1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
3. Boil water in a kettle.
4. Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
6. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and mostly free of lumps.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly.
8. Fudge Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup white sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder.
9. Evenly sprinkle this sugar mixture over the batter in the pan.
10. Carefully pour the boiling water over the sugar layer, ensuring not to mix it into the batter.
11. Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until the center is almost set.
12. Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes before serving.
13. Serving: Serve the pudding cake in dessert dishes.
14. Top each serving with ice cream or whipped cream.
15. Spoon some of the fudge sauce from the bottom of the pan over the cake.

• Pan Choice: You can use a different-sized pan, but adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Cocoa Powder: Using unsweetened cocoa powder is crucial as it balances the sweetness of the sugars.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, it reheats well. Just ensure to cover it to keep the moisture in.

• You can freeze the cake, but the fudge sauce may change texture upon reheating.

The Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake is a delightful treat that’s simple to make and serves as a perfect ending to any meal. With its rich fudge sauce and moist texture, it’s sure to satisfy any chocolate craving.