Skillet Fudgy Brownie Pudding

Introduction & Inspiration

This Skillet Fudgy Brownie Pudding recipe is a love letter to all things rich, gooey, and intensely chocolatey. I’ve always been drawn to desserts that blur the lines between different categories. Is it a brownie? Is it a pudding? It is both.

The idea of a warm, fudgy brownie-like pudding, baked in a skillet and served with a dollop of Baileys-infused whipped cream, was simply too tempting to resist. It is a mix of texture.

I wanted a dessert that was both comforting and sophisticated, something that could be enjoyed on a cozy night in or served at a dinner party. Something simple but good.

This recipe is the result of many delicious experiments, aiming for that perfect balance of fudgy center, flaky crust, and boozy whipped cream. It’s a dessert that’s sure to impress, and I’m delighted to share it.

Nostalgic Appeal

Brownies, in their many forms, hold a special place in the hearts of many. They evoke memories of childhood, bake sales, and simple, comforting pleasures. I love simple pleasures.

The warm, gooey center of a perfectly baked brownie is a thing of beauty. It’s a texture that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Puddings, too, have a nostalgic quality. They’re often associated with childhood desserts and simple, homemade treats. So easy to do.

By combining these two classic desserts, we’re creating something that’s both familiar and exciting. This Skillet Fudgy Brownie Pudding is a celebration of comfort food at its finest.

Homemade Focus

This recipe is all about embracing the joy of homemade baking. Every element, from the brownie pudding itself to the Baileys-infused whipped cream, is made from scratch, using simple, high-quality ingredients. Simple.

The process of melting the butter and sugar, whisking in the eggs and Baileys, and folding in the dry ingredients is a therapeutic experience. It’s about connecting with the ingredients.

Baking the pudding in a skillet adds a rustic charm and enhances the fudgy texture. It’s a simple technique that yields impressive results. Great for a party.

This recipe is a reminder that homemade desserts are always worth the effort. The flavor and texture are simply unmatched, and the satisfaction of creating something from scratch is priceless.

Flavor Goal

The primary objective of this recipe is to create a dessert that’s intensely chocolatey, with a rich, fudgy texture and a hint of boozy sophistication. Balance is important.

The bittersweet chocolate provides a deep, complex chocolate flavor that’s not overly sweet. It is the perfect base.

The Baileys Irish cream adds a subtle warmth and a hint of creamy, caramel-like flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.

The flaky crust, reminiscent of a traditional brownie, provides a delightful textural contrast to the fudgy center. Texture is very important.

The Baileys-infused whipped cream adds a light and airy element, balancing the richness of the pudding and adding another layer of flavor. Perfect finish.

Ultimately, I wanted a dessert that was both comforting and elegant, a treat that would satisfy any chocolate craving and leave you feeling utterly content.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s delve into the ingredients that make this Skillet Fudgy Brownie Pudding so exceptional:

Unsalted Butter: This provides richness and flavor to the pudding. Use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt.

Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the pudding and helps to create that signature fudgy texture.

Bittersweet Chocolate (60% to 70%): This provides the intense chocolate flavor. Use high-quality chocolate for the best results.

Large Eggs: These bind the ingredients together and contribute to the pudding’s rich, creamy texture.

Baileys Irish Cream (Divided): This adds a subtle boozy flavor and a hint of creamy, caramel-like notes to both the pudding and the whipped cream.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This reinforces the chocolate flavor and adds depth and richness.

All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of flour helps to create the pudding’s structure and texture.

Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness. Don’t skip.

Heavy Cream: This is whipped with Baileys to create a light and airy topping for the pudding.

Essential Equipment

You’ll need a few key pieces of equipment for this recipe:

8-inch Round Cake Pan or Medium Heatproof Skillet: This is for baking the brownie pudding. A cast-iron skillet works particularly well.

13 1/2-by-10-inch Roasting Pan (or Larger Pan): This is for creating a water bath for the brownie pudding. Important for baking.

Medium Saucepan: This is for melting the butter and sugar.

Medium Bowls (at least two): You’ll need bowls for whisking the wet and dry ingredients, and for making the whipped cream.

Whisk: This is for combining the ingredients.

Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand Mixer): This is for whipping the cream and Baileys into soft peaks.

