Print

Homemade Chocolate Pudding Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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