If you are looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then the Viral Brownie Pudding Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. It’s an irresistibly rich and fudgy brownie baked in a way that creates a luscious pudding-like center, blending the best textures of a dense brownie and a silky chocolate pudding. This recipe brings together deep chocolate flavor with a melt-in-your-mouth softness that will quickly turn it into your new favorite indulgence. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy night in or impressing guests, the Viral Brownie Pudding Recipe delivers a show-stopping dessert experience that feels both elegant and homey.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients that each play a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From rich butter to a touch of vanilla and cocoa powder, every element contributes layers of richness and depth that make this dish truly special.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Adds a creamy richness and helps create that fudgy texture we adore.
- Large eggs (4 x-large or 5 large): Eggs provide structure while keeping the pudding moist and tender inside.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetness that enhances the chocolate flavor and creates a beautiful crust.
- Vanilla bean or extract (1 vanilla bean scraped or 1 tsp extract): Offers aromatic warmth that elevates each bite.
- Coffee extract (¾ teaspoon, optional): Deepens the chocolate flavor subtly without overpowering.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (¾ cup): The hero ingredient for that intense chocolate kick and dark color.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): Just enough to provide structure without losing the pudding’s softness.
- Fine sea salt (¾ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
- Ice cream (for serving): Adds a cold, creamy contrast that’s absolutely dreamy alongside the warm pudding.
How to Make Viral Brownie Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Setup
Start by preheating your oven to 325℉ and greasing a 2-quart baking dish generously with butter. Then, place this dish into a larger deep roasting pan to prepare for the water bath, a crucial step that ensures gentle and even baking for that perfect pudding texture.
Step 2: Create the Water Bath
Add enough hot tap water to the roasting pan so that it comes halfway up the sides of the baking dish. This steamy environment around the batter helps prevent over-baking and keeps the pudding irresistibly moist and gooey in the center.
Step 3: Melt the Butter and Let Cool
Carefully melt the cup of unsalted butter in a pot over medium heat, then remove it from the heat to cool. This step ensures the butter is ready to be gently folded into your batter without cooking the eggs prematurely.
Step 4: Whip Eggs and Sugar to Perfection
In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat your eggs and granulated sugar on a relatively high speed until the mixture is thick, pale yellow, and visibly fluffy. This aeration is key to achieving the lightness around the fudgy center of the pudding.
Step 5: Infuse with Vanilla and Coffee
Split your vanilla bean to scrape out the fragrant seeds, then mix them along with the coffee extract into the egg mixture. This combination adds complexity and a subtle depth that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Step 6: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together cocoa powder, flour, and fine sea salt to avoid any lumps and gently fold them into the wet ingredients. Mixing just until combined helps maintain the batter’s airy texture while distributing the chocolate evenly.
Step 7: Incorporate the Melted Butter
Slowly drizzle the cooled melted butter into the bowl while mixing on low speed. Make sure to scrape out every last drop from the melting pot to maximize flavor and moisture in your batter.
Step 8: Final Fold and Bowl Prep
Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the bowl’s sides and fold the batter for a smooth, even consistency. Then, pour this luscious chocolate batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with the spatula.
Step 9: Bake in the Water Bath
Place the baking dish into your water bath and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. The cake tester inserted about 2 inches from the edge should come out mostly clean when it’s ready, with the center delightfully jiggly and saucy—exactly what makes this Viral Brownie Pudding Recipe so special.
Step 10: Rest and Serve
Let the pudding rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to settle the texture. Then scoop it into bowls for serving. This warm, decadent dessert is best enjoyed topped with creamy ice cream or your favorite accompaniments for a heavenly finish.
How to Serve Viral Brownie Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
While a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic pairing, fresh berries or a drizzle of heavy cream also add beautiful complementary flavors and textures. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few toasted nuts can give an irresistible crunch and a touch of sophistication.
