Chocolate Pudding Cake

Chocolate, as the studies say, creates a feeling of excitement or elation. It has a good antioxidant agent,which can help reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and can protect the cells from the damage caused by toxins. So what more reasons does a person need to indulge in this wonder food? If you are looking for more reasons  to make this cake here are more. Its so easy and sinfully delicious. It is like a brownie with pudding underneath. It's perfect when served warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream so can be served in cold or hot weather.
Recipe Source:King Arthur Flour
Yield: 8 to 10 servings.
Ingredients
First layer
1 cup  All-Purpose Flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa
1/2 teaspoon espresso powder (optional, but very good)
3/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Second layer
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3cup sugar
1/3cup Dutch-process cocoa
1 1/2 cups hot water or hot brewed coffee
Method:

 Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9" round cake pan.

To make the first layer: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, 6 tablespoons cocoa, and 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder. Stir in the milk, vanilla, and oil, mixing until smooth. Pour the batter into the 9"round pan.

 To make the second layer: Mix the 3/4 cup brown sugar with the 1/4 cup cocoa , and sprinkle this mixture over the batter. Gently drizzle the hot coffee or water over the uncooked batter; there's no need to mix it in. Really.
Place the pan in the preheated oven, and bake for 45 minutes, removing the cake when it appears set and is bubbly around the bottom.
Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken as it stands, and when totally cooled will be the consistency of medium-thick fudge sauce.
 To serve, scoop servings of the warm cake onto individual plates; top with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired. If you can't serve it while it's warm, keep it in refrigerator , and reheat it VERY briefly in the microwave just before serving.