Easy Microwave Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding – A Favourite Winter Family Dessert

There’s one dessert I always come back to in winter — a good old Microwave Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding. I’ve been making this now and then since the mid-80s — 1985, I think — and it’s still just as satisfying. I found the recipe in a microwave cookbook back when microwaves were the new big thing. I gave it a try back then and it just worked.

I know it’s not an everyday kind of pudding — it’s definitely on the sweet side. But it’s a great standby. Great for those nights when we’ve skipped dessert, then started watching a cooking show and suddenly got the munchies. Or we’re deep into something dramatic on Netflix — like Dept Q — and need a little sugar break from the suspense. While the jug’s boiling for a cuppa, I can start this recipe and have it ready before the next episode starts. Peace is restored, cravings sorted.

Since it’s cooked in the microwave, it’s one of those easy peasy mix-sprinkle-pour-and-walk-away recipes. We serve it with a scoop of vanilla or hokey pokey ice cream or a drizzle of cream — either one’s lovely. I’ve also been known to dollop a plain yoghurt on top… but that’s just wrong. Far too healthy!

My Take on the Recipe

I don’t change anything — it’s just fine as is. But if you’ve got a good cocoa powder in the cupboard, it will give it a richer taste. Sometimes I make a half the recipe when we want a small treat — it’s a good size for two or three people.

So, it’s got a fair bit of sugar. I’ve thought about cutting it back, but… to tell the truth, I never do. It tastes too good! I like it extra gooey, so I only microwave it for 10 minutes.

If you’re making half, try 6–7 minutes on high. Let it sit for 5 minutes, same as the full version. You’ll still get that lovely, thick sauce underneath.

The Verdict

A great little standby dessert. Quick, easy, and always guaranteed to hit the spot. Not something I’d make every day — it’s a bit of a sugar bomb — but perfect for a treat now and then.

Recipe Card

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🍫🍨💫⋆˚✧☕𓍢 ✨ ♡🍫🍨💫

Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins
• Difficulty: easy
• Rating: ★★★★★
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Rich and gooey with its own chocolate sauce – this microwave pudding is quick, comforting, and always a hit.

𝗧𝗶𝗽: Best served warm with cream or ice cream. Stand for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken underneath.

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁: Australian Women’s Weekly Microwave Cookbook, 1985.

Ingredients

𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿:
• 60g butter
• 1½ cups self-raising flour
• 1 cup caster sugar
• ¼ cup cocoa
• ¾ cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴:

• 1 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
• ⅓ cup cocoa (extra)
• 2 cups boiling water

Directions

1. Melt the Butter: Place butter in a microwave-safe dish and melt on HIGH for 1 minute.
2. Mix the Batter: Stir in sifted flour, caster sugar, and cocoa. Add milk and vanilla, then beat with a wooden spoon until smooth.
3. Add the Topping: Combine brown sugar and extra cocoa. Sprinkle evenly over the batter.
4. Pour Boiling Water: Gently pour boiling water over the back of a spoon onto the mixture – don’t stir.
Microwave: Cook uncovered on HIGH for 12 minutes. The centre should look just set.
5. Rest and Serve: Let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to form underneath. Serve warm with cream or ice cream.

Nutrition

Per serving: 380 calories; 12g fat; 60g carbohydrates; 4g protein; high sugar content.

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Tried this recipe? Leave a comment or send me a message — I love hearing how it turned out! And if you liked it, don’t forget to pin or share. – ♡ Janet