Pudding Filled Chocolate Cake Recipe (2024)

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Today I’m finally wrapping up my Father’s day series of dessert recipes… yes, Father’s day was 2 days ago. I know.

I got a little behind last week, and here I am still posting about Father’s day. Whatdya do? I guess this year it’s just the holiday that keeps on giving!

I saved this one for last, because this is my dad’s supposed favorite dessert (I’ve also posted favorite recipes for my Father-in-law, my Grandpa Epps, and my Grandpa Keaton).

I actually gave him a hard time about choosing this one, because I know he hasn’t eaten in in yeeeaaaarrrs. So I feel like it can’t qualify as his favorite, but he says it does. Apparently, they used to sell this type of cake as a box mix, but it’s not on the market anymore. In fact, this recipe is total conjecture based on my dad’s description! But dad says it’s pretty close, and I thought it was delicious, so let’s count it as a win. 😉

Aside from my Dad’s excellent taste in cake, he’s a truly wonderful father. He’s been an excellent provider for our family, a firm guiding hand, and a friend to all of his children. He’s always made me feel safe and loved, and I hope I can meet the high bar he’s set for parenting. I love you, Dad!

Just like Dad, this cake is all kinds of awesome. The actual pound cake is an amazingly delicious doctored-up box cake recipe I found in the Six Sisters Stuff newest cookbook, A Year with Six Sisters’ Stuff: 52 Menu Plans, Recipes, and Ideas to Bring Families TogetherPudding Filled Chocolate Cake Recipe (3).

I simply spread half of the batter in a well greased bundt cake pan, and then piped in some prepared instant chocolate pudding. I spread the remaining cake batter over the pudding and baked it like a normal cake! The cake sinks a little bit on the top, since pudding runs through the middle of it. But that didn’t bother me much, especially since A) you can sort of cover that up with a little frosting/ganache, and B) it’s utterly, sinfully, decadently scrumptious!

Once it’s baked and cooled, you’ll have a super moist cake with a ribbon of pudding running right through the middle. Add a little ice cream or whipped cream for absolute perfection!

Pudding Filled Chocolate Cake Tips and Tricks

  • Do NOT use a bundt pan with an intricate design for this recipe. The pudding filling will get stuck in the crevices and be difficult to remove.
  • You can use any flavor of cake mix and pudding that you like for this recipe. I used a chocolate cake mix and chocolate pudding, but you could use vanilla cake mix and vanilla pudding or any other flavor combos that you like!
  • If desired, frost the cake with canned chocolate frosting or make a Chocolate Ganache for topping. Simply heat up some heavy cream until it just starts to boil, pour over chopped chocolate, and stir until smooth. Let cool slightly before using.
  • This cake can be made ahead of time! Simply store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 350ºF for about 15 minutes.
Pudding Filled Chocolate Cake Recipe (4)

Pudding Filled Chocolate Cake

Yield: 8-12 servings

Ingredients

  • For the cake:
  • 18.25 ounce Devil's Food cake mix (JUST the mix)
  • 3.4 ounce chocolate pudding mix (JUST the mix)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
  • optional: canned chocolate frosting or Chocolate Ganache for topping
  • For the pudding:
  • 3.4 pudding mix and skim milk as directed on the pudding box instructions

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease and flour a Bundt cake pan.
  2. In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat together the cake mix, pudding mix, sour cream, and vegetable oil.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing in between additions. Mix in the water. Mix in the chocolate chips.
  4. Pour half of the mixture into the prepared cake pan.
  5. Prepare instant pudding according to directions on the box. Pour pudding into a gallon sized ziptop bag. Snip the corner of the bag, and pipe the pudding through the center of the cake (I placed the tip of the bag about 1/2 inch into the batter. I got pudding IN the batter and also allowed some to sit on top of the batter. The important thing to keep in mind is to not let the pudding touch the actual pan-- cake batter needs to completely envelop the pudding before baking).
  6. Carefully pour the remaining cake batter over the pudding, and gently spread to cover the pudding.
  7. Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the (non-pudding filled part of the) cake comes out clean.
  8. Allow cake to cool for 20 minutes in pan before inverting onto serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Please note that you need TWO boxes of pudding mix for this recipe-- one for the cake batter and one for the pudding filling.

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Pudding Filled Chocolate Cake Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What does adding pudding mix to cake mix do? ›

Put some pudding in the mix: Add a small box of pudding mix in with the cake mix. (Don't make the pudding.) The mix adds additional flavor, moistness, and a denser texture.

