Hot Fudge Sundae Cake

Back when I (Daughter) was in college (the first time), I lived in Missouri where a wonderful family welcomed me into their home as sort of an "adopted" daughter.  I spent most Sunday afternoons in their home, gathered around the kitchen table, socializing, and of course enjoying some good ol' home cooked meals...a welcome change from dorm "food" for sure!  A main staple of Sunday dinners at their house was this Hot Fudge Sundae Cake.  Super easy to make, and similar in concept to a molten lava cake...maybe not as pretty, but twice as tasty! This oldie but goodie recipe comes from Betty Crocker's New Cookbook, the 1996 version.

Hot Fudge Sundae Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour*

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 tbsp baking cocoa

2 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

½ cup milk

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup chopped nuts, if desired

1 cup packed brown sugar

¼ cup baking cocoa

1 ¾ cups very hot water

Ice cream or whipped cream, if desired

1.        Heat oven to 350°

2.       Mix flour, granulated sugar, 2 tbsp cocoa, the baking powder and salt in ungreased square pan, 9x9x2 inches.  Mix in milk, oil and vanilla with fork until smooth.  Stir in nuts (I don't normally include nuts).  Spread in pan. 

3.       Sprinkle brown sugar and ¼ cup cocoa over batter.  Pour water over batter. 

4.       Bake 40 minutes or until top is dry.

5.       Spoon  warm cake into dessert dishes.  Top with ice cream or whipped cream.  Spoon sauce from pan onto each serving.  

*If using self-rising flour, omit baking powder and soda