Review of Pillsbury Sweet Moments Molten Lava Brownies

Pillsbury Sweet Moments molten lava brownies are microwavable desserts available in chocolate fudge and chocolate caramel varieties. I decided to buy one package of each; my local stores priced them at $2.49 and $2.99, depending on the store.

The brownie comes in a microwavable plastic bowl and is topped with either chocolate or caramel sauce, depending on the variety. Each kind is also topped with a chocolate drizzle. A serving consists of one brownie, with each package containing two servings.

Pillsbury Sweet Moments Molten Lava Brownies: Preparation

Open the box using the perforation on the side, remove a brownie bowl, and then peel off the plastic film. The instructions say to heat this dessert in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds and to avoid overheating. The packaging from most other microwavable products I've used actually specifies the anticipated wattage, but this one doesn't.

We decided to try the chocolate fudge brownies first. I heated the first one for 14 seconds in my 1100-watt microwave. I touched it with my finger and didn't think it was hot enough, but my husband didn't want to risk heating his any longer, so that one was his. I heated mine for 18 seconds, and it was starting to burn.

A few days later, we tried the chocolate caramel. I heated each bowl for 15 seconds and wasn't convinced that mine was hot enough but didn't want to burn another one.

Pillsbury Sweet Moments Molten Lava Brownies: Results

The brownie was hot along the edges but cool in some spots, while the sauce was very hot. In my opinion, the chocolate fudge sauce was bitter, but I couldn't be sure it wasn't due to being overcooked. I tried my husband's, which hadn't heated as long, and didn't change my mind. My husband didn't agree, but he doesn't share my intense dislike of bitter foods. There is also a chocolate drizzle that I don't consider to be bitter.

I preferred the chocolate caramel, since it didn't have the chocolate sauce. My husband preferred the chocolate fudge variety. Each of us liked this dessert well enough to buy it again if we want warm brownies without having to heat up the oven.

Pillsbury Sweet Moments Molten Lava Brownies: Serving Suggestions

If you really want to indulge, top your brownie bowl with your favorite vanilla ice cream or even a dollop of whipped cream. If you like nuts, sprinkle a few walnuts or pecans on top.

If you'd prefer not to consume that many calories, considering splitting this dessert with someone or saving half for later. Just remember that you won't be able to reheat the bowl.

Pillsbury Sweet Moments Molten Lava Brownies: Nutritional Information

Sugar is the main ingredient, as you might expect. These products also contain wheat, egg, dairy, soy, corn, and cocoa ingredients. In addition, those with nut allergies should be aware of the possibility of walnuts. The chocolate caramel variety also contains high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).

Each serving of the chocolate fudge variety contains 370 calories, of which 170 are from fat. The total fat content is 19 grams, with 5 grams being saturated fat. There is no trans fat listed on the nutrition panel--not even with an asterisk to denote a negligible amount--although there is a small amount in the partially hydrogenated palm kernel oil. There are 45 mg of cholesterol, 180 mg of sodium, and 47 g of carbohydrates, with 35 g being sugars.

In most respects, the nutritional content of the chocolate caramel brownies is slightly better than that of the chocolate fudge. Each serving contains 360 calories, of which 160 are from fat. The total fat content is 17 grams, with 6 grams being saturated fat. Again, no trans fat is listed on the nutrition panel, although there is a small amount in the partially hydrogenated palm kernel oil and the hydrogenated coconut oil. There are 40 mg of cholesterol, 200 mg of sodium, and 48 g of carbohydrates, with 36 g being sugars. Both varieties contain 1 g of fiber and 4 g of protein.

Sources:

Pillsbury
Personal experience