Gooey Chocolate Pudding Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/4 cups boiling water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish or a similar-sized baking dish.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
   • Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined and smooth.
   • Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder.
   • Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cake batter in the baking dish.
4. Add the Boiling Water:
   • Pour the boiling water evenly over the topping. Do not stir.
   • The water will create a gooey sauce as the cake bakes.
5. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. The cake will be set on top but still gooey underneath.
   • A toothpick inserted into the cake layer should come out clean, but the bottom will be pudding-like.
6. Serve:
   • Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes before serving.
   • Serve warm, spooning the gooey pudding from the bottom over the cake.
   • Optionally, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Enjoy your rich and gooey chocolate pudding cake!