Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or butter a 9×9-inch baking dish.

Melt the Butter:

• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the ½ cup unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once melted, pour the butter into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt.

Make the Batter:

• Add the 1 cup milk, ¼ cup lemon juice, and zest of 1 lemon to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. The batter will be somewhat thick.

Layer in the Dish:

• Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir—just spread the batter evenly.

Add the Hot Water:

• Gently pour the 2 cups hot water over the batter. Again, do not stir. The water will sink to the bottom and create a custard-like layer while baking.

Bake:

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the cobbler has formed a crust. The dessert will appear a bit jiggly in the middle when done.

Serve:

• Let the Magic Lemon Cobbler Delight cool for a few minutes before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, and it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.