Can I make this recipe sugar-free?

Yes, you can! Simply use a sugar-free chocolate and a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. Be aware that the sweetness and texture might differ slightly.

How should I store leftover parfaits?

Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They're even better the next day, trust me!

Can I freeze these brownie pudding parfaits?

Yes, you can freeze them but make sure to let them cool down completely before freezing. Freeze them in individual portions or in a large container. Reheat gently in the microwave or let them thaw gradually overnight.

Can I eat the brownie batter raw?

Brownie batter is usually safe to eat without baking, though I always recommend baking it fully for food safety. The recipe is designed around baked brownies so using raw batter might not yield the intended texture and flavor.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute eggs with applesauce or mashed banana (approximately 1/4 cup per egg), and use vegan butter and chocolate. There are also great vegan pudding mixes readily available.

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These Brownie Pudding Parfaits are an amazing spin on traditional desserts! Think about it: alternating layers of dense, gooey brownies and silky, smooth chocolate pudding, stacked high in a beautiful glass. It's a no-work-to-put-it-together dessert that's ideal for parties, potlucks, or simply a bad chocolate craving to satisfy. I created this recipe after visiting a friend's birthday party at which they were serving something like it, and I was addicted!

The key to these divine parfaits is the contrasting textures and tastes. The rich, fudgy brownies are the perfect foil to the chilled, creamy pudding. It's the perfect union - decadent and refreshing, sweet and rich. I've experimented with many brownie recipes and pudding flavors, and this is, without a doubt, my favorite. I'm a complete chocoholic, so I prefer it rich.

Brownie Pudding Parfaits

Name: Brownie Pudding Parfaits
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Potluck
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted butter; 2 cups Granulated sugar; 4 Large eggs; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 2 cups All-purpose flour; ¾ cup Unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons Baking powder; ¾ teaspoon Salt; 1 package (3.4 oz) Instant chocolate pudding mix; as directed on package Milk (as directed on pudding mix); to taste Whipped cream and chocolate shavings (for garnish)

These Brownie Pudding Parfaits are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that combines layers of rich, fudgy brownies and creamy chocolate pudding for a delightful treat.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 1 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

📖 Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal. This little trick saves on cleanup later, and who doesn't love easy cleanup?
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You want it really fluffy, so don't rush this step! I usually take about 5 minutes on this part. It’s worth it, I promise.
Beat in 4 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds that touch of warmth and comfort that only vanilla can bring!
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and ¾ teaspoon salt. Make sure to sift your cocoa powder for the smoothest brownies. Trust me on this one.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix—lumps are okay! Overmixing leads to tough brownies, and we want delightfully chewy ones.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. If you like super fudgy brownies, err on the side of underbaking a bit.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is important; otherwise, your beautiful brownies will crumble into a mess. And ain't nobody got time for that!
While the brownies are cooling, prepare your pudding according to package directions. I usually use instant pudding because, let's be honest, who has time to make pudding from scratch?!
Once the brownies and pudding have cooled, layer them in individual glasses or dessert dishes. Start with a layer of brownie, top with a layer of pudding, and repeat until the glasses are full. Be creative and have some fun with it!
Top with whipped cream (homemade or store-bought—your call!), chocolate shavings, or fresh berries. A drizzle of chocolate sauce is amazing, too. But a simple garnish is fine if you're in a rush. It's the layers that really shine here!
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the parfaits to chill. If you can wait longer, it’s even better. Patience is a virtue, right?

📝 Notes

For extra chocolatey goodness, add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the brownie batter.
Use a good quality cocoa powder for best results. If you do not have instant pudding, you can make your own! But I'm here to help save you time; just grab an instant one at the store!
Feel free to experiment with different toppings, like fresh berries, nuts, or caramel sauce!