Chocolate Pudding Recipe

Craving something rich, creamy, and oh-so-chocolatey? This Chocolate Pudding recipe is everything you want in a classic dessert! Imagine silky smooth pudding with the deep, indulgent flavor of rich cocoa that just melts in your mouth. It’s comfort food at its best, bringing back nostalgic memories of cozy nights with a spoonful of sweet chocolatey goodness. The best part? It’s made from scratch, so you get that homemade touch that makes every bite extra special. Trust me, you’ll be hooked from the first spoonful!

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Pudding

Here’s why this pudding will become your go-to dessert:

• Creamy Perfection: This pudding has the smoothest texture, with no lumps in sight. Every spoonful is velvety and satisfying.
• Rich and Chocolatey: If you’re a chocolate lover, this pudding is a dream come true. It’s packed with deep cocoa flavor and just the right amount of sweetness.
• Quick and Easy: You don’t need a ton of ingredients or complicated techniques to make this pudding. Just a few simple steps, and you’re on your way to chocolate bliss.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re satisfying a sweet tooth, serving dessert after a meal, or impressing guests at a gathering, this pudding always hits the spot.
• Customizable: Want to add a twist? Top with whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of caramel. You can make it your own!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this irresistible chocolate pudding:

• Whole milk: Creates a creamy base for the pudding and balances the richness of the chocolate.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the pudding without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the pudding its rich, deep chocolate flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the pudding to that perfect consistency. It’s key to achieving that velvety texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the chocolate flavor and balance the sweetness.
• Egg yolks: Provide richness and help the pudding set.
• Butter: Adds a luscious smoothness and makes the pudding extra decadent.
• Vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla rounds out the flavor, making it just the right amount of sweet.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s make this easy, velvety chocolate pudding!

1. Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. This dry mix will form the base of your pudding.

2. Add the Wet Ingredients

Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to combine everything into a smooth mixture. This will help dissolve the dry ingredients and prevent any lumps.

3. Heat the Mixture

Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously as it heats up. You’ll start to notice it thickening, and that’s when you know it’s time for the next step.

4. Temper the Eggs

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add a little bit of the hot milk mixture to the yolks while whisking constantly. This step is called tempering—it prevents the eggs from scrambling. Once the egg yolks are warmed up, gradually whisk them back into the saucepan.

5. Cook Until Thickened

Continue cooking the pudding, stirring constantly, until it thickens and starts to bubble gently. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Be patient, and don’t stop stirring!

6. Add the Butter and Vanilla

Once the pudding has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. The butter will melt and create that irresistible silky texture. Stir until everything is smooth.

7. Cool and Serve

Pour the pudding into serving dishes. Let it cool slightly before covering with plastic wrap (make sure the wrap touches the surface to prevent a skin from forming). Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until set.

8. Garnish and Enjoy

Serve your chocolate pudding chilled, topped with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, or a few fresh berries for extra flair. You can even enjoy it plain—it’s that good!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 290
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 45mg
Total Carbohydrates: 34g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 24g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin D: 6%
Calcium: 8%
Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes chilling time)

How to Serve Chocolate Pudding

Chocolate pudding is perfect for:

• A Sweet Snack: Sometimes, you just need something sweet. This pudding makes for an easy treat any time of day.
• Dessert for Dinner: Serve it at the end of a comforting meal to add that final touch of decadence.
• Party Treat: Serve in individual cups at your next party, topped with whipped cream and a cherry for a fun, fancy dessert.

Additional Tips

• Make It a Pudding Pie: Pour the pudding into a pre-baked pie crust, chill, and you’ve got a simple, delicious chocolate pie.
• Add a Pinch of Espresso Powder: To enhance the chocolate flavor, add a small pinch of espresso powder while heating the mixture. It won’t make the pudding taste like coffee, but it’ll deepen the chocolate flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond milk or coconut milk and use dairy-free butter.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this pudding ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can make the pudding up to a day ahead. Just make sure to cover it with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.

Q2: Can I use a different type of milk?
A2: Yes, you can use 2% milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the consistency might vary slightly.

Q3: How do I store leftover pudding?
A3: Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming.

Q4: Can I freeze chocolate pudding?
A4: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. Let it thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q5: Can I make this without eggs?
A5: Yes, you can use a cornstarch-only base for eggless pudding. Just follow the same recipe but skip the egg yolks, and increase the cornstarch slightly for thickness.

Q6: Can I add toppings to this pudding?
A6: Absolutely! Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh fruit like berries all make great toppings. You can even add crushed cookies or nuts for some crunch!

Q7: Can I make this pudding dairy-free?
A7: Yes, use dairy-free alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk and swap the butter for a plant-based version.

Q8: Can I double this recipe?
A8: Yes! Just double all the ingredients and be sure to use a larger saucepan to accommodate the extra mixture. The cooking time may vary slightly.

Q9: What if my pudding is too runny?
A9: If your pudding is too runny, you can cook it for a little longer until it thickens. Just make sure to keep stirring so it doesn’t burn.

Q10: Can I use a microwave to make this pudding?
A10: You can! Just combine all the ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until thickened.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Pudding recipe is everything you want in a comforting, indulgent dessert—rich, creamy, and packed with decadent chocolate flavor. It’s easy to make, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a homemade dessert that’s better than anything from a box. Serve it at your next gathering or indulge in a bowl for yourself—you’ll be coming back for more!

Print