Peanut Butter-Chocolate Pudding Cake

A sweet, thick, peanut butter cake topped with chocolate "pudding."

Peanut Butter-Chocolate Pudding Cake
Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar
• ⅓ cup peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract  
• ⅜ teaspoon fine salt
• ½ cup whole milk
• Sauce:
• 1 ½ cups water
• ⅓ cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract  
• 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 1 1/2- to 2-quart baking dish. Set aside.

 Step 2
Combine flour, brown sugar, peanut butter, canola oil, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Beat using a hand mixer on medium speed to incorporate ingredients, about 30 seconds. Beat in milk slowly and mix for 1 1/2 minutes more. Spread batter evenly into the prepared dish using a rubber spatula. Place the dish onto a larger baking pan with sides at least 1/4-inch deep to catch potential spills.

 Step 3
Microwave water in a microwave-safe measuring cup until boiling, 2 to 3 minutes. Add sugar, cocoa, vanilla extract, and salt; stir until sugar and cocoa have dissolved. Pour onto top of cake batter; do not stir. Carefully place into the oven.

 Step 4
Bake in the preheated oven until cake is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Remove carefully from the oven and place onto a cooling rack to cool and thicken up, at least 20 minutes, before spooning out.

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