Black Forest Pudding Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Heat oven to 350F Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder and salt in medium bowl.
2. 2
   Add milk, butter and vanilla; mix well.
3. 3
   Stir in 1/2 cup cherries.
4. 4
   Spread batter into greased 8-inch square (2-quart) baking dish.
5. 5
   Combine hot water, chocolate syrup and Kirsch in 2-cup glass measure.
6. 6
   Pour evenly over batter.
7. 7
   Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until center is set and edges begin to pull away from sides of pan.
8. 8
   Let stand 15 minutes.
9. 9
   Serve warm.
10. 10
    Garnish with whole maraschino cherries, if desired.
11. 11
    VARIATION:.
12. 12
    Mocha Almond Pudding Cake: Prepare pudding cake as directed above, omitting cherries and Kirsch.
13. 13
    Stir 1/2 cup slivered almonds into cake batter.
14. 14
    Spread into greased baking dish.
15. 15
    Combine hot water and 4 teaspoons instant espresso coffee or instant regular coffee crystals in 2-cup glass measure.
16. 16
    Stir in 1/2 cup chocolate syrup and 1/4 cup coffee-flavored liqueur*; pour over batter.
17. 17
    Bake as directed above.
18. 18
    *Substitutestrong brewed coffee or chocolate syrup.