1-Preheat your oven: preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and greasing an 8-inch square pan to prevent sticking it’s a small step that makes a big difference.

2-In a medium bowl: sift together the flour, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, then stir in 3/4 cup granulated sugar to mix the dry ingredients evenly.

3-Next, in another bowl: combine the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, then pour this into the dry mix and stir just until combined don’t overmix to keep the batter light.

4-Scrape the batter: into your prepared pan and smooth the top for an even bake.

5-For the pudding layer: mix the 1/4 cup cocoa powder, light brown sugar, and 1/3 cup granulated sugar in a small bowl, then sprinkle it evenly over the batter without stirring.

6-Finally, pour the boiling water: evenly on top and pop it in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top sets, cracks, and starts to pull from the pan sides be careful not to overbake for that gooey center.

7-Let it cool: for 15 minutes on a wire rack before serving warm; it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

8-If you’re making individual servings: use 6-ounce ramekins with about 1/4 cup batter each, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the cocoa-sugar mixture on top, add 3 tablespoons hot water, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.