Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the cake batter:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.

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.

Transfer the batter:

Pour the cake batter into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish.

Prepare the fudge topping:

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and additional cocoa powder.

Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter.

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.

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.

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!