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Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven & Prep Your Pan: Get that oven fired up to 350°F (175°C)! Grab an 8×8 inch baking dish and grease it like you mean it. We’re talking non-stick goals here, people!
2. Whisk the Dry (Cake): In a medium bowl, combine your flour, the first ¾ cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk until it’s all perfectly blended. No lumps allowed in this magic mixture!
3. Mix the Wet (Cake): In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until they’re happily combined. This is where the liquid love begins!
4. Combine the Magic: Pour your wet ingredients into your dry ingredients and stir just until everything is moistened. A few small lumps are totally fine – we’re going for texture, not perfection! Pour this glorious batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
5. Prep the Pudding Power: Now for the secret sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ½ cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ¼ cup cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture *evenly* over the top of your cake batter in the pan. Do NOT stir it in. This is crucial for the molten lava effect!
6. The Boiling Water Reveal: Carefully pour the 1 ½ cups of boiling water *slowly and evenly* over the sugar/cocoa layer in your pan. Again, do NOT stir! Trust the process, my friends.
7. Bake It Up, Baby! Gently transfer your dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top cake layer is set and springy to the touch. The magic happens underneath, where a rich, gooey chocolate pudding forms.
8. Serve & Devour! Let it cool for just a few minutes – if you can wait! Serve warm, spooning that incredible molten chocolate pudding over the top of the cake. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream? Absolute heavenly bliss! Get ready for your tastebuds to explode!
