I’ve given a favorite childhood recipe a modern update just in time for Valentine’s Day. This magical two-layer cake-and-pudding in one is truly irresistible. And very chocolately.

Plus, you mix it together right in the baking pan. But before you bake, you'll want to read all the tips (and potential flavor variations) in Baking Together #21: All-in-One Double Chocolate Brownie Pudding Cake.

Serves 4 to 6

 

For the cake

  • 1/2 cup (2 1/4 ounces) unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup (2 5/8 ounces) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (1 1/2 ounces) finely chopped chocolate or mini chips
  • 3 tablespoons (1/2 ounce) unsweetened natural cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon table salt
  • 1/3 cup (2 5/8 ounces) whole or 2% milk
  • 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 yolk from large egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

 

For the pudding

  • 2/3 cup (4 5/8 ounces) granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons (1/2 ounce) unsweetened natural cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy
  • 1 1/3 cups (10 5/8 ounces) boiling water

 

For the cake

1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Have ready an ungreased 6-cup loaf pan (I use Pyrex).

2. Put the flour, sugar, chopped chocolate, cocoa, baking powder and salt in the loaf pan and stir with a rubber spatula until well blended. Add the milk, melted butter, egg yolk and vanilla and stir with the spatula until very well blended. Scrape down the sides and spread the batter evenly over the bottom of the pan.

 

For the pudding

1. In a small bowl, stir the sugar and cocoa until well blended and scatter the mixture evenly over the cake batter. Pour the boiling water evenly over the top to cover the sugar-cocoa mixture.

2. Bake until a pick inserted in the center of the cake layer (it will become the top layer) comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached, 34 to 36 minutes.

3. Move the pan to a rack and let cool for about 30 minutes. Using a big spoon to scoop up plenty of the pudding along with the cake, serve hot or warm adorned (see suggestions) or unadorned.

Baking Together #21: All-in-One Double Chocolate Brownie Pudding Cake

Comfort, magic (science, really), one pan, and lots of chocolate make this brownie-and-pudding layered dessert irresistible.