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–+ servings
Brownie Pudding
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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 285 kcal

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
Keyword brownie pudding, chocolate dessert, comfort food, easy baking, handwritten recipe, self-saucing dessert, vintage recipe, walnuts
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