Ingredients
Butter
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
Egg & Sugar
- 4 extra-large eggs (at room temperature)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cup good quality unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
Flavorings
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or seeds scraped from 1 vanilla bean pod)
- 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder (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 ensure the brownie pudding doesn’t stick.
- Melt Butter: Melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter and allow it to cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs when mixed.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the 4 extra-large eggs and 2 cups granulated sugar together for 5 to 10 minutes, until the mixture is thick, pale, and fluffy. This step is crucial to achieve the right texture.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (or vanilla bean seeds) and the optional 2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Sift and Fold Dry Ingredients: Sift together ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ cup all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. Gently fold this mixture into the egg and sugar batter to maintain the airy texture.
- Incorporate Butter: Slowly add the melted butter to the batter, mixing just until it is combined. Do not overmix.
- Set Up Water Bath and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Place the baking dish inside a larger roasting pan and carefully pour hot water into the larger pan halfway up the sides of the baking dish to create a water bath. This helps the pudding bake evenly and remain moist.
- Bake: Bake for 55 to 60 minutes. The surface should appear set and crackly while the inside remains gooey and pudding-like, not fully firm like a traditional cake.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownie pudding rest for 10 minutes after baking. Serve warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich flavors.
Notes
- Using room temperature eggs helps achieve a fluffy, aerated batter.
- The water bath is essential for the pudding's moist and gooey interior.
- Optional instant espresso powder enhances the depth of chocolate flavor but can be omitted.
- Serve immediately for the best gooey texture; leftovers can be reheated gently.
- Ensure the melted butter is cool enough before mixing to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and ice cream with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American