Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe: A Delicious and Low SmartPoints Dessert
Welcome to our detailed guide on crafting a delectable Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake that fits perfectly within a Weight Watchers (WW) lifestyle. This dessert offers the rich, indulgent taste of chocolate pudding cake while keeping the SmartPoints low. Follow our comprehensive instructions and tips to prepare a dessert that is both satisfying and aligned with your WW goals.
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar (or a granulated WW-friendly sweetener such as erythritol)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup non-fat milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Fudge Sauce:
1 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar (or a WW-friendly sweetener such as erythritol)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup light corn syrup (or a WW-friendly substitute such as a small amount of honey)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8-inch square baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter. This ensures that the pudding cake releases easily after baking.
Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp of baking powder, 1/4 tsp of baking soda, and 1/4 tsp of salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa powder throughout the batter.
In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of non-fat milk, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 1 large egg, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. Avoid over-mixing to ensure a tender texture.
Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
Prepare the Fudge Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar (or a WW-friendly sweetener), 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/4 cup of light corn syrup. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract.
Add the Fudge Sauce:
Pour the hot fudge sauce evenly over the cake batter in the baking dish. Do not stir; the sauce will sink to the bottom and create a fudgy layer as it bakes.
Bake the Cake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is done when the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The top layer will appear cakey while the bottom will have a gooey fudge layer.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes before serving. The cake is best served warm, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Portion Control:
Cut the cake into 9 equal pieces. Each serving is a generous portion that satisfies your sweet tooth while staying within your WW SmartPoints guidelines.
Garnishing:
Optional: Top each serving with a dollop of light whipped cream or a sprinkle of fresh berries for added flavor and visual appeal. Make sure to account for any additional SmartPoints if using toppings.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Makes 9 Servings)
Calories: 200
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total Carbohydrates: 31g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 21g
Net Carbohydrates: 29g
Protein: 3g
SmartPoints Value
SmartPoints: 7 (per serving, based on Weight Watchers 2024 calculation)
Additional Information
- Flour Alternatives: For a lower-carb option, consider using almond flour or a blend of coconut flour and almond flour. This will alter the texture and may require adjustments to the liquid ratios in the recipe.
- Sweetener Options: Erythritol or stevia can be used as a substitute for granulated sugar. Adjust the amount based on the sweetness level desired and the specific sweetener used. Always check the conversion ratios for different sweeteners.
- Non-Fat Milk: Non-fat milk is used here to reduce the calorie and fat content. If preferred, you can use a low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk, but this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cake.
- Vegetable Oil vs. Coconut Oil: Vegetable oil is used to keep the cake moist. If you prefer, you can substitute with melted coconut oil, which will add a hint of coconut flavor and healthy fats.
- Light Corn Syrup: Light corn syrup is used to create a smooth fudge sauce. For a WW-friendly alternative, consider using a small amount of honey or a low-carb syrup if you prefer to avoid corn syrup.
- Baking Tips: Ensure your oven is properly preheated before baking to achieve even cooking. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of the batter.
- Serving Suggestions: This pudding cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of low-fat vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh fruit. Be sure to account for the additional SmartPoints of any added ingredients.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Reheating Tips: To reheat the cake, place it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Reheating will restore the fudgy texture.
- Dietary Adjustments: If you have specific dietary needs, such as a dairy intolerance, you can use dairy-free milk alternatives and ensure that all other ingredients align with your dietary preferences.
Enjoy this Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake as a rich, satisfying dessert that aligns with your Weight Watchers goals. With its gooey fudge layer and chocolatey goodness, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion, providing indulgence without compromising your SmartPoints budget.
