I still remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s chocolate pudding. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was sitting at home looking for a cozy dessert to make. I found Jamie’s recipe online, and it felt like a sign-the kind of dessert that’s both simple and indulgent. I wasn’t expecting anything too extraordinary, but when that warm, gooey chocolate center melted in my mouth, I knew I’d stumbled upon something special.
Ever since, this pudding has become my go-to for all sorts of occasions. It’s quick to whip up, easy to perfect, and every time you pull it out of the oven, it looks like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. I’ve made it for friends, family, and even on my own when I needed a sweet pick-me-up. Let’s dive into the recipe that’s been my ultimate comfort food for years.
Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding Recipe
Jamie’s chocolate pudding recipe is the epitome of simplicity. It doesn’t ask for fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. What it does ask for is a little love, the right balance of ingredients, and about 30 minutes of your time.
It’s rich and indulgent, with a soft, gooey center that’s just begging to be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream. No frills, just chocolate goodness in a bowl.
I often find myself making this for dinner parties or when I have friends over, and it always gets rave reviews. It’s a dessert that never fails to impress, and it’s all thanks to Jamie’s magic touch.
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients for Jamie Oliver’s chocolate pudding are all things you probably already have in your pantry. There’s no need for anything too exotic, which makes it even more accessible for home bakers. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Dark chocolate (about 70% cocoa) – The richer, the better. It gives the pudding a deep, intense flavor.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps create that gooey center.
- Sugar – Just the right amount to balance the bitterness of the dark chocolate.
- Eggs – They give the pudding structure and a slight fluffiness.
- Flour – To bind everything together without making the texture too heavy.
- Vanilla extract – A dash of vanilla to enhance the flavor without overpowering the chocolate.
That’s it! Nothing too fancy, but when these simple ingredients come together, magic happens.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding
The best part about this recipe is how simple it is to make, even for beginners. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to get it right.
Here’s how I make it:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease your ramekins (4 of them) with butter or non-stick spray.
- Melt the chocolate: Break the chocolate into pieces and melt it gently in a bowl over simmering water (double boiler style). Stir occasionally until smooth. This is the moment where your kitchen starts to smell heavenly.
- Mix butter and sugar: While the chocolate is melting, beat the butter and sugar together in a separate bowl until fluffy.
- Add eggs: Once the butter and sugar are creamed together, add in your eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each one.
- Fold in the melted chocolate: Once the chocolate has cooled slightly, mix it into the butter and sugar mixture.
- Add flour and vanilla: Gently fold in the flour and vanilla extract until everything is combined. Don’t overwork it; you want the texture to stay light.
- Bake: Spoon the mixture into your greased ramekins, and bake for around 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be set but the center to stay soft and gooey.
- Serve: Let it cool for a couple of minutes, then serve warm. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream makes it even more divine.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
While Jamie’s recipe is simple, the ingredients each serve a specific purpose that elevates the dish.
- Dark chocolate: The high cocoa content not only gives the pudding its deep, rich flavor, but it also helps the pudding set in the right consistency. Chocolate is a great fat source that creates that luscious mouthfeel.
- Butter: Besides adding richness, butter helps to form the smooth texture. It also plays a role in creating that gooey center by holding the pudding together just enough to let it ooze out when cut.
- Sugar: The sugar interacts with the butter to create a light, airy texture. It balances out the bitterness of the dark chocolate, keeping the flavor profile well-rounded.
- Eggs: Eggs are the magic that binds everything. They provide structure but also a slight lift, helping the pudding hold together without becoming too dense.
- Flour: The flour gives the pudding its structure, but it’s used sparingly to avoid turning the pudding into a cake.
- Vanilla extract: A small amount adds a layer of complexity to the chocolate, making the overall flavor more rounded and balanced.
The balance of these ingredients is what makes this recipe work so well. Each element is in perfect harmony.
Expert Tips
As someone who’s made this recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks to take it to the next level:
- Use high-quality chocolate: Don’t skimp on the chocolate. The better the chocolate, the richer the flavor. Aim for 70% cocoa or higher for that deep, intense chocolate hit.
- Underbake slightly: For that perfect gooey center, err on the side of underbaking. The pudding should still jiggle when you take it out of the oven. It will set a bit more as it cools.
- Let it rest: After baking, let the puddings sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This lets the chocolate center firm up just enough to hold its shape when you cut into it.
- Use ramekins with a tight seal: If your ramekins are too large, the pudding won’t cook evenly. Choose ramekins that are about 6 oz. (175 ml) for the perfect portion.
Recipe Variations
Jamie’s chocolate pudding is great on its own, but if you’re looking to switch things up, here are a few variations you can try:
- Add a touch of espresso: Adding a small amount of espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
- Chili chocolate: A pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper can add an unexpected kick and deepen the chocolate’s flavor.
- Salted caramel center: Before baking, spoon a little bit of salted caramel sauce into the center of the batter for a sweet surprise when you cut into it.
- Fruit twist: Add fresh raspberries or strawberries to the bottom of the ramekin before pouring in the pudding mixture. The fruit adds a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the chocolate.
Final Words
This recipe is a true testament to how a few basic ingredients can create something extraordinary. It’s rich, decadent, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re baking it for a dinner party or as a treat just for you, this pudding never disappoints. And honestly, there’s something comforting about its simplicity-it’s not trying to be anything it’s not.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding?
It usually takes around 15-20 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pudding in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready.
What Can I Substitute For The Dark Chocolate In The Recipe?
You can use milk chocolate or even a mix of chocolate and cocoa powder if you prefer a sweeter flavor.