Homemade Chocolate Pudding Recipe

Introduction

This homemade chocolate pudding is rich, creamy, and perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a classic dessert that’s easy to prepare and delightfully smooth.

Ingredients

• 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ⅓ cup cornstarch
• Pinch of salt
• 4 ½ cups milk
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and cornstarch. Mix well, then add the cold milk and whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
2. Step 2: Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture begins to boil and thickens into a pudding consistency.
3. Step 3: Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully melted and incorporated.
4. Step 4: Allow the pudding to cool completely, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on the surface.
5. Step 5: Serve the pudding chilled for a refreshing dessert or warm if you prefer a comforting treat.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
• To create a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk and a plant-based butter alternative.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of espresso for a flavor boost.
• Cover the pudding surface with plastic wrap while cooling to prevent skin formation.

Storage

Store the pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If the pudding thickens too much when chilled, whisk in a little milk before serving to loosen it. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave if you prefer it warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of cocoa powder?

While this recipe is designed for cocoa powder, you can melt dark or milk chocolate and add it after removing the pudding from the heat for a richer, more chocolatey flavor.

How do I prevent lumps in my pudding?

Whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly before adding the milk, and keep stirring constantly over medium heat to avoid lumps forming as it thickens.

Homemade Chocolate Pudding Recipe

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4.5 from 85 reviews

This homemade chocolate pudding recipe creates a rich, creamy dessert using simple pantry staples. Made by cooking a blend of sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, cornstarch, and milk on the stovetop until thickened, then enriched with butter and vanilla extract. This pudding can be enjoyed warm or chilled, offering a classic comfort treat that’s easy to prepare from scratch.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ⅓ cup cornstarch
• Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

• 4 ½ cups milk
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a saucepan, mix together the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until evenly blended.
2. Add milk and mix: Pour in the cold milk gradually while whisking to create a smooth mixture without lumps.
3. Heat and thicken: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly. Continue cooking until the mixture boils and thickens to a pudding consistency.
4. Add butter and vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
5. Cool the pudding: Allow the pudding to cool completely, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on top.
6. Serve: Enjoy the pudding either chilled or warm, according to your preference.

Notes

• Stir constantly to avoid burning or lumps during cooking.
• You can use any type of milk preference, but whole milk yields the creamiest texture.
• To speed cooling, transfer pudding to a bowl and cover surface with plastic wrap directly on top to prevent skin formation.
• For a vegan alternative, consider using plant-based milk and butter substitutes.

Keywords: chocolate pudding, homemade pudding, stovetop dessert, classic pudding recipe, easy chocolate dessert