Cake by Magnolia Days
- Pinot Noir Dark Chocolate Truffles by Alida's Kitchen
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Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Gallo Family Vineyards via Sunday Supper, LLC. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author, and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Gallo Family Vineyards.
Love the gorgeous description of your parents in the kitchen. Undoubtedly your dad is raising his glass of Gallo Family Vineyards' Café Zinfandel to you in Heaven...Seriously delicious looking dessert, Renee. Thank you for sharing the recipe =)
Thank you so much Kim and I'm sure my dad is looking down from heaven and smiling at me.
Chocolate and wine is one of my favorite pairings! This cake looks decadent and delicious!
So true how chocolate and wine are a great pairing.
Perfect pairing! The added coffee is such a great twist too!
Thanks Denise
I bet that recipe book is one of your most treasured possessions! And this cake looks amazing!
It sure is Brianne, it is a family treasure that is oh so very special.
Renee,
The fact that your mom made you a recipe book with pages that she typed and separated with standard index tabs is so sweet. I love this so much! that is truly so special! and I love this cake. . and absolutely love the addition of the coffee for your dad. . loved this very special post, Renee! Thanks for sharing this with us. .
Thank you very much Alice. It really is a post written from the heart.
Wow that looks delicious! I love pudding cakes, this variation sounds awesome. 🙂
Thanks a bunch!
Oh my gosh! Your hot fudge pudding cake looks amazing! I just need a scoop of vanilla ice cream to go with it! I love it! Beautiful!
Thanks Jennifer
That book...that book...what a gift! I'd like to sit down at your kitchen table, paging through it, while eataing a big bowl of THIS!
If you are ever out this way Dorothy I'd love to pull out that book so we can have fun looking through it at the table.
Such lovely memories and stories of your folks, and that black book...what a treasure!!! This cake looks like a chocolate lovers dream come true! Love it!
Yes, it certainly is a treasure.
Renee, I love the binder that you were gifted by your parents and the amount of love and memories that must be tucked inside with all of the recipes. I too make recipes that remind me of my father - a great way to remember the men in our life during the month of June.
Thank you Melanie and there are tons of memories in that book. I'm so glad my mom made it and gave it to me.
This is such a sweet memory post, Renee...I know your dad is smiling down :). And good golly miss molly - this cake is ridiculous! I can't even express how badly I want it's ooey gooey fudgeyness in front of me!
Thanks a bunch Heather
that looks like comfort food at its best!
Total comfort food to be enjoyed one big spoonful or forkful at a time.
What a gift to have that recipe book from your mom so that you could find the perfect dessert to honor your father this Father's Day. So incredibly touching!
Thanks Betsy.
I love chocolate pudding cakes...and yours looks spot on! I'm sure your dad would be thrilled that you made this to honor him.
Thanks Liz and I think my dad is seeing this and smiling. I only wish he was here so I could share it with him.
Fudge Pudding Cake is the best!!!
I totally agree Conni
I need this cake in my life! It looks absolutely amazing!
It is amazing. Thanks Isabel.
BTW, I love love love those glasses!
Those glasses belonged to my grandmother. I cherish them and the other few things of hers that I have.
This looks like sheer decadence!
It sure is! Thanks Sarah.
You had me at Hot Fudge! What man wouldn't devour this cake up!
I don't know but I'll take any man's serving if he doesn't want it. So, so good.
I have never had the pleasure of enjoying a chocolate pudding cake, but I think this needs to be on my list IMMEDIATELY! Oh, the decadent goodness!
Oh yes Katie, definitely needs to be on your list.
awwwww your parents sound like the best couple! So sorry about your dad-I'm sure he would have loved this pudding cake-it's so gooey and decadent and perfect, who wouldn't??!
Thanks Kayle and my parents were the best couple and they enjoyed doing so much together. Total soul mates.
I have a similar recipe book/binder that my mother-in-law gave me of the recipes my husband's Grandma used to make. Most of them were clipped from newspapers, or transcribed from friends. Some of them, she didn't even seem to enjoy all that much (there are notes next to some of them that say "just OK" or "fair"), but it's so special, nonetheless.
A very special recipe book indeed. How great you have those notes in it too. I bet it makes you smile every time you read them.
I can just taste how fudgy and chocolatey that lovely pudding cake is...and I can't wait to make it!!
I splurged on it for days. It's so good.
This with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is just perfection.
Or whipped cream. It may sound crazy but I don't care for ice cream with cake. Separately yes, together no.
Is there a way to do this without coffee? I am not a coffee drinker, so it is not something I ever have on hand.
You could just use water or you might get a small jar of instant coffee and make the amount needed for the recipe.