What happens if you add too much pudding to cake mix? ›

Adding extra pudding or other ingredients that aren't in the recipe (or suggested on the package directions) could result in a cake that falls, a cake with a wrinkled top, or a cake that doesn't get thoroughly baked in the middle.

How do you thicken pudding for cake filling? ›

directions. In a chilled metal bowl, beat whipping cream on medium-high speed until it begins to thicken. Gradually add in the instant pudding mix and continue to beat, just until thick.

Can you put pudding in between cake layers? ›

You betcha. My great aunt made a lemon coconut pudding cake that's still the family hit almost 100 years later. She made a white layer cake, in four layers, then cut each in half, so the cake would have 8 layers. She put lemon pudding between layers, then frosted the cake with a lemon coconut buttercream frosting.

What does adding an extra egg to a box cake mix do? ›

Because eggs help build the cake's structure (don't use them and you're looking at a gooey mess), adding an extra egg yolk makes the cake batter denser. Translation: you'll have a moister confection. Conversely, she suggests an extra egg white for a fluffier cake.

What can I add to my cake mix to make it better? ›

8 Simple Tips and Tricks to Make Box Cake Better
  1. Replace Water with Milk or Buttermilk.
  2. Substitute Oil for Butter.
  3. Use More Eggs.
  4. Add Vanilla Extract.
  5. Make It a Chocolate Lovers' Cake. Baking tip #7: it's simple to bake a decadent and delicious chocolate cake using a box cake mix. ...
  6. Decorate Your Cake Like A Pro.

Can I add a box of pudding to cake mix? ›

Add Instant Pudding

Whisk one small (3.4-ounce) package of instant pudding into the dry cake mix. You'll want a similar pudding flavor. For example, use chocolate pudding for a chocolate cake mix. Then, add the wet ingredients and bake the cake as directed.

Why did my cake come out like pudding? ›

Most common reason is when the oven door is opened too soon and the cake hasn't set up and baked properly. The mixture could be too soft due to not enough ingredients or if there is too much liquid added.

What does pudding do in baking? ›

Why Instant Pudding Mix Is Great for Baked Goods. Instant pudding mixes are a blend of sugar, cornstarch, and flavoring that improve the texture of baked goods. The sugar in the mix helps retain moisture, which is why it's a popular addition to cake batters.

Why is my chocolate pudding runny? ›

Pudding is usually runny because it has been stored in the refrigerator for too long or in an open space. Another cause could be due to improper cooking methods. Well, for Elmer Lovers who are worried that the pudding will be runny, you should refer to the information on the tips below.

What is the best pudding thickener? ›

Your best bet would be to mix a tablespoon of cornstarch and a teaspoon of sugar with some of the beverage and add it to the warm pudding. Heat it to a bubble and stir until it thickens.

Does cornstarch make pudding thick? ›

Cornstarch: Three tablespoons of cornstarch thickens the vanilla pudding.

Should cake with pudding be refrigerated? ›

Cakes filled with pudding are best stored in the refrigerator.

What is the cream between cake layers called? ›

The filling between cake layers is commonly referred to as "cake filling" or "cake filling frosting." There are several types of fillings that can be used, including: Buttercream - a rich and creamy frosting made with butter, powdered sugar, and milk or cream.

What is the liquid they put in between cake layers? ›

The Glory of a Soak

In fact, all there really is to it is a simple syrup. However, in the context of treating cake layers, simple syrup is referred to as a soak. The name is a tiny bit misleading, as it's really more of a drizzle. Or in my kitchen, a brushing.

Why does pudding make cakes moist? ›

Sprinkling the instant pudding powder in with the rest of your dry ingredients will level up the flavor, texture, and moistness of your boxed cake. Thanks to the added fat in boxed pudding powder, your cake can be just about as decadent as if you'd made the thing from scratch — but without the extra time and hassle!

How do I make my cake more moist? ›

From ingredient swaps to unique methods, explore these ways to help make your cakes moist.
  1. USE THE CORRECT TEMPERATURE AND BAKING TIME. ...
  2. USE VEGETABLE OIL. ...
  3. USE BUTTERMILK INSTEAD OF MILK. ...
  4. ADD INSTANT PUDDING MIX. ...
  5. ADD MAYONNAISE. ...
  6. USE SIMPLE SYRUP OR GLAZE. ...
  7. USE CAKE FLOUR. ...
  8. DON'T OVERMIX.

How do you make cake mix more dense? ›

Add structure. On their own, boxed cake mixes have a structure that's loose and airy. But if you add ¼ cup flour or half a box of instant pudding mix, the texture of the cake becomes denser and tighter, ideal for a pound-cake-like consistency that will hold the shape of a Bundt pan.

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