Side Dishes
Your Viral Brownie Pudding Recipe shines as a standalone dessert, but serving it alongside a light fruit salad or delicate shortbread cookies can round out the experience, balancing the richness with some bright, refreshing elements.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in elegant ramekins or even hollowed-out dessert bowls for a charming presentation. For a fun twist, layer it with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a dessert parfait that will surprise and delight any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Viral Brownie Pudding can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture deepens and becomes even fudgier overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick dessert treat that tastes freshly made.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pudding in a microwave-safe dish and warm in short 20-30 second bursts to avoid drying it out. Alternatively, gently warm in a low oven until heated through, and then add your favorite toppings before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use less sugar in the Viral Brownie Pudding Recipe?
While the sugar is essential for the crust and balance of flavors, you can reduce it slightly, but keep in mind it may affect the texture and sweetness. This recipe’s 2 cups offer the ideal balance for a rich dessert.
Is coffee extract necessary?
Coffee extract is optional but highly recommended as it deepens the chocolate flavor. If you don’t have it, a small amount of strong brewed coffee can substitute nicely.
Why bake in a water bath?
The water bath ensures even, gentle baking, which prevents the pudding from drying out or cracking, resulting in that coveted silky, saucy center.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, and you’ll maintain the great texture with no compromise on taste.
What’s the best way to serve leftover Viral Brownie Pudding?
Reheated with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of cream, leftover pudding tastes just as delicious, sometimes even better as the flavors have melded overnight.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong giving the Viral Brownie Pudding Recipe a try. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a luxurious treat but is surprisingly straightforward to make. Once you taste its rich chocolate layers and gooey center, you’ll understand why this recipe has taken the internet by storm. So grab your ingredients, invite a few friends or just indulge solo — this pudding promises to be a delicious, comforting favorite for many dessert occasions to come.
Print
Viral Brownie Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 to 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Viral Brownie Pudding Recipe delivers a rich, fudgy dessert that’s a perfect cross between a moist brownie and a decadent pudding. Baked in a water bath for a silky texture with a slightly saucy center, it’s an indulgent treat ideal for serving warm with ice cream or fresh berries.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (227g, plus more for greasing the dish)
- 4 extra-large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
- 1 vanilla bean (scraped) or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon coffee extract (optional)
- ¾ cups unsweetened cocoa powder (75g)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (65g, spooned and leveled)
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Ice cream (for serving)
- Hot tap water (for water bath)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking setup: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish thoroughly with butter, then place it into a deep roasting pan suitable for a water bath.
- Add water bath: Pour hot tap water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish. This water bath will help create a smooth pudding texture.
- Melt butter: Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter in a medium pot over low heat. Remove from heat and let cool slightly while preparing the batter.
- Beat eggs and sugar: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment or a large bowl with a hand mixer, combine eggs and granulated sugar. Beat on speed 6 for 5 to 7 minutes, scraping sides occasionally until the mixture is thick and pale yellow.
- Add vanilla and coffee extracts: Slice vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape seeds into the egg mixture. Add coffee extract if using. Mix gently until combined.
- Sift dry ingredients: Sift cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and sea salt into the egg mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Incorporate butter: With mixer running on low speed, slowly pour the melted butter into the batter, scraping out any remaining butter from the pot to ensure full incorporation.
- Fold batter: Use a rubber spatula to scrape the bowl sides and fold the batter gently for 15 to 30 seconds until fully combined.
- Pour batter into prepared dish: Transfer the batter into the greased baking dish and smooth the surface evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in water bath: Place the baking dish in the prepared water bath and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. The center should remain jiggly and saucy while a cake tester inserted 2 inches from the edge comes out mostly clean.
- Rest and serve: Allow the brownie pudding to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Scoop into bowls and top with ice cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of heavy cream.
Notes
- Using room temperature eggs helps achieve a better emulsion and thicker batter.
- Coffee extract enhances the chocolate flavor but is optional.
- Grease the dish with butter wrappers for easier cleanup and enhanced flavor.
- The water bath is key for creating the pudding’s signature silky texture.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly saucy for the ideal texture.
- Variations include serving with berries or cream instead of ice cream for different flavor profiles.
