Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the cake batter:
   In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
3. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture forms a smooth batter.
   If you’re using chopped nuts, fold them into the batter now.
4. Transfer the batter:
   Pour the cake batter into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish.
5. Prepare the fudge topping:
   In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and additional cocoa powder.
6. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter.
7. Add the hot water:
   Carefully pour the hot water over the top of the cake (don’t stir!). The water will sink to the bottom and create a fudge sauce while the cake bakes.
8. Bake the cake:
   Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake has risen and the top looks set, while the fudge sauce is bubbling underneath.
9. Serve:
   Let it cool slightly before serving. The pudding cake is delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
   Enjoy your decadent Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake!