Decadent Chocolate Castellan Cake

1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

2In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, butter (1 cup), eggs (4), milk (1 cup), vanilla extract (1 teaspoon), baking powder (1 teaspoon), baking soda (½ teaspoon), and salt (½ teaspoon). Mix until well combined and smooth.

3Stir in the hot water (1 cup) until the batter is smooth and well mixed.

4Fold in the chocolate chips (1 cup) and chopped nuts (½ cup) if using.

5Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

6Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

8Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.

9Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar (½ cup) before serving.

10Slice and enjoy the rich and decadent Chocolate Castellan Cake!