I’ll never forget the first time I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding recipe. It was one of those rare, rainy afternoons where I had zero plans and nowhere to be. I was flipping through his cookbook, looking for something that screamed “comfort”, and as soon as I saw the words “Chocolate Pudding”, I knew I had found what I was looking for.
There’s something incredibly soothing about this dessert. It’s rich, velvety, and has that comforting, nostalgic vibe we all crave from a good homemade treat. Whether you’re a novice baker or someone who’s been in the kitchen for years, this recipe is straightforward yet deeply satisfying.
I decided to give it a go, and the result was a bowl of pure indulgence. The warm, gooey center, the slight crunch of the top crust-everything about it felt like a warm hug. Ever since then, it’s become one of my go-to recipes for any occasion where I need to impress or just make something comforting for myself.
Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding Recipe
If there’s one recipe that’s stuck with me, it’s Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding. Simple ingredients. Minimal effort. But the results? Pure decadence.
This is not your typical, everyday chocolate cake. It’s a cross between a cake and a molten lava cake, with a rich, gooey center that you just can’t beat. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a last-minute treat when you want to impress someone (or just treat yourself, no judgment here).
Ingredients
- Dark chocolate: Use the best quality you can find. It’s the star of the show.
- Butter: Adds richness and that silky smooth texture.
- Sugar: Balances the bitterness of the dark chocolate.
- Eggs: These bring structure but also that custardy, molten interior.
- Flour: Just a bit to help bind it together.
- Vanilla extract: For that aromatic undertone.
Ingredients Needed
To make this rich and indulgent pudding, you’ll need:
- 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa is best)
- 200g unsalted butter
- 200g sugar (caster sugar works best)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- A pinch of salt
You’ll notice that the ingredients list is simple. But the magic lies in how these basics come together to create a dessert that feels so luxurious. Trust me, each of these ingredients plays an essential role, which I’ll dive into a bit later.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding
This recipe couldn’t be easier to follow. It’s the kind of dish where you can get it all in the oven in under 15 minutes-perfect for those spontaneous dessert cravings or surprise guests.
Here’s how you’ll bring this beauty to life:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease your pudding dishes with butter, then dust with flour.
- Melt the chocolate and butter: In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, gently melt the chocolate and butter until smooth and glossy. Stir it occasionally to make sure it doesn’t burn.
- Whisk the eggs and sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 5 minutes by hand or 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Combine the mixtures: Gently fold the melted chocolate and butter into the egg mixture, being careful not to deflate the eggs too much.
- Add flour and vanilla: Sift in the flour and add the vanilla extract. Mix gently until just combined.
- Pour into the molds: Divide the batter among your pudding molds, filling them about ¾ full.
- Bake: Place them in the oven for about 10-12 minutes. You want the outside to be set and the inside to stay gooey, so keep an eye on them!
- Serve: Let them cool for a minute or two, then invert onto a plate. Top with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling fancy.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s break down why this recipe works so perfectly, starting with the ingredients. Each one serves a distinct purpose:
- Dark Chocolate: The key to this dessert’s richness. The bitterness of dark chocolate perfectly balances the sweetness of the sugar, giving the pudding a grown-up, luxurious taste. The cocoa fat also helps create the smooth texture.
- Butter: This is the fat that adds that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Butter is rich and smooth, and it helps bind the chocolate and sugar to create a velvety pudding.
- Sugar: You want a decent amount of sugar here to sweeten the bitterness of the chocolate. But it’s not just about sweetness. Sugar helps create the right consistency and helps form that crispy outer layer as it bakes.
- Eggs: Eggs help set the structure but also provide the custardy center. The proteins in the eggs hold everything together and contribute to that soft, gooey middle that’s the hallmark of a good chocolate pudding.
- Flour: A small amount of flour is needed to hold everything together and to prevent the pudding from being too runny. It gives the dessert just enough structure without making it dense or heavy.
- Vanilla Extract: This adds a layer of warmth and complexity. It complements the chocolate and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overbake: The biggest mistake is leaving these in the oven for too long. You want the edges to be set but the center to stay soft and molten. Keep an eye on the clock-10-12 minutes is ideal.
- Use high-quality chocolate: Since chocolate is the star, it’s worth investing in a high-quality brand. Look for chocolate that’s 70% cocoa or higher for the best depth of flavor.
- Try different molds: You can bake this in ramekins, mugs, or any oven-safe dish. Just adjust the baking time based on the size of your molds.
- Chill before baking: You can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This helps concentrate the flavors and can even give the pudding a richer, denser texture.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few fun twists to keep things interesting:
- Add a hint of spice: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon, chili powder, or even cardamom for an unexpected kick.
- Stuff with caramel: Before baking, add a spoonful of gooey caramel in the center for a surprise burst of sweetness when you dig in.
- Switch up the chocolate: Use milk or white chocolate for a different flavor profile. You can also mix and match dark and milk chocolate for a balanced taste.
- Incorporate fruit: Throw in some fresh raspberries or cherries into the batter for a fruity contrast to the rich chocolate.
Final Words
There’s just something about a gooey chocolate pudding that feels so satisfying. It’s the dessert that makes you forget about everything else for a moment. When you take that first spoonful and the molten center oozes out, you’ll understand exactly why this dessert is a classic.
Whether you’re baking for yourself or for friends, it’s the kind of dish that’ll always get a wow reaction. No one can resist chocolate, and this pudding is nothing short of indulgent.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding?
You’ll need dark chocolate, butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and a little bit of vanilla extract.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding?
It takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, then around 10-12 minutes to cook.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding In Advance?
Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.