Imagine a spoonful so smooth it almost melts on your tongue, with rich cocoa flavor pooling gently without being too sweet.
This is the kind of simple chocolate pudding you can make on a weeknight or for a small weekend treat, no fancy equipment required.
SaveI first made it with my grandma when I was little, and the memory of that shiny, cool spoonful still makes me smile.
Chocolate Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
Pudding
Optional Toppings
Instructions
- Whisk dry ingredients together
In a medium bowl, whisk the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until no lumps remain and the color is even.
- Combine milk and cream in a saucepan
Pour the milk and heavy cream into a small saucepan and warm over medium low heat just until tiny bubbles form around the edges.
- Whisk egg yolks with sugar mixture
In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks, then slowly whisk in the dry ingredient mixture until smooth.
- Temper the eggs
Slowly drizzle about half of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly, then pour everything back into the saucepan.
- Cook until thickened
Whisk constantly over medium heat for 2 to 4 minutes until the pudding becomes glossy and coats the back of a spoon.
- Strain for extra silkiness
Pour the hot pudding through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any small cooked egg bits.
- Add vanilla and cool
Stir in the vanilla extract, then let the pudding sit for 10 minutes and press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin.
- Chill thoroughly
Refrigerate the covered bowl for at least 3 hours, or until the pudding is completely set and cool.
- Serve and garnish
Spoon the chilled pudding into small glasses and top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or cookie crumbs if you like.
- Enjoy right away or store
Eat within 3 days for best texture, and keep the pudding covered in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
Substitutions and variations
- Use low fat milk and light cream for a lower calorie version, though the pudding will be slightly less rich.
- Replace vanilla with a teaspoon of espresso powder for a deeper mocha flavor.
- For a gluten free version, make sure your cocoa powder and cornstarch are certified gluten free.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy free option that still whips up nicely.
Chloe's tips
- For extra glossy pudding, add a pinch of cream of tartar during the cooking step.
- Use a heavy bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching and stir almost constantly.
- If the pudding seems too thick after chilling, whisk in a tablespoon or two of milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Let the cooked pudding cool to room temperature before covering to help the plastic wrap stick effectively.
Serving suggestions
Serve this chocolate pudding in small glasses for a perfect, fuss free dessert.
- Classic with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce
- In dessert cups with a sprinkle of cookie crumbs on top
- Layered with fresh berries for a light twist
- Make ahead for birthdays or family gatherings
Frequently asked questions
Why is my pudding still runny after chilling?
The most common reason is that the mixture did not reach a full simmer while cooking, so the cornstarch did not activate properly. Next time, cook until the pudding is noticeably thick and bubbling, whisking constantly, and avoid undercooking.
Can I use low fat milk instead of whole milk?
Yes, you can use low fat milk, but the pudding will be lighter in texture and may set a bit softer. Adding a tablespoon of butter at the end can help maintain richness.
How do I keep a skin from forming on top?
Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the warm pudding before refrigerating; this simple step almost always prevents a skin.
Can I make this in a microwave?
You can try small batches in the microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring very often, but on the stove gives more consistent results and easier temperature control.
Let's get cooking!
This chocolate pudding is quietly impressive, silky in every spoonful and easy to feel proud of serving to your family and friends.
