Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

Made by Brenda.

• 1 1/4 cups sugar, divided (3/4 cup and 1/2 cup)
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 7 TBS cocoa, divided (3 TBS and 4 TBS)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/3 cup butter melted
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups hot water
• whipped topping, optional

1. In a bowl, stir together 3/4 cup sugar, flour, 3 TBS cocoa, baking powder and salt. Stir in milk, butter and vanilla; beat until smooth. Pour batter into an ungreased 8-in. or 9-in. square baking pan.

2. Stir together remaining sugar (1/2 cup), brown sugar and remaining cocoa (4TBS); sprinkle mixture evenly over batter. Pour hot water over top; do not stir.

3. Bake at 350 for 35 to 40 minutes or until center is almost set. Let stand 15 minutes; spoon into dessert dishes, spooning sauce from bottom of pan over top. Garnish with whipped topping if desired.

*Yield 8 servings.