Hot Fudge Cake (AKA Chocolate Cobbler)

INGREDIENTS

1 1/4 cups

granulated sugar, divided

1 cup

all-purpose flour

1/2 cup

unsweetened cocoa powder, divided

2 tsp

baking powder

1/2 tsp

salt (, divided)

1/2 cup

milk

1/3 cup

unsalted butter, diced into 1 Tbsp pieces and melted

1 1/2 tsp

vanilla extract

1/2 cup

packed light-brown sugar

1 1/4 cups

very hot water

Sliced strawberries and bananas

Vanilla ice cream

Chopped toasted walnuts ((optional))

Mint leaves ((optional))