Last updated on December 24, 2025
There’s something utterly delightful about finding a recipe that feels both familiar and indulgent. When I first attempted to make Brownie Pudding, I was filled with excitement and a hint of trepidation. Would it turn out gooey as promised? Would it have that rich, chocolatey flavor I was craving? As a beginner, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the idea of creating a dessert that seemed so decadent yet simple. But let me assure you, this recipe will guide you through every step, transforming any apprehension into pure joy. It’s a straightforward process, perfect even if you’re just getting your feet wet in the kitchen.
Why I Love This Recipe of Brownie Pudding
What makes Brownie Pudding special is the union of a decadent brownie and a soft, warm pudding. The first time I served it at a gathering, I watched as my friends’ eyes widened with curiosity and delight with each spoonful. The way the rich, fudgy center pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a cozy harmony that warms the heart and soul. This recipe stands out because it’s not only incredibly easy to make, but it introduces you to the beautiful world of baking without overwhelming you. It imparts a sense of accomplishment—you will be surprised at how magnificent this pudding can be with just a handful of simple ingredients. Most beginners appreciate that it’s forgiving; you can adapt it to suit your preferences without losing its essence.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Brownie Pudding
To make this indulgent dessert, gather the following essential ingredients:
Essentials
- 1/2 pound unsalted butter: For richness and moisture. Make sure to reserve some for greasing your baking dish.
- 4 large eggs at room temperature: They help create a fluffy structure and bind the ingredients together.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness is key to balance the bitterness of cocoa.
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder: This is where you get the intense chocolate flavor.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Just enough to give the pudding some structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For a hint of warmth and depth.
- Vanilla ice cream for serving: To take it over the top.
Optional Add-Ons
- Chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans): For added crunch and flavor.
- Chocolate chips: If you want extra chocolatey bites.
- Sea salt: A sprinkle on top can elevate the sweetness beautifully.
Substitutions and Shortcuts
- Butter: You could try using a plant-based butter if you prefer a dairy-free option.
- Granulated sugar: Coconut sugar or agave can be substituted for a more natural sweetener.
- Cocoa powder: Dark cocoa powder can be used for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Flour: A gluten-free all-purpose flour can work if you’re avoiding gluten.
How to Make Brownie Pudding Step-by-Step
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making this heavenly Brownie Pudding step-by-step:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This is an important first step to ensure your pudding bakes evenly.
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Take your 8×11 oval baking dish and lightly butter the inside. This will help prevent the pudding from sticking as it bakes, making for easier serving later.
Melt the Butter: Measure out 1/2 pound of unsalted butter and melt it gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. Once melted, set it aside to cool slightly. A quick tip: It should still be warm when you add it to the batter but not hot.
Beat the Eggs and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the 4 large eggs and 2 cups of granulated sugar. Beat this mixture on medium-high speed for about 5-10 minutes. You want it to be very thick and pale yellow. This step is crucial as it builds the airy texture of your pudding.
Sift the Dry Ingredients: While the egg and sugar mixture is beating, sift together the 3/4 cup cocoa powder and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour in a separate bowl. Sifting helps eliminate any lumps and gives a smoother consistency to your batter.
Combine Everything: Once your egg mixture is ready, reduce the mixer speed to low. Add in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the sifted cocoa-flour mixture. Mix this just until combined—don’t overmix.
Add the Melted Butter: With the mixer still on low, slowly pour in the cooled melted butter. Mix it gently until just incorporated, being careful not to overwork the batter.
Pour the Batter: Carefully pour the batter into your prepared baking dish.
Set Up a Water Bath: Place your baking dish into a larger baking pan. This next step is crucial if you want that beautiful pudding-like texture. Pour very hot tap water into the outer pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish. This water bath gently steams the pudding as it bakes.
Bake: Pop the entire setup into the preheated oven and bake for exactly 1 hour. The edges should be set but the center will appear underbaked—that’s okay! This is how you achieve that luscious, pudding-like texture.
Cooling and Serving: Once the hour is up, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Cut into squares and serve warm, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. You’re in for a treat!
Storing Leftovers: If you happen to have leftovers, cover them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Brownie Pudding might sound straightforward, but there are a few common pitfalls to avoid. Let’s dive into those so you can achieve the perfect result!
Not Prepping Your Baking Dish Properly
Make sure you butter your baking dish thoroughly. If you skip this step, you may end up with a pudding that sticks stubbornly to the sides, making it difficult to serve. Also, placing the smaller dish into the larger one before adding the hot water will save you from a potential disaster in transferring it later.
Overmixing the Batter
It’s tempting to keep mixing until everything looks perfectly combined, but overmixing can lead to a denser texture rather than that soft, tender pudding you’re aiming for. Mix just until everything is incorporated.
Skipping the Water Bath
This step might seem tedious, but it’s essential for achieving that wonderfully gooey center. The steam from the hot water bath ensures an even bake, preventing the edges from becoming too hard. If you skip it, you might find your pudding is more cake-like rather than the luscious texture you’re after.
Serving Suggestions for Brownie Pudding
Now that you’ve perfected your Brownie Pudding, here are some delightful ways to serve it up!
Traditional Comfort
Serve your Brownie Pudding warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream right on top. The contrast of warm and cold is always a crowd-pleaser, and the ice cream’s creaminess balances the richness of the pudding beautifully.
Fresh Berries
For a refreshing twist, top your Brownie Pudding with a handful of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. Their tartness cuts through the richness, adding brightness and a pop of color to your dessert presentation.
Drizzle of Caramel Sauce
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the warm pudding. The sweetness will enhance the chocolate flavor, making it feel even more luxurious.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Brownie Pudding is easier than it looks, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious dessert that feels indulgent yet homey. The best part? You can customize it to suit your tastes, whether you prefer it simply with ice cream or fancied up with fruits and sauces. It’s cozy, classic, and suitable for beginner cooks ready to take on a new challenge.
Now, gather those ingredients and get baking—your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs About Brownie Pudding
What is Brownie Pudding?
Brownie Pudding is a rich chocolate dessert that combines the dense texture of brownies with a soft, gooey center, reminiscent of warm fudge pudding.Can I make Brownie Pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before baking.How do I store leftovers?
Cover the Brownie Pudding and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.Can I substitute eggs in Brownie Pudding?
If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can try using a flaxseed meal mixed with water or unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for the eggs.Why is my Brownie Pudding too dry?
This can happen if it’s overbaked. Keep an eye on it in the oven, as you want the center to remain soft and underbaked to achieve the pudding-like texture.
Brownie Pudding
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and gooey dessert that combines the decadent texture of brownies with a soft pudding-like center, perfect for serving with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vanilla ice cream for serving
- Chopped nuts (optional)
- Chocolate chips (optional)
- Sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Grease an 8×11 oval baking dish with butter.
- Melt the unsalted butter and let it cool slightly.
- In a stand mixer, beat together the eggs and granulated sugar for 5-10 minutes until thick and pale yellow.
- Sift together cocoa powder and flour in a separate bowl.
- Add the sifted ingredients and vanilla extract to the egg mixture; mix until just combined.
- Slowly pour in the melted butter, mixing gently until incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in a larger pan and add hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish.
- Bake for 1 hour, until the edges are set but the center is underbaked.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm, topped with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Serve with fresh berries or drizzled caramel sauce for added flavor. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: brownie, pudding, dessert, chocolate, easy baking
