Hot Fudge Cake Aka Chocolate Cobbler

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, divided
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt, divided
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, diced into 1 Tbsp pieces and melted
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups very hot water
• Sliced strawberries and bananas
• Vanilla ice cream
• Chopped toasted walnuts, optional
• Mint leaves, optional

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9 by 9-inch baking dish, or use an 11 by 7-inch dish, and put it aside. In a large bowl, combine the flour with 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (25g) cocoa powder, the baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt, whisking for 20 seconds. Add the milk, melted butter and vanilla, then mix with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon just until everything comes together. Scrape the batter into the prepared dish and smooth it out evenly.
2. In another bowl, whisk the brown sugar with the remaining 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, remaining 1/4 cup (25g) cocoa powder and remaining 1/4 tsp salt. Sprinkle this mixture across the batter, spreading it into an even layer. Slowly pour the hot water over the surface, leaving the layers undisturbed.
3. Bake for 35 – 40 minutes, until the middle is almost set but still has a little wobble. Take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for 10 – 15 minutes before serving. Spoon into bowls and top with strawberries, bananas, ice cream and pecans, if desired. Add mint for garnish. Serve right away.