Chocolate Pudding

There’s something so comforting and nostalgic about a bowl of creamy, homemade Chocolate Pudding. Smooth, rich, and perfectly sweet, this dessert is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. The best part? You can make it right in your own kitchen, with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re indulging in it on your own or serving it at a gathering, this pudding will make everyone feel like a kid again. Trust me, it’s pure chocolatey bliss in every bite!

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Pudding

• Decadently Rich: This pudding is the perfect balance of sweetness and deep chocolate flavor, making it irresistible.
• Creamy & Velvety: The smooth texture of this pudding is like a silky dream in your mouth.
• Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy tools or ingredients—just things you probably already have in your kitchen.
• Quick & Easy: It comes together in no time! You’ll have this dessert ready and waiting before you even know it.
• Perfectly Satisfying: Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight treat or a special dessert for a celebration, it’s the kind of comfort food that hits the spot every time.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Chocolate Pudding:

For the Pudding

• Whole milk: The base of your pudding that gives it its creamy consistency.
• Granulated sugar: For the perfect balance of sweetness.
• Cocoa powder: The star ingredient that gives this pudding its rich chocolate flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the pudding to that smooth, velvety texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch to bring out the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Egg yolks: Add richness and depth to the pudding.
• Butter: For a silky finish.
• Vanilla extract: For that classic pudding flavor.

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

Instructions

Here’s how to make your Chocolate Pudding:

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.

Add Milk

Gradually add the whole milk to the dry ingredients while whisking constantly to ensure there are no lumps.

Cook the Pudding

Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to stir consistently to prevent the pudding from burning on the bottom.

Temper the Egg Yolks

In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add a small amount of the hot pudding mixture into the yolks to temper them, stirring constantly. Once the egg yolks are warmed up, pour them back into the saucepan with the rest of the pudding mixture, stirring constantly.

Finish the Pudding

Continue to cook the pudding for an additional 1-2 minutes until it becomes thick and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. The butter will give the pudding a glossy finish.

Chill the Pudding

Transfer the pudding to serving dishes or a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap is directly touching the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to cool and set.

Serve & Enjoy

Once chilled, your pudding is ready to serve! Enjoy as is, or top with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, or berries for an extra touch of sweetness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320 kcal

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)

How to Serve Chocolate Pudding

This Chocolate Pudding is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:

• Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and extra creaminess.
• Add Shaved Chocolate: Grate some dark or milk chocolate on top for a rich, chocolatey finish.
• Sprinkle with Berries: Fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries add a tart contrast to the sweetness of the pudding.
• Serve with a Cookie: Pair your pudding with a crunchy cookie, like biscotti or shortbread, for a delightful texture combination.

Additional Tips

• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet pudding, reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
• Use Dark Chocolate: For an even richer flavor, swap some of the cocoa powder with melted dark chocolate.
• Store Leftovers: Keep leftover pudding in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cover the pudding with plastic wrap, pressing it against the surface to avoid the formation of a skin.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a non-dairy milk alternative?

A1: Yes! Feel free to use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just make sure to use unsweetened varieties to maintain the pudding’s flavor balance.

Q2: How can I thicken the pudding without using cornstarch?

A2: You can use arrowroot powder or even flour as an alternative to cornstarch. Keep in mind, the texture may be slightly different.

Q3: Can I make this pudding ahead of time?

A3: Yes, this pudding is a great make-ahead dessert! Make it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Q4: Can I add flavors to the pudding?

A4: Absolutely! You can add a little cinnamon, espresso powder, or even a splash of liqueur like Kahlúa for a unique twist on this classic dessert.

Q5: Can I make this pudding without eggs?

A5: Yes, you can make a vegan version by using a flax egg substitute or just relying on cornstarch and the milk to thicken the pudding.

Q6: Can I freeze chocolate pudding?

A6: While it’s not ideal for freezing due to the texture change, you can freeze it if needed. Just be aware that it may not be as creamy when thawed.

Q7: Can I serve this pudding in a pie crust?

A7: Yes, turning this pudding into a chocolate pudding pie is a great idea! Just pour it into a pre-baked pie crust, chill, and serve.

Q8: How do I keep the pudding from forming a skin?

A8: To avoid a skin, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding before refrigerating.

Q9: Can I use chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder?

A9: Yes, you can melt chocolate chips into the pudding mixture instead of using cocoa powder for an extra creamy, chocolatey flavor.

Q10: How can I make the pudding thicker?

A10: If you prefer a thicker pudding, simply cook it a little longer on low heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Chocolate Pudding is the ultimate comfort food for anyone with a sweet tooth. It’s rich, creamy, and made with love—just the way pudding should be! Whether you’re enjoying it alone or serving it to guests, this simple yet indulgent dessert will never disappoint. So grab your ingredients, whisk away, and treat yourself to this timeless classic!

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