Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ¾ cups hot water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Make the Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the greased baking dish.
- Make the Topping:
- In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and cocoa powder.
- Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.
- Add the Hot Water (Magic Step!):
- Slowly pour the hot water over the top (do NOT stir). This helps create the fudgy pudding layer underneath as it bakes.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set but the bottom is still gooey.
- Cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. The pudding will thicken as it sits.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate Southern dessert!
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter.
- Swap the water for hot coffee to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Make it nutty: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
