Christmas Chocolate Cake

For those who’ve never been swayed by the charms of the traditional Christmas pudding, the festive season can feel like a dessert dilemma. But fear not, for there’s a decadent alternative that marries festive flair with rich, chocolatey indulgence: the Christmas Chocolate Cake.

Imagine a cake that captures the iconic shape of a Christmas pudding but offers a completely different experience. As you slice into its glossy, domed exterior, a thick, molten chocolate centre begins to flow, evoking gasps of delight from family and friends gathered round the table. It’s a dessert designed to impress, catering to chocolate lovers who crave something unique yet unmistakably festive.

The beauty of this cake lies not just in its deliciousness but in its ability to bring everyone together. It’s a nod to tradition without being bound by it. The shape pays homage to the classic pudding, while the deep, velvety chocolate centre feels indulgent and modern. And for the finishing touches? A drizzle of white chocolate ‘icing’ cascading over the top, perhaps adorned with a sprig of sugared holly or a scattering of edible gold stars.

This showstopper is perfect for those who find traditional Christmas pud a little too dense or rich. Its versatility means it can be adapted to suit your family’s tastes, whether that’s by adding a touch of orange zest, a pinch of warming spices, or a splash of your favourite liqueur.

Served warm, with cream or a dollop of brandy-infused custard, the Christmas Chocolate Cake is a comforting treat that promises to end your festive feast on a high note. It’s a dessert that invites second helpings and happy chatter, ensuring the meal lingers in everyone’s memory long after the plates are cleared.

So this Christmas, why not embrace a new tradition? Swap the pudding for a chocolate masterpiece, and watch as the thick, runny centre becomes the centre of attention.

Christmas Chocolate Cake

A perfect alternative to traditional Christmas pudding, this chocolate cake combines festive flair with rich indulgence. Shaped like a classic pudding and filled with a molten chocolate centre, it’s guaranteed to impress. Serve warm with cream or custard for a truly memorable holiday dessert.

4.91 from 20 votes

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Course: Cake, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: British

Keyword: Chocolate, Christmas Chocolate Cake, Dairy, Eggs

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 10 Slices

Calories: 518kcal

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Ingredients

 

For the cake:

• 200 g dark chocolate chopped
• 200 g unsalted butter cubed
• 150 g caster sugar
• 4 large eggs free range
• 100 g plain flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the centre:

• 100 g dark chocolate chopped
• 50 ml double cream

For decoration:

• 100 g white chocolate

Instructions

• Set to 180°C (160°C fan) or Gas Mark 4. Grease a 1.5-litre pudding basin and line the base with baking parchment.
• In a small saucepan, gently melt the 100g dark chocolate with double cream, stirring until smooth. Pour into a small container and freeze for at least 20 minutes until firm.
  100 g dark chocolate, 50 ml double cream
• In a heatproof bowl, melt the 200g chocolate and butter over a simmering pot of water, stirring occasionally. Once melted, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  200 g dark chocolate, 200 g unsalted butter
• Whisk together the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Fold in the melted chocolate mixture, followed by the flour and vanilla extract, until just combined.
  150 g caster sugar, 4 large eggs, 100 g plain flour, 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pour half the batter into the prepared pudding basin. Place the frozen chocolate centre in the middle and cover with the remaining batter.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. The cake should have a slightly firm crust but remain soft in the centre.
• Let the cake cool in the basin for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Melt the white chocolate and drizzle over the top to resemble icing. Add festive decorations as desired.
  100 g white chocolate
• Slice and watch as the gooey chocolate centre oozes out. Pair with cream, custard, or a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent finish.

Notes

This cake is a true showstopper for your Christmas table, with its molten centre delighting both the eyes and taste buds. Easy to prepare and bursting with chocolatey goodness, it’s a crowd-pleasing alternative to Christmas pudding.

It is also so easy to decorate with seasonal fruit, ivy and a sprinkle of icing sugar amongst many options.

Nutrition

Calories: 518kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 126mg | Sodium: 47mg | Potassium: 292mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 696IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 4mg