Ingredients

1 cup sifted flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons powdered baking cocoa

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup milk

2 tablespoons cooking oil

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

1/2 cup powdered baking cocoa

2 cups hot water

Preparation

  1. Gather ingredients and heat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar and cocoa. Stir in vanilla, milk, oil and nuts (if using).
  3. Pour batter into 8-inch baking dish. Mix brown sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa and sprinkle over batter.
  4. Pour hot water over surface and refrain from doing anything to the batter. Do not stir, swirl or poke, just bake in preheated 350-degree oven for 40 to 45 minutes.