Next, pour the batter into your greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Then, sprinkle the chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using) on top of the batter. This is where things get really fun! Finally, pour a cup of hot water over the entire mixture. Don’t stir it in! This will create that fantastic gooey layer as it bakes. Pop it in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is set but still slightly moist and gooey.
Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. Oh, the smell wafting through my kitchen is just divine! When it’s ready, you can serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or just on its own. The chocolatey goodness will surely leave you craving more!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I experimented with this recipe three ways before settling on my perfect version. One time, I thought I’d try adding a bit of vanilla extract to the batter, and it turned out amazing! So, if you want an extra flavor kick, don’t hesitate to toss in a teaspoon of vanilla.
Also, I’ve found that using a mix of chocolate chips—some semi-sweet and some milk chocolate—adds depth to the flavor. The blend of sweetness and richness is simply heavenly!
Lastly, for those who like to add a bit of crunch, I absolutely recommend including walnuts or pecans for an added texture contrast. Just remember, if you’re not a nut fan, it’s perfectly fine to leave them out!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I see often is not greasing the baking dish well enough. Trust me, I learned this the hard way when I had to pry out my first batch of cake, and it turned into a crumbly mess! So, do yourself a favor and grease it generously. (See the next page below to continue…)