Ina Garten Brownie Pudding

5 from 4 votes

Published Dec 21, 2025

Updated Jan 16, 2026

What is Ina Garten Brownie Pudding?

Ina Garten Brownie Pudding is a baked chocolate dessert that lands somewhere between a classic brownie and a molten pudding. The top bakes up crackly and structured, while the center stays soft, glossy, and scoopable, creating layers of texture in every serving.

Unlike traditional brownies that are meant to be sliced cleanly, brownie pudding is designed to be served with a spoon. The magic comes from whipping the eggs and sugar until airy, then gently folding in the dry ingredients and butter, which creates a custardy interior without feeling heavy.

Ingredients You Need

Unsalted Butter – Using unsalted butter gives full control over the seasoning and adds a rich, silky base to the batter. Plus, melting it helps create that signature glossy interior once baked.

Large Eggs – Eggs are essential here because they provide structure while still allowing the center to stay soft and pudding-like. Beating them thoroughly with the sugar creates volume and a lighter texture.

Sugar – Sugar sweetens the dessert and also plays a big role in creating that crackly top. Whipping it with the eggs helps dissolve the granules and build an airy foundation.

Cocoa Powder – Cocoa powder brings deep chocolate flavor without weighing the batter down.

All-Purpose Flour – A small amount of flour gives just enough structure so the pudding holds together when scooped.

Vanilla Extract – Vanilla adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavor without overpowering it. We love using pure vanilla for the cleanest flavor.

Salt – A pinch of salt sharpens the chocolate and balances the sweetness. This small addition makes the flavors pop!

Instant Espresso (Optional) – Espresso adds deeper chocolate flavor without making the dessert taste like coffee. It’s our subtle way of enhancing the richness and complexity.

Vanilla Ice Cream – We love the way that cold, creamy ice cream melts into the warm pudding for the perfect contrast.

An oval white baking dish filled with a freshly baked chocolate cake, with a crackled surface, sits on a light countertop. A few pink flower petals and a bowl of salt are nearby.

A white baking dish with chocolate brownie and two scoops of vanilla ice cream on top. A spoon has taken a serving out, showing the gooey brownie inside. Pink flowers and a beige cloth are nearby on a light surface.

How to Make Ina Garten Brownie Pudding

Prepare the baking dish and the oven. Preheat the oven. Then, grease the dish generously so the pudding releases easily and scoops cleanly once baked. Set it aside while the batter comes together.

Melt the butter. Gently melt the butter until smooth, then let it cool slightly so it blends seamlessly into the batter without scrambling the eggs.

Whip the eggs and sugar. Beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture turns pale, thick, and airy, which is the key to the pudding’s soft interior.

Add the flavorings. Stir in the vanilla and optional coffee liqueur or espresso, making sure everything is evenly combined.

Incorporate the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, sift the cocoa powder, flour, and salt together, then carefully mix them into the egg mixture to keep as much air as possible.

Finish the batter. Slowly stir in the melted butter, stopping as soon as the batter looks smooth and glossy.

Bake in a water bath. Transfer the batter to the prepared dish. Place a larger dish on a rack in the oven and arrange the dish with the batter in the center before filling the larger one partially with water. Then, bake.

Rest and serve. Remove the brownie pudding from the oven and let it sit briefly after baking so it sets slightly, then scoop and serve warm with vanilla ice cream. The center should remain soft and pudding-like.

Variations

Orange Zest – Stir in finely grated orange zest to add a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness.

Vanilla – If you want to do it like Ina does, swap out the vanilla extract for the seeds from a vanilla bean.

Chocolate Chunks – Fold in chopped dark chocolate for pockets of melted chocolate throughout the pudding.

Nuts – Sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans over the top before baking for added texture and contrast.

Spices – Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to bring warmth and subtle spice to the chocolate.

Raspberry – Serve with fresh raspberries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce for a tart counterpoint. Or, incorporate fruity flavor with a small splash of raspberry extract.

Salted Caramel – Finish each serving with a light drizzle of salted caramel for extra depth and balance.

An oval white baking dish holds a chocolate cake with a large scoop missing, revealing a gooey interior. Two scoops of vanilla ice cream sit on top, with a serving spoon resting inside. Pink flowers are beside the dish.

Common Questions about Ina Garten Brownie Pudding

Is brownie pudding underbaked?

No, it’s baked gently so the edges set while the center stays soft. The contrast in textures is exactly what you’re aiming for.

Do I have to use a water bath?

The water bath helps the pudding bake evenly and prevents the edges from overcooking. Skipping it can lead to a drier texture.

Why do I need to beat the eggs and sugar so long?

This step incorporates air into the batter, which helps create structure while keeping the interior soft and light.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should look set and slightly crackly, while the center remains soft when scooped. If it jiggles gently, you’re right on track.

More Chocolatey Recipes

We’re always looking for chocolate when it comes to dessert spreads! If you’re like us, try these other delicious recipes that bring plenty of chocolatey goodness to the table.