Chocolate Pudding is an easy dessert that takes only 10 minutes to make. This homemade chocolate pudding is going to become a family favorite!
In general, I prefer savory and salty food over sweet. You hand me a plate of onion rings, and I am a very happy girl. Give me all the savory appetizers.
However, now and again, there is nothing that I want more than chocolate. And usually, when that chocolate craving hits, what I really want is a big delicious bowl of chocolate pudding with whipped cream on top.
Pudding is incredibly easy to make from scratch. In fact, one might argue that it is just as easy to make as cracking open a box of pudding mix. But homemade chocolate pudding is a million times better.
How to Make Chocolate Pudding
This is a brief overview of how to make this simple chocolate pudding recipe. For the full recipe with all of the measurements, see the recipe card in the bottom of the post.
- Combine dry ingredients. In a medium sauce pan, not over heat, combine sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
- Stir in milk. Turn the heat on low, and slowly whisk in the milk.
- Stir regularly. Continuously whisk the mixture until it comes to a boil. It will take about 10 minutes. Once it comes to a boil, cook for 1 more minute and then stir in vanilla extract and butter.
- Cool the pudding. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, and press a piece of plastic wrap to the top. Cool in the refrigerator for 4 hours.
Preventing Lumpy Chocolate Pudding
The key to making this pudding recipe rich, creamy, and smooth, is the way in which we add the ingredients. You will notice that you are specifically instructed to whisk together the dry ingredients. Then you very slowly add the milk. This, combined with the continued whisking while it is coming to a boil, will keep the pudding smooth and perfect.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is what helps to thicken the pudding. The benefit in using cornstarch instead of flour is that it thickens the pudding without turning it gummy. It also happens to keep this pudding gluten free!
Whole Milk
While there are some desert recipes where you can fudge on the fat content in milk, this is not one of them. You will want to use whole milk when making chocolate pudding. It gives you the rich taste and the creamy texture that puts this over the top.
Making Ahead
This is a great dessert recipe to make ahead, especially around the holidays. Since the pudding needs to set anyway, you can make this simple dessert the night before and then pull it out at the end of dinner.
Serving
I highly recommend making this with some of my homemade whipped cream. The simple whipped cream can be thrown together just before serving as it comes together so quickly. The two recipes are so easy but compliment each other perfectly.
You will notice that I also added some chocolate shavings to the top. This makes for a really beautiful effect. Simply use a vegetable peeler to create little chocolate swirls from a chocolate bar.
Whipped Cream
Storing
Store any leftover chocolate pudding in your refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to store it in an air tight container. Once it has been stirred after the first chilling you will not need to place the plastic wrap back on top. The chilled pudding will not form a layer on the top when it goes back in the refrigerator.
FAQ
This recipe will last in your refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Yes! As long as you ensure that your corn starch is gluten free, you are good to go.
While lots of pudding recipes call for eggs, we assure you that this one works perfectly without them.
Yes, I do not recommend using a milk with a lower fat content such as 2% or skim.
Other Easy Desserts
- Coconut Macaroons: These come together so fast, and they are crisp not he outside but deliciously chewy on the inside.
- Apple Cobbler: I could eat this dessert right out of the pan.
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars: I love how fast and easy bar recipes are and this one is a total winner.
If you make this delicious chocolate pudding dessert, leave me a comment and let me know what you think!
Chocolate Pudding
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup sugar (131.99 grams)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (21 grams)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch (21 grams)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cups whole milk (532.32 grams)
- 2 tablespoons butter (28.25 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan (with the heat off), whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Turn the heat on low, and gradually whisk in the milk.2/3 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Stir continuously while cooking the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a boil. It will take approximately 10 minutes. (See note.) Once it begins to boil, continue stirring and cooking for an additional minute. Remove it from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract and butter.2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Transfer the pudding to a medium mixing bowl and press a piece of plastic wrap right up against the pudding to keep it from developing a skin on top. Cool in the refrigerator for at least four hours.
- Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Notes
Cecile says
I am a savory kind of gal also. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 Love your recipes!
Vera J Tabor says
Thanks for another of one your great recipes, went I get feeling better I’m going try lot of your recipes. Thanks for sharing your recipes. Enjoying see recipes and can’t wait to try some of them. GOD BLESS toYou and Your Family, Prayers., well said it again.
Thank you so much Vera!
Andy says
Hi I made this but I used lactaid whole milk and it worked ok for me since I am lactose intolerant. Tastes much better than from the box. Oh also used cool whip for the top. Now I don’t have to take a pill to enjoy it. Thank you!
Glad to hear that it works with lactaid!
Carolyn says
Easy, but adding a whole egg gives protein; makes it healthier.
I use tapioca starch as a thickener.
Terry says
Something is wrong with the site. It’s very difficult to give anything higher than 3 stars. When I do manage to get all 5 stars, as soon as I scroll, they dissappear. I am most definitely giving this FIVE stars, even though I can’t hit 5 stars. Now, my review!
Yum! I made this late this afternoon for after our Christmas Eve dinner tomorrow. I used a spatula to get all the last yumptuous out of the pan, and of course my husband and I had to lick that spatula clean! I’ll whip up some whipping cream to top it. Our daughter loves pudding. I haven’t made any in a very long time because I’m not buying boxed. Thank you so much for such an easy and quick recipe!
Merry Christmas 🎄
I’m sorry about the site issue, but it doesn’t look like it was a problem, it came up as five stars. I’m so glad you liked it!