Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

You’ve heard the phrase “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”?  Well, guys, I am giving you a gift this Valentine’s Day. The way to a woman’s heart (at least this woman’s) is through CHOCOLATE!  And do not say anything about not being able to bake. This Hot Fudge Pudding Cake does not require a mixer or even the breaking of eggs. If you can boil water in a microwave, you can do this. You must, however, READ THE DIRECTIONS (apologies for the age-old, stereotyping joke … but you really must).

make an impression

When my oldest son was a senior in high school, he and his best friend wanted to go somewhere warm for spring break. Knowing their parents well, they realized the only way they might pull it off is if they asked if the two families would consider going on a short cruise together.

Smart boys.

On this cruise, one of the most popular desserts was a chocolate lava cake. I cannot count how many of those cakes our group ate on a three-day cruise. A few months later, we invited their family over for dinner and you should have seen the look on their faces when I told them what we were having for dessert. This simple offering initiated another round of memories and, to this day, Miami, Key West, Cozumel and lava cake are words spoken together with affection.

hot fudge pudding cake

personal servings

Ramekins make a nice, easy-to-serve option. I used 6 (7-oz) ramekins instead of my usual square baking dish. It worked. But it didn’t work as well as the square baking dish. I have a couple ideas why, but the point is, it was still delicious! Not perfect … it wasn’t quite as “fudgy” as it usually turns out in the pan. But isn’t that the point of Valentine’s Day? Nobody’s perfect … just “perfect” to you!

make it even better

Want to put this Valentine’s Day completely over the top?

DO.THE.DISHES. (there aren’t many)

Warm chocolate dessert. Clean countertops. A small bouquet of flowers on the table.

Enjoy a thoughtful Valentine’s Day (or any day) picnic.

P.S. Another pudding cake that we love is this Rhubarb Pudding Cake. It is more cake than gooey dessert but it is equally delicious!