I’ve made this Ina Garten Brownie Pudding plenty of times, and the thing that always surprises me is how simple it feels, even though it looks like something from a bakery window. The first time I tried it, I expected it to be complicated, but honestly, it’s way more forgiving than most chocolate desserts. Even when I messed up the baking time once (don’t ask), it still turned out tasty. That’s probably why brownie pudding gets so much love.

What Makes Brownie Pudding Different?

Brownie pudding is half brownie, half pudding, soft in the middle with a thin, crisp top. It isn’t fully set like regular brownies, and that’s the whole charm. When you scoop into the center, and it still jiggles a little, you’ll know you nailed it.

Some folks call it an old-fashioned brownie pudding recipe, but Ina’s take feels more modern. It’s smooth, bold, and full of chocolate flavor without needing anything complicated. That’s the magic here: simple steps, huge payoff.

Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why They Work)

The base ingredients are super simple: butter, sugar, eggs, flour, cocoa powder, and vanilla. If you’ve made brownies from Ina Garten before, you’ll notice it’s close to her classic style: chocolate-heavy, low-flour, high-richness.

A few things that help this dish shine:

Good cocoa gives it a deeper flavor.
Eggs whip up light and fluffy, helping that pudding-like center.
A small amount of flour keeps it soft.

You can also switch it up. I’ve played with salted caramel swirls after searching for salted caramel brownies in Garten, and it might be one of the best choices I’ve made in my kitchen. A little caramel on top also makes it feel fancy without trying.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Brownie Pudding Recipe

1. Melt the butter.

Warm it on the stove or in the microwave until fully melted. Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs later.

2. Mix in the sugar.

Stir the sugar into the warm butter. It’ll look thick and sandy, that’s exactly right.

3. Whip the eggs until light.

Beat the eggs in a separate bowl until they look pale and fluffy.
Don’t skip this.
I’ve skipped it before, and the brownie pudding turned dense instead of soft and pudding-like.

4. Combine the wet ingredients.

Pour the whipped eggs into the butter–sugar mixture and stir gently.

5. Add the dry ingredients.

Sift in your cocoa, flour, and salt. Fold slowly to keep the batter airy and avoid overmixing.

6. Pour the batter into your baking dish.

Spread it out evenly. You can set the dish inside a larger pan with hot water if you want that extra smooth texture.

7. Bake until the edges set.

The center should still look soft and slightly gooey.
You might think, “Shouldn’t this bake longer?”
Nope, that creamy middle is exactly what makes brownie pudding special.

8. Skip the shortcuts (optional tip).

You can make brownie pudding with brownie mix or even add pudding mix to brownie mix, but it won’t taste like the real Ina Garten brownie pudding recipe.
Mixes get close, but they miss that rich, deep flavor from melted butter, real chocolate, and eggs whipped by hand.

9. Serve it warm with ice cream.

The hot-and-cold combo makes the chocolate flavor stronger and the texture even more comforting. Trust me, don’t skip the ice cream.

Common Questions People Ask

What’s the difference between brownie pudding and regular brownies?
Brownie pudding stays soft in the center and doesn’t fully set. Regular brownies are firm and sliceable. This dessert is meant to be scooped, not cut.

Can you use a boxed mix instead?
You can, and it’ll make a quick dessert. But boxed mixes don’t give that rich center you see in Ina Garten’s chocolate brownie pudding or brownie pudding Ina Garten.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it earlier and warm it before serving. Just don’t overheat or you’ll lose the soft middle.

Can I freeze leftovers?
You can freeze it, but reheating might change the texture slightly.

Does it taste like cake?
Not really. It’s closer to a molten chocolate dessert than a cake.

Final Thoughts

Ina’s brownie pudding is one of those desserts that looks fancy but feels doable even on a regular Tuesday night. It’s warm, gooey, and perfect for anyone who loves chocolate. If you’re hunting for the best version, whether you’re searching for brownie pudding recipe Ina Garten, chocolate pudding Ina Garten, or just something simple and comforting, this dessert pretty much guarantees happy faces at the table.