Description
Ina Garten’s Brownie Pudding is a rich, decadent dessert featuring a crackly top and a gooey, fudgy center baked in a water bath for perfect texture. Served warm with vanilla ice cream, it’s a comforting and indulgent treat perfect for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Pudding
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup good quality unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp vanilla extract or seeds scraped from 1 vanilla bean pod
- Pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons instant espresso (optional, for deeper flavor)
To Serve
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 325° F. Butter a 2-quart baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter and let it cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs in the next step.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together for 5–10 minutes. This is a key step to achieve a thick, pale, and fluffy mixture, which helps with the pudding’s texture.
- Add Vanilla and Espresso: Stir in the vanilla extract or scraped vanilla bean seeds, and the instant espresso powder if using, to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt, then gently fold these dry ingredients into the egg mixture to maintain the airy texture.
- Incorporate Melted Butter: Slowly mix in the melted butter until just combined, being careful not to deflate the batter.
- Prepare Water Bath: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Set this dish inside a larger pan and pour hot water halfway up the sides of the baking dish to create a water bath, which ensures gentle, even baking.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 55–60 minutes. The top should appear set and crackly while the inside remains gooey and pudding-like, not fully firm like a traditional cake.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the brownie pudding to rest for 10 minutes after baking. Then scoop portions and serve warm alongside vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure eggs are at room temperature before beating.
- The instant espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor significantly.
- The water bath helps maintain moistness and prevents cracking on the surface.
- Serving with vanilla ice cream adds a creamy balance to the rich chocolate pudding.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain gooey for optimal texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Ina Garten, brownie pudding, chocolate dessert, water bath dessert, fudgy brownies
