Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

Oh the heavens must have made this cake for those of us who really need some chocolate medication! It is truly so decadent and bursting with chocolate goodness that you really can't put it down!

Seriously, I made it one night when I needed a serious chocolate fix. It was incredibly easy and FAST (took me about 10 min of prep and was done baking in about 30) and completely fool-proof! I shared some with a friend on her birthday because doesn't it just SCREAM Restaurant deliciousness for a birthday treat!? Or any day for that matter!

I know you're dying to make this recipe, too, so I won't make you suffer. You can either find the official recipe on Hershey's website HERE, or one with a few of my tweaks just below.

HOT FUDGE PUDDING CAKE

1-1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa, divided (I used a dutch milk chocolate for a richer flavor)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1-1/4 cups hot water
One Rounded scoop of vanilla Ice Cream

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar, flour, 1/4 cup cocoa, baking powder and salt. Stir in milk, butter and vanilla; beat until smooth.

2. Pour batter into ungreased 9-inch square baking pan. Stir together remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar and remaining 1/4 cup cocoa; sprinkle mixture evenly over batter. Pour hot water over top; do not stir.

3. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove from oven; let stand 15 minutes. Serve in dessert dishes, spooning sauce from bottom of pan over top. Garnish with whipped topping. About 8 servings.