Brown Butter Brownie Pudding

Rich, indulgent, and irresistibly fudgy, this Brown Butter Brownie Pudding takes the viral brownie pudding to another level. Made with nutty brown butter and dark chocolate, it bakes into a decadent chocolate dessert with a soft, pudding-like centre and a glossy, crackly top. Perfect for chocolate lovers who crave a warm, gooey, bakery-style treat at home.

Disclaimer: This recipe is an adapted and enhanced version inspired by Ina Garten’s Brownie Pudding. It has been modified from the original with my own improvements.

Why you will love this recipe?

If you love intense chocolate flavour with minimal effort, this recipe is for you. It uses simple pantry ingredients, comes together in one bowl after melting, and feels elegant enough for dinner parties yet comforting enough for a cosy night in. The texture contrast between the delicate top and the soft centre makes every spoonful irresistible, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any chocolate lover.

Expert Tips for Best Results!

• Melt the Chocolate Gently – Let the chopped dark chocolate sit in the hot brown butter for a few minutes before stirring. This allows it to melt smoothly and creates a silky, glossy chocolate base.
• Whisk Eggs and Sugar Well – Whisk until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thick. This step builds structure while keeping the centre soft and pudding-like instead of dense.
• Use a Kitchen Scale – For consistent results and the perfect gooey centre, measure ingredients with a kitchen scale. Accurate measurements are key for chocolate desserts like this.
• Bake in a Water Bath – Placing the baking dish in a tray of hot water helps the brownie pudding bake evenly and prevents the edges from overcooking while the centre stays soft and fudgy.
• Serve Warm for Best Texture – This dessert is best enjoyed warm when the centre is rich and spoonable. Pair it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate chocolate experience.

How to make Brown Butter Brownie Pudding?

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

First, preheat your oven to 165°C so it’s fully ready before baking. Generously butter your baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure clean slices later. Proper preparation at this stage guarantees even baking and a smooth release.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Next, place the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until it turns golden brown and develops a deep nutty aroma. Stir occasionally and watch carefully, as brown butter can burn quickly. This step is essential because brown butter instantly elevates this viral brownie pudding, adding rich caramel-like depth.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

Immediately transfer the hot brown butter into a heatproof bowl and add the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes, then stir until completely smooth and glossy. This creates a silky chocolate base that forms the heart of this decadent dessert.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, gently mix together cocoa powder, flour, and a pinch of salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures even distribution and prevents lumps in the final batter.

Step 5: Whisk Eggs and Sugar

In another large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and slightly fluffy. This step incorporates air and creates structure, which balances the soft, pudding-like centre.

Step 6: Bring the Batter Together

Then, add the vanilla extract and gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Finally, slowly whisk in the melted chocolate and brown butter mixture until smooth. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender, fudgy texture.

Step 7: Prepare the Water Bath

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Place the dish into a larger tray and carefully pour boiling water around it until it reaches halfway up the sides. This water bath method ensures gentle, even baking and keeps the centre luxuriously soft.

Step 8: Bake to Pudding Perfection

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is set while the centre remains soft and slightly wobbly. If you prefer a less liquid centre, bake for an additional few minutes. Finally, let it cool briefly before serving warm for the ultimate chocolate brownie pudding experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip browning the butter?
You can, but browning the butter truly takes this viral brownie pudding to another level. Brown butter adds a deep, nutty flavour that makes the chocolate taste richer and more intense. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Why is my brownie pudding too runny?
This dessert is meant to have a soft, pudding-like centre, but if it feels overly liquid, it may be underbaked. Bake for a few extra minutes until the top is set while the centre remains slightly soft. Every oven varies, so keep an eye on the texture rather than the exact time.

Why did my brownie pudding turn out dry?
Overbaking is the most common reason. Once the top is set and the centre still has a slight wobble, remove it from the oven. It will continue to set slightly as it cools.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it ahead and gently reheat before serving. However, it tastes best warm when the centre is gooey and rich.

Do I really need the water bath?
Yes, baking the brownie pudding in a water bath helps it cook gently and evenly. This prevents cracking and keeps the centre smooth, soft, and pudding-like instead of cakey.

Watch How to Make it!

Video Coming Soon!

Recipe Card

If you like pudding recipes like these, you should definitely check out my:

1) Chocolate Brownie Pudding Recipe