Ingredients

  • 1 cup flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder divided
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 3/4 cups hot water

Method

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Use an ungreased 8 x 8" baking pan.
  • Dump flour, sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into baking pan and whisk together.
  • Make a well in the center and stir in milk, oil, and vanilla with a fork until smooth.
  • Stir in walnuts, scraping down sides. Spread batter evenly in pan.
  • Sprinkle with brown sugar and remaining 1/4 cup cocoa powder.
  • Pour hot water over everything (do not stir).
  • Bake it about 40 minutes. Let stand a few minutes and then loosen cake from sides of pan. Let cook for 15 minutes before cutting.
  • Serve it by inverting each piece onto a dessert plate. top with remaining sauce from pan, whipped topping, and a maraschino cherry.