Ina Garten’s chocolate brownie pudding is a rich and decadent dessert that combines the best of both worlds—a fudgy brownie with a gooey, pudding-like center. This indulgent treat has a crisp top layer with a luscious, molten interior, making it a chocolate lover’s dream. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for serving with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special touch.

What Is Ina Garten Chocolate Brownie Pudding?

Ina Garten’s chocolate brownie pudding is a baked dessert with a thin, crackly crust on top and a warm, molten chocolate interior. It’s made with simple ingredients like butter, eggs, sugar, cocoa powder, and flour, resulting in a dish that is rich, smooth, and intensely chocolatey.

Ina Garten Chocolate Brownie Pudding recipe — Ina Garten Chocolate Brownie Pudding

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Chocolate Brownie Pudding

Incredibly rich and chocolatey – Deep chocolate flavor with a fudgy, molten texture.
Simple to make – Uses basic pantry ingredients with minimal effort.
No frosting needed – The pudding-like center keeps it moist and indulgent.
Perfect for special occasions – An elegant yet comforting dessert.
Pairs well with toppings – Serve with ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chocolate Brownie Pudding

½ pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon espresso powder (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)
¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Chocolate Brownie Pudding

Preheat the oven – Set the oven to 325°F (163°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Beat eggs and sugar – In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer for 5-10 minutes until pale and thick.
Add vanilla and butter – Mix in the vanilla extract and melted butter until well combined.
Sift dry ingredients – In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, espresso powder, and salt.
Combine wet and dry ingredients – Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
Pour into baking dish – Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Bake in a water bath – Place the baking dish inside a larger pan and pour hot water around it until it reaches halfway up the sides.
Bake until set – Bake for 55-65 minutes until the top is crisp but the center remains soft and pudding-like.
Cool slightly before serving – Let the pudding sit for at least 10 minutes before scooping. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chocolate Brownie Pudding

Pair with vanilla ice cream – The cold ice cream melts into the warm pudding for the perfect contrast.
Drizzle with caramel sauce – Adds an extra layer of sweetness and depth.
Serve with fresh berries – Raspberries or strawberries balance the richness with a tart bite.
Top with whipped cream – Light, fluffy whipped cream complements the fudgy texture.
Sprinkle with sea salt – Enhances the deep chocolate flavor with a salty contrast.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Chocolate Brownie Pudding

Beat eggs and sugar thoroughly – This step creates a light, airy texture in the pudding.
Use a water bath – Helps cook the pudding gently for a soft, gooey center.
Do not overbake – The center should remain soft and slightly undercooked for the best texture.
Let it rest before serving – Allowing it to sit for 10-15 minutes helps it set properly.
Use high-quality cocoa powder, which enhances the depth of the chocolate flavor.
Add espresso powder – Optional, but enhances the chocolate richness without making it taste like coffee.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Chocolate Brownie Pudding

Make it boozy – Add a splash of Baileys, Kahlua, or Grand Marnier for an adult version.
Incorporate nuts – Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
Use dark chocolate chunks – Fold in chunks of bittersweet chocolate for melty bites.
Add a peanut butter swirl – Swirl peanut butter into the batter for a nutty twist.
Top with marshmallows – For a s’mores-inspired variation, sprinkle mini marshmallows before baking.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Chocolate Brownie Pudding

Refrigerate in an airtight container – Store leftovers for up to 3 days.
Reheat before serving – Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Freeze for longer storage – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw before reheating – Let it defrost in the fridge overnight before warming.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Chocolate Brownie Pudding

Microwave for quick reheating – Heat for 20-30 seconds until warm.
Oven method for best texture – Reheat in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to maintain the crisp top.
Use a double boiler – If reheating a large portion, place the dish over simmering water for gentle warming.

FAQs

How do you make Ina Garten’s chocolate brownie pudding gooey in the center?

To achieve a gooey center, bake the brownie pudding in a water bath and avoid overbaking. The top should be set and slightly crisp, while the inside remains soft and pudding-like. Remove it from the oven when the center still looks slightly undercooked, as it will continue to set as it cools.

Can I make chocolate brownie pudding ahead of time?

Yes, chocolate brownie pudding can be made ahead of time. Bake it, let it cool, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm the entire dish in a low oven to restore its gooey texture.

What is the best way to serve chocolate brownie pudding?

Chocolate brownie pudding is best served warm, straight from the oven. Pair it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries to balance the richness. A drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of sea salt can also enhance the flavor.

Why do I need to bake chocolate brownie pudding in a water bath?

A water bath helps the brownie pudding cook evenly and prevents the edges from overcooking while keeping the center soft and gooey. It creates gentle, even heat, which ensures the perfect pudding-like texture without drying out the dessert.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s chocolate brownie pudding is a rich, gooey, and irresistible dessert that combines the best elements of brownies and pudding.

Try this recipe today and enjoy the ultimate chocolate experience!