List of Ingredients with Measurements

Here’s a precise list of the ingredients, along with their exact measurements:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus more for pan
• 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (85 grams) chopped 60% to 70% bittersweet chocolate
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons Baileys Irish cream, divided
• 1/3 cup (30 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 cup heavy cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s bake this incredible Skillet Fudgy Brownie Pudding!

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Butter an 8-inch round cake pan or a medium heatproof skillet (cast iron is ideal). First thing to do.

Place the buttered pan or skillet inside a larger pan, such as a 13 1/2-by-10-inch roasting pan. This will create a water bath for baking the pudding.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Sugar

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, cook the butter and granulated sugar, stirring frequently, until the butter is completely melted and the sugar is dissolved. This should take about 7 to 9 minutes. Be patient.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped bittersweet chocolate. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt completely.

Whisk in the eggs and 2 tablespoons of the Baileys Irish cream until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, then stir until the mixture resembles a wet brownie batter. It should be thick and glossy. Don’t overmix.

Step 5: Bake in a Water Bath

Pour the batter into the prepared pan or skillet.

Pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the smaller pan. This creates a water bath, which helps the pudding bake evenly and prevents it from cracking.

Bake the brownie pudding until a flaky crust forms on top, resembling the top of a traditional brownie, and the center is slightly underdone and almost jiggly. This should take about 30 to 40 minutes.

Step 6: Cool Slightly

Let the brownie pudding cool slightly in the pan before serving. It will continue to set as it cools.

Step 7: Make the Baileys Whipped Cream

Meanwhile, make the Baileys whipped cream. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the heavy cream and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Baileys Irish cream until medium peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.

Step 8: Serve

Top the warm brownie pudding with a generous dollop of the Baileys whipped cream. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Troubleshooting

Here are some potential issues and their solutions:

Problem: Brownie pudding is too dry.

Solution: You may have overbaked the pudding. Be sure to bake it only until a flaky crust forms and the center is still slightly jiggly. The water bath is important.

Problem: Brownie pudding is cracked.

Solution: The water bath helps to prevent cracking, but it can also happen if the oven temperature is too high. Make sure your oven is properly calibrated.

Problem: Whipped cream is grainy.

Solution: You may have overbeaten the whipped cream. Beat it just until medium peaks form, and stop as soon as you reach that point.

Tips and Variations

Here are some extra tips and variations to customize your Skillet Fudgy Brownie Pudding:

Tip: For an even more intense chocolate flavor, use a higher percentage of cacao in the bittersweet chocolate (e.g., 72% or higher).

Variation: Add a handful of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the batter before baking.

Variation: Instead of Baileys Irish cream, use a different liqueur, such as coffee liqueur or amaretto.

Tip: Serve the brownie pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-indulgent treat.

Variation: Drizzle the pudding with caramel sauce or chocolate sauce before serving.

Variation: Add a pinch of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Skillet Fudgy Brownie Pudding is a decadent and versatile dessert. Here are some serving ideas:

Serve it warm, straight from the skillet, with a generous dollop of Baileys whipped cream. The contrast between the warm pudding and the cold cream is delightful.

Pair it with a cup of strong coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a glass of dessert wine.

Serve it as a dessert at a dinner party or a special occasion. It’s sure to impress.

Offer it as a comforting treat on a cozy night in. It’s perfect for sharing.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional estimate per serving (assuming the recipe yields 6-8 servings):

• Calories: 400-450
• Fat: 25-30g
• Sugar: 30-35g
• Protein: 5-7g

These are just estimates.

Enjoy this pudding in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Let’s recap the recipe and answer some frequently asked questions:

Recipe Summary:

We made a delicious Skillet Fudgy Brownie Pudding by melting butter and sugar, adding chocolate, eggs, and Baileys, then folding in dry ingredients. We baked it in a water bath until a flaky crust formed and the center was slightly jiggly, and topped it with Baileys whipped cream.

Q&A:

Q: Can I make this pudding ahead of time?

A: You can make the pudding a few hours ahead of time and store it, covered, at room temperature. Reheat it gently in a warm oven before serving. The whipped cream is best made just before serving.

Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate?

A: Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate, but the flavor will be different. Bittersweet chocolate provides a nice balance of sweetness and intensity.

Q: I don’t have a skillet. Can I use a regular baking dish?

A: Yes, you can use an 8-inch round cake pan. The baking time may be slightly different, so keep an eye on it.

Q: Can I double this recipe?

A: Yes, you can double the recipe, but you’ll need to use a larger skillet or baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q: Can I make this pudding gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.