Ina Garten Brownie Pudding – Rich, Gooey, and Chocolate-Lover Approved

Ina Garten’s Brownie Pudding is a decadent dessert that falls somewhere between a molten lava cake and a classic brownie. With a crisp top and a warm, fudgy center, this pudding is pure indulgence in every bite. It’s baked in a water bath to maintain its custardy texture and served warm—often with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s rich, comforting, and deeply chocolaty, this Barefoot Contessa favorite is the perfect choice.

What Is Ina Garten Brownie Pudding?

Brownie pudding is a dessert that combines the dense texture of brownies with the soft, spoonable consistency of pudding. Ina’s version is simple to prepare and relies on good chocolate, eggs, sugar, and a gentle bake to achieve its luxurious texture.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Flounder
• Ina Garten Lemon Shrimp Pasta
• Ina Garten Lemon Capellini
• Ina Garten Fish in Parchment

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Brownie Pudding

• Gooey, fudgy center – Like a warm chocolate hug
• Crisp top layer – Adds texture contrast
• Simple ingredients – No fancy techniques required
• Ideal for entertaining – Serves a crowd with ease
• Pairs perfectly with ice cream – Hot and cold combo
• Can be made in advance – Reheats beautifully
• Elegant yet comforting – Great for special occasions or cozy nights

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Brownie Pudding

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Optional: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Brownie Pudding

Step 1: Preheat and prepare the baking dish

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Butter a 2-quart oval or rectangular baking dish.

Step 2: Melt the butter

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Beat the eggs and sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or use a hand mixer), beat the eggs and sugar together on medium-high speed for 5–10 minutes, until thick and pale yellow.

Step 4: Add remaining ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the cocoa powder, flour, vanilla extract, and the melted butter. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 5: Pour into dish and prepare water bath

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Place the dish inside a larger roasting pan and add enough hot tap water to the pan to come halfway up the sides of the baking dish.

Step 6: Bake the pudding

Bake for exactly 1 hour. The top will form a crisp crust, but the inside will remain soft and gooey.

Step 7: Cool slightly and serve

Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. Scoop out portions with a spoon and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Brownie Pudding

• Vanilla bean ice cream – A classic pairing
• Fresh raspberries or strawberries – Adds brightness
• Espresso or black coffee – Balances the richness
• Caramel drizzle or chocolate sauce – Extra indulgence
• Mint leaves or crushed peppermint – For a refreshing touch
• Whipped cream – Lightens up the dense texture
• Toasted nuts on top – For crunch

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Brownie Pudding

• Use high-quality cocoa powder – It’s the main flavor
• Don’t skip the water bath – Ensures even, gentle cooking
• Beat eggs and sugar well – This gives the pudding its structure
• Avoid overmixing the batter – Helps maintain the soft center
• Serve warm – That’s when the center is perfectly gooey
• Spoon, don’t slice – It’s meant to be scooped
• Watch the bake time carefully – Overbaking can dry it out

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Brownie Pudding

• Add espresso powder – Deepens the chocolate flavor
• Mix in chocolate chunks or chips – For pools of melted chocolate
• Add orange zest or extract – For a citrusy twist
• Top with crushed toffee or caramel bits – Adds crunch
• Stir in a splash of bourbon or Kahlúa – For a boozy touch
• Use gluten-free flour – Makes it accessible for all
• Add a pinch of sea salt – Enhances and balances sweetness

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Brownie Pudding

• Store covered in the fridge – Up to 3 days
• Cool completely before storing – Prevents condensation
• Store in the baking dish – For easy reheating
• Avoid freezing – Texture may change

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Brownie Pudding

• Oven: 300°F for 10–15 minutes – Best for warming larger portions
• Microwave: 30–45 seconds per serving – Quick and convenient
• Cover with foil when reheating – Retains moisture
• Serve with fresh ice cream or cream – To recreate the just-baked experience
• Avoid overheating – It can turn dry around the edges

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 34g
• Sodium: 80mg

A truly indulgent dessert that’s rich in flavor and perfect for special occasions.

FAQs

What is the texture of Ina Garten brownie pudding like?

It has a crisp, brownie-like top with a rich, gooey, molten center. It’s softer than traditional brownies and is meant to be scooped, not sliced.

Do I need a water bath for brownie pudding?

Yes, a water bath ensures even baking and prevents the pudding from becoming dry around the edges while keeping the center soft and custardy.

Can I make brownie pudding ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a few hours in advance and gently reheat it before serving. The texture stays gooey if you don’t overbake it when reheating.

What should I serve with Ina Garten brownie pudding?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce all pair wonderfully with this rich dessert.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Brownie Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert—simple to prepare yet luxurious to eat. With a crisp top, molten center, and rich chocolate flavor, it’s everything you want in a decadent baked treat. Perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in, this pudding is sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

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