If you like hot fudge sundaes, you’re going to love this Hot Fudge Sundae Cake that tastes just like one. A cake that screams “Let’s Celebrate!”

I made this cake for my dad’s birthday a few weeks ago {on a whim because I was actually planning on ordering one} and it turned out so wonderful that I just had to make it again to share with y’all. No doubt this won’t be the last time I’ll be making it either. It’s such a great cake and the perfect one to celebrate with.

A super moist very vanilla cake is filled with a fresh whipped cream filling and the whole cake is covered in a rich dark chocolate ganache with a generous sprinkle of chopped peanuts and of course, more whipped cream frosting and cherries on top. What’s not to love love love about this cake?!

It’s stunning and scrumptious!

Tastes just like a hot fudge sundae, but in cake form. The cake is made extra moist and vanilla-y with a vanilla pudding mix in the batter while the dark chocolate ganache sets into this creamy dreamy coating with a thick layer of sweet whipped cream filling and crunchy peanuts in every bite.

We all oohed and aahed over it before my dad’s birthday party started and the excitement just grew as we cut in and enjoyed each bite. Yummy yum yum!

So find an occasion, any occasion, to bake this cake. I promise you and everyone you bake it for will love it! Enjoy!

xoxo,

If you make this cake, be sure to tag me, @thebakermama on Instagram so I can see how it turned out. Makes me so happy to see your creations! 🙂

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Hot Fudge Sundae Cake

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  • Author: Maegan - The BakerMama
  • Prep Time: 40 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12-14
  • Category: Dessert

Description

If you like hot fudge sundaes, you’re going to love this Hot Fudge Sundae Cake that tastes just like one. A cake that screams “Let’s Celebrate!”


Ingredients

Cake:

  • 11/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 (3.56 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix (just the dry mix)
  • 11/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk

Whipped Cream Filling:

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 (3.56 ounce) package instant white chocolate pudding mix (just the dry mix)
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 12 teaspoons milk, if needed

Chocolate Ganache:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Toppings:

  • 3/4 cup chopped peanuts
  • maraschino cherries

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line the bottom of two 8-inch round cake pans with a piece of parchment paper cut to fit. Lightly grease and flour both cake pans and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, vanilla pudding mix and baking powder. Set aside.
  3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until each one is well combined. Mix in the vanilla.
  4. With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk, ending with the flour mixture, until well combined and batter is smooth.
  5. Divide batter evenly among prepared cake pans. Bake cakes for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of each cake comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 15 minutes before running a sharp knife around the edges and turning out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  6. For best results when making the whipped cream filling, put the bowl (preferably stainless steel) in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before making the filling.
  7. To make the filling, beat the whipping cream in the chilled bowl until soft peaks form. Add the white chocolate pudding mix and powdered sugar and continue to beat until well combined. Filling should be set and smooth. If it’s too thick, beat in a teaspoon of milk at a time until soft and spreadable.
  8. Spread a small amount of frosting on the bottom of a cake stand or cake plate. Place one cake layer, top side up, on the cake stand. Spread all but 3/4 cup of the filling over the cake layer, all the way to the edges. It should be a thick layer. Cover the layer of filling with the other cake layer.
  9. To make the ganache, place the chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on low power until just melted, about 90 seconds. Whisk until completely melted and then whisk in the heavy cream until smooth. Let cool for 10 minutes before spreading the ganache on the top and sides of the cake.
  10. Sprinkle the top of the cake with the chopped peanuts. Arrange more chopped nuts around the bottom of the cake, if desired.
  11. Decorate the top of the cake with the 3/4 cup reserved whipped cream filling and maraschino cherries. Serve, eat and enjoy!

Recipe by Maegan Brown/Photography by Madison Mentesana

About The BakerMama

Maegan is the author of her best-selling Beautiful Boards, Spectacular Spreads and Brilliant Bites cookbooks. She started blogging in 2012 and features hundreds of original recipes on The BakerMama. She truly enjoys sharing her easy, family-friendly recipes, creative meal ideas, food board creations, and entertaining spreads to encourage others to get in the kitchen and make something memorable for their loved ones to enjoy together. Learn More

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Comments

    1. Hi Rebecca! Yes, it’s best to store it in the fridge. Happy Birthday! Hope you have the best day and enjoy! 🙂

  1. This is such a beautiful and delicious-looking cake! Love all of that frosting and the pretty whipped cream and cherries on top!!

  2. No need for a special occasion, this one IS the occasion! This is so darn cute and looks stinking delicious! All the best dessert flavors in one gorgeous cake!

  3. I just want to make this cake because it’s so beautiful! Well, obviously I’d eat it too because it looks like it tastes amazing as well. Great work! I’m sure your Dad was thrilled.

  4. This cake is simply beautiful, it reminds me of cakes served in diners. Your dad must have been thrilled!