There’s something undeniably comforting about digging into a warm, gooey dessert after a long day, and this Viral Chocolate Brownie Pudding hits all the right spots. Picture it: a rich, fudgy top giving way to a molten center that’s simply bursting with chocolatey goodness. I stumbled upon this gem from Ina Garten while on a quest for the perfect dessert to impress friends during our last gathering, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
With its decadent allure and a preparation time that won’t keep you in the kitchen for ages, this pudding is more than just a sweet treat—it’s an experience. In just about an hour and fifteen minutes, you can create an impressive dessert that feels restaurant-quality yet is easily approachable for any home cook. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself on a cozy evening, this creamy delight will become a cherished addition to your recipe repertoire. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of brownie pudding!
Why is Viral Chocolate Brownie Pudding a must-try?
Irresistible Chocolate Bliss: Each spoonful delivers a deep, rich chocolate flavor that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Gooey Center: This pudding surprises with a molten middle that’s perfect for chocolate lovers craving something indulgent.
Easy Preparation: You’ll love how simple it is to make, taking less than 1.5 hours from start to finish!
Versatile Serving Options: Dress it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for dinner parties or cozy nights in, it’s a dessert guaranteed to impress anyone at the table.
For another irresistible treat, check out my delightful Coffee Brownies Frosting.
Viral Chocolate Brownie Pudding Ingredients
Get ready to create something unforgettable!
For the Pudding
• Unsalted Butter – Adds a rich and moist texture; for a twist, salted butter works too, just reduce extra salt.
• Large Eggs – Essential for structure; remember to bring them to room temperature for better mixing!
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens your dessert and contributes to the desired silky texture; be cautious with alternatives.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – This is key for that intense chocolate flavor; choose a natural cocoa for depth.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides stability to the pudding; if gluten-free, a 1:1 blend works perfectly as a substitution.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – Elevates the chocolate notes beautifully; no substitutes necessary for this ingredient.
• Espresso Powder (Optional) – Enhances the chocolate without coffee flavor; feel free to skip it or add a hint of cinnamon instead.
• Salt – Vital for balancing sweetness and enhancing flavor; don’t skip this step!
Enjoy making your Viral Chocolate Brownie Pudding and savor every divine moment!
How to Make Viral Chocolate Brownie Pudding
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix Eggs & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the eggs and granulated sugar together for about 5-10 minutes. The mixture should become pale and thick.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Next, gently stir in the cooled, melted unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, espresso powder (if using), and salt. This step helps to incorporate air and ensure a lump-free batter.
- Fold Mixtures: Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be gentle—you want to avoid overmixing for the best texture.
- Prepare for Baking: Spread the batter evenly into the greased baking dish. Place the dish in a larger roasting or baking pan, and pour hot water into the outer pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of your brownie pudding dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes. The edges should be set, while the center remains soft and pudding-like, jiggling slightly when nudged.
- Cool & Serve: Let the pudding rest for about 10 minutes before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm, ideally topped with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Optional: Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Viral Chocolate Brownie Pudding?
Warm and inviting, this dessert will take your meal to the next level with its luscious chocolate richness.
- Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing of warm brownie pudding with cold ice cream creates a heavenly contrast of temperatures and textures.
- Whipped Cream Delight: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a lightness that beautifully offsets the dense chocolate flavor.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries bring a burst of tartness, cutting through the richness while adding a pop of color to your plate.
- Espresso or Coffee: Pair with a robust cup of coffee to enhance the chocolate taste; the bitterness complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: For the true chocoholics, a rich chocolate sauce can elevate your brownie pudding to an indulgent dessert experience.
- Nutty Brownies: Serve alongside nutty brownies for textural variety; the crunch of nuts provides a delightful contrast to the soft pudding.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce on top for an extra layer of sweetness and decadence—who can resist that?
- Chilled Milk: A simple glass of cold milk pairs wonderfully, washing down all that rich chocolatey goodness with a refreshing touch.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: For a gourmet flair, garnish with fresh mint leaves to refresh the palate between bites of deep chocolate.
How to Store and Freeze Viral Chocolate Brownie Pudding
- Room Temperature: Allow the brownie pudding to cool completely before serving; it’s best enjoyed warm for optimal flavor and texture.
- Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave before serving for that warm, gooey experience.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the brownie pudding after it has cooled completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating individual portions in the microwave until warm and delightful. Enjoy your Viral Chocolate Brownie Pudding at its best!
Viral Chocolate Brownie Pudding Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize this indulgent dessert to suit your taste and dietary preferences!
- Dark Chocolate Boost: Substitute unsweetened cocoa powder with dark chocolate cocoa for a richer flavor profile.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a delightful textural surprise. The crunch of the nuts pairs perfectly with the soft pudding.
- Minty Freshness: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing twist. It’s like a chocolate mint dream!
- Fruity Delight: Incorporate a cup of fresh raspberries or cherries into the batter. The tartness balances beautifully with the sweetness of the pudding.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil in place of butter and a dairy-free chocolate alternative for a rich, plant-based version. Your guests will never know!
- Flavorful Spices: Enhance the flavor with a touch of warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Just a pinch can elevate the dessert to new heights.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the batter. It gives a surprising kick that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Chocolate Chip Surprise: Stir in chocolate chips before baking for a gooey, extra-chocolatey experience. It’s a chocolate lover’s paradise!
Expert Tips for Viral Chocolate Brownie Pudding
• Water Bath Wonders: Using a water bath ensures a gooey center; skipping this can result in a firmer dessert.
• Room Temperature Eggs: Always use room temperature eggs to create a fluffier texture; cold eggs hinder proper mixing.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the batter to avoid breaking down the air bubbles that create a light, rich pudding.
• Check for Jiggly Perfection: The center should jiggle slightly when done; overbaking will turn your Viral Chocolate Brownie Pudding into a cake-like texture.
• Cooling Matters: Allow the pudding to rest for 10 minutes after baking to enhance the flavors before serving.
Viral Chocolate Brownie Pudding Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best ingredients for my brownie pudding?
Absolutely! When selecting your ingredients, look for unsalted butter and fresh eggs that are at room temperature for the best texture. For cocoa powder, go with a natural brand to achieve a deep chocolate flavor. As for the flour, ensure it’s fresh and free of lumps. Using high-quality ingredients will significantly enhance the flavor and texture of your Viral Chocolate Brownie Pudding.
How do I store the leftovers?
Very simply! Allow your brownie pudding to cool completely before storing. You can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to reheat individual portions in the microwave for that warm, gooey experience that makes this dessert truly delightful!
Can I freeze brownie pudding? If so, how?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Viral Chocolate Brownie Pudding, allow it to cool completely first. Then, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and follow with a layer of aluminum foil. This double wrapping will keep it fresh for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave for the best results.
What if my brownie pudding turns out too firm?
No worries! If your pudding ends up firmer than expected, it might be due to overbaking. Be sure to watch for the jiggle test during baking; a slightly jiggly center indicates the perfect molten texture. In the future, use the water bath method, as this helps maintain that gooey center and prevents drying out!
Is this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! If you have gluten sensitivities, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend—this method works wonderfully without sacrificing texture. Additionally, if you need to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar alternative, but be cautious as not all substitutes yield the same results in taste and texture. Just remember to check the packaging for specific conversion instructions.
Can I give this dessert to my pets?
No, it’s best not to share this office sweet with your furry friends. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats; even small amounts can lead to serious health issues. Save the indulgence for human enjoyment and perhaps treat your pets with some pet-safe snacks!
Indulgent Viral Chocolate Brownie Pudding: A Must-Try Delight
Equipment
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Electric mixer
Ingredients
For the Pudding
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter For a twist, salted butter works too, just reduce extra salt.
- 4 Large Eggs Bring to room temperature for better mixing!
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar Be cautious with alternatives.
- 1 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Choose a natural cocoa for depth.
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour If gluten-free, a 1:1 blend works as a substitution.
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract No substitutes necessary.
- 1 teaspoon Espresso Powder Optional, enhances chocolate without adding coffee flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt Vital for balancing sweetness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together for about 5-10 minutes until pale and thick.
- Stir in the cooled, melted unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract until smooth.
- Sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, espresso powder (if using), and salt.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently with a spatula.
- Spread the batter evenly into the greased baking dish. Place this dish in a larger roasting pan, pouring hot water into the outer pan until halfway up the sides.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes until edges are set with a slightly jiggly center.
- Let the pudding rest for about 10 minutes before serving, warm with optional toppings.
Notes
