If you’ve ever craved a velvety, deeply chocolaty treat that’s as comforting as it is classic, this Chocolate Pudding Recipe will become your new go-to. Each spoonful is creamy, satisfying, and layered with rich cocoa flavor, making it the perfect dessert for chocolate lovers and anyone who appreciates homemade goodness. You might be surprised how easy it is to create a pudding that rivals anything from your childhood memories, yet feels a little more grown-up in texture and depth of taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this pudding is in its simplicity—every ingredient has a purpose and contributes to the luscious result. Let’s take a closer look at each one so you can see how these pantry staples transform into something spectacular.

Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and that classic pudding mouthfeel, balancing out the deep cocoa flavor.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The foundation of the Chocolate Pudding Recipe, delivering the rich, authentic chocolate taste.
Cornstarch: Ensures the pudding is thick, silky, and holds its shape beautifully once chilled.
Salt: Just a pinch makes all the difference, enhancing and intensifying the chocolate notes.
Whole Milk: The creamy backbone; whole milk gives the pudding its luscious, velvety texture.
Large Egg Yolks: These yolks bring richness and help thicken the pudding for a custard-like consistency.
Unsalted Butter: Stirred in at the end, butter adds gloss and a gentle richness to the finished dessert.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash rounds out the chocolate flavor, making each bite pop with aromatic warmth.

How to Make Chocolate Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt right in your saucepan. This dry mixture is key for evenly distributing the cocoa and thickener before any liquid is added. It helps avoid lumps and ensures your pudding will be silky-smooth later on.

Step 2: Whisk in the Milk

Slowly pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly as you go. This gradual addition prevents clumping and turns your dry ingredients into a perfectly smooth base. Keep whisking until everything is thoroughly combined and there are no dry pockets left.

Step 3: Cook the Base

Place the pan over medium heat, grab your whisk, and stir constantly. This is the moment when the mixture starts to come alive—watch as it thickens and small bubbles appear, usually after about 6 to 8 minutes. The cornstarch needs this gentle heat to activate and provide that classic pudding texture.

Step 4: Temper the Egg Yolks

In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Carefully whisk about half a cup of the hot chocolate mixture into the yolks, a little at a time. This process, called tempering, gently warms the yolks so they blend seamlessly into the pudding rather than scrambling. Once tempered, pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan.

Step 5: Finish Cooking the Pudding

Return the pan to medium heat and continue stirring for another 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll notice the pudding take on a glossy, rich thickness. Once it’s unmistakably pudding-like, take it off the heat—don’t forget, it will thicken a bit more as it cools.

Step 6: Add Butter and Vanilla

Stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until fully melted and smooth. This final touch gives the pudding a silky sheen and deepens the flavor in a wonderfully subtle way.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Pour your finished pudding into individual serving dishes. Gently press a piece of plastic wrap onto the surface of each one—this old-school trick prevents a skin from forming (unless you secretly love that part!). Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours so the texture can set and deepen.

How to Serve Chocolate Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

To make this Chocolate Pudding Recipe feel like an indulgent treat, add a mountain of fresh whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, or even a few crispy cocoa nibs on top. For a pop of color, a handful of sliced strawberries or raspberries are both stunning and delicious.

Side Dishes

This pudding pairs beautifully with simple sides like buttery shortbread cookies or delicate biscotti. If you’re pulling out all the stops, try serving it alongside plump berries or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the usual bowl! Pipe the pudding into tiny mason jars for lunchbox treats, layer it with crushed cookies for parfaits, or spoon it into tart shells for an instant chocolate cream pie. Guests will love the unexpected twist and you’ll look like a dessert genius.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover each serving tightly with plastic wrap (pressed right onto the surface) and stash in the refrigerator. The pudding stays creamy and fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties or a midweek pick-me-up.

Freezing

While technically possible, freezing is not the Chocolate Pudding Recipe’s best friend—the texture may become a little grainy once thawed. If you do freeze, let it thaw slowly in the fridge and give it a good stir before enjoying. For best results, savor this pudding fresh.

Reheating

If you prefer your pudding slightly warm, heat individual portions gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or you’ll lose that creamy, custardy smoothness. A quick stir will revive any pudding that’s gotten a bit too thick in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use 2% or skim milk instead of whole milk?

Yes, but keep in mind the pudding won’t be quite as rich or creamy. Whole milk really enhances the classic texture, but lower-fat milks still produce good results if you’re looking to lighten it up a bit.

Can the Chocolate Pudding Recipe be made dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and the butter with coconut oil. The result is still silky, chocolatey, and completely satisfying, so no one will feel left out at dessert time.

Why do I have to temper the egg yolks?

Tempering ensures the yolks blend smoothly into the hot pudding base without curdling. This keeps your mixture luxuriously creamy instead of ending up with bits of scrambled egg, which nobody wants in their Chocolate Pudding Recipe!

How do I avoid lumps in my pudding?

Whisk the dry ingredients together thoroughly before adding the milk, and then keep whisking as you cook. If you do discover lumps at the end, running the pudding through a fine-mesh strainer can bring back that perfect, smooth texture.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Simply scale up all the ingredients and use a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching. Keep stirring constantly, and you’ll have a big batch of Chocolate Pudding Recipe ready to please a room full of chocolate lovers.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s equal parts nostalgic and irresistible, this Chocolate Pudding Recipe is absolutely worth making from scratch. Trust me—once you taste just how rich, smooth, and honest-to-goodness chocolaty it is, you’ll want to whip it up again and again. Give it a try and let homemade pudding become a new tradition in your kitchen!

Chocolate Pudding Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 22 minutes plus chilling
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of homemade Chocolate Pudding. This classic dessert is a perfect way to satisfy your sweet cravings with its velvety texture and deep chocolate flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 3/4 cups whole milk
3 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare the Pudding Mixture: In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
Cook the Mixture: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 6-8 minutes.
Temper and Thicken: Whisk egg yolks in a bowl, gradually add some hot mixture, then return to saucepan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Finish the Pudding: Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla until smooth. Pour into serving dishes, cover, and chill for at least 2 hours.

Notes

For extra richness, top with whipped cream or shaved chocolate.
To make dairy-free, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and butter with coconut oil.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American