Ingredients
1¼cupsgranulated sugar,divided
1cupall-purpose flour
½cupunsweetened cocoa powder,divided
2tspbaking powder
½tspsalt,divided
½cupmilk
⅓cupunsalted butter,diced into 1 tbsp pieces and melted
1½tspvanilla extract
½cuppacked light-brown sugar
1¼cupsvery hot water
Sliced strawberries and bananas,optional, or vanilla ice cream, chopped toasted walnuts, or mint leaves
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9 by 9-inch (or 11 by 7-inch) baking dish, set aside.
In a large mixing bowl whisk together ¾ cup granulated sugar, flour, ¼ cup cocoa powder, baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt for 20 seconds. Pour in milk, melted butter and vanilla and stir with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until well blended. Spread batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a mixing bowl whisk together the remaining granulated sugar, brown sugar, remaining cocoa powder and remaining salt. Pour mixture over batter and spread into an even layer. Carefully pour hot water evenly over top, do not stir.
Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the center is nearly set (it should still wiggle slightly). Remove from oven and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Serve in bowls topped with strawberries, bananas, ice cream and pecans if desired. Garnish with mint. Serve immediately.
