Warm Chocolate Cherry Pudding Cake

I remember Mom making pudding cakes and how they would magically turn into a cake layer on top with warm, gooey pudding underneath. On top of that, you’ve got to love how easy this is to put together!

Ingredients:

1 (15 ounce) can dark sweet cherries

3 Tablespoons cherry preserves

¾ cup flour

2/3 cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, divided

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup milk

3 Tablespoons canola oil

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks, divided

1 teaspoon vanilla

¾ cup hot tap water

Whipped cream for serving

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Drain the cherries, reserving ½ cup juice. Pour the cherries and the ½ cup reserved juice into a small bowl. In another small ( microwave safe) bowl warm the cherry preserves for 10 seconds on high to soften. Add to the bowl of cherries, stir and set aside.

In a 1.5 or 2 quart glass casserole dish, stir together the flour, sugar, ¼ cup of cocoa, baking powder and salt. Add milk, oil, ¼ cup chocolate chips and the cherry mixture. Stir to combine. Sprinkle the brown sugar, remaining cocoa and remaining chocolate chips over the mixture, without stirring. Add the vanilla to the hot water and pour evenly over the top without stirring.

Bake for 65-70 minutes until the surface seems dry. Serve warm with whipped cream.