This Brownie Pudding recipe creates a rich, self-saucing chocolate dessert with a fudgy brownie layer on top and a warm, gooey chocolate sauce underneath. It’s a vintage American favorite from the mid-20th century, combining simple pantry staples with a clever baking technique that transforms humble ingredients into something indulgent. Topped with whipped cream, ice cream, or served plain, this dish is perfect for family gatherings and cozy evenings.
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp shortening (melted)
- ½-1 cup walnuts (or pecans, chopped)
For the Topping:
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1¾ cups hot water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and 2 tbsp cocoa powder.
- Stir in milk, vanilla, and melted shortening until smooth.
- Fold in nuts if using.
Step 2: Assemble the Pudding
- Pour batter into a greased 8-inch square cake pan.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ¼ cup cocoa powder; sprinkle evenly over the batter.
Step 3: Add the Hot Water
- Gently pour the hot water over the entire batter without stirring.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes.
- The top will form a crust while the bottom becomes a rich, chocolatey sauce.
Step 5: Serve
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving warm.
- Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Tips
- Use pecans or leave nuts out completely if preferred.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for contrast.
- For a deeper chocolate flavor, use Dutch-process cocoa.
- Add espresso powder (1 tsp) to enhance chocolate notes.
- Substitute brown sugar in the batter for extra moisture and caramel flavor.
- Add chocolate chips to the batter for richer brownies.
- Make it nut-free by omitting walnuts.
- For crisp edges and saucier center, do not overbake, center should be soft.
- A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances sweetness.
Nutrition
Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 140mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 25IUCalcium: 55mgIron: 2mg
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