How to Make Chocolate Pudding from Scratch
There’s something inherently comforting about a warm bowl of chocolate pudding, isn’t there? It’s that rich, velvety texture, the tantalizing aroma, and of course, the pure indulgence that makes you feel like you’ve just wrapped yourself in a soft blanket by the fireplace. I can still remember the first time I had homemade chocolate pudding. My grandmother would whip it up on stormy afternoons when the rain tapped gently against the window. That first spoonful was pure magic—sweet, rich, and so creamy it felt like a hug.
This easy recipe for how to make chocolate pudding from scratch is not only simple, but it also brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth to any gathering. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can create a dessert that feels like a cozy evening in. Trust me; this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This decadent dessert comes together in no time, making it perfect for a last-minute indulgence.
- No-Bake Wonder: Say goodbye to turning on the oven! This chocolate pudding is cooked on the stovetop for a delightful, creamy dessert.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Rich chocolate flavor that’s sure to please kids and adults alike.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as is, or use it as a base for scrumptious toppings—perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is a fabulous way to get your kids involved in the kitchen, making lasting memories together.
What You’ll Need
To create this creamy chocolate delight, gather the following simple ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened organic cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup organic cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 3/4 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons room temperature butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Let’s Make It Together
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the magic of making chocolate pudding from scratch!
- In a medium-sized saucepan, stir together the sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.
- Over medium heat, slowly whisk in the milk. Keep stirring gently as you bring the pudding mixture to a gentle boil.
- Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens enough to coat the back of a metal spoon—this usually takes around 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it slickly clings to your spoon, looking glossy and oh-so-inviting.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter completely melts and integrates into the pudding.
- Let the pudding cool for a bit at room temperature. Once it’s slightly cooled, place it in the refrigerator to chill until serving—about 2 hours or until set.
Delicious Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few fun ways to customize your chocolate pudding:
- Minty Chocolate Delight: Add a splash of peppermint extract to the pudding for a refreshing twist, perfect for the Holiday season.
- Spiced Chocolate Pudding: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the mixture for a warm, cozy flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Creamy Coconut Twist: Substitute half of the milk with coconut milk for a tropical vibe that’s creamy and delicious.
- Berry Topping: Top your pudding with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a zesty pop of flavor that adds brightness to each rich bite.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-ahead Magic: This chocolate pudding can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge, making it a super handy dessert for busy nights.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, feel free to use almond milk or oat milk as substitutes.
- Serving Suggestions: Consider serving the pudding in individual cups for an elegant touch—perfect for dinner parties!
- Storage Suggestions: To keep your pudding fresh and creamy, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3 days.
Calories & Nutrition Details
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Sugar: 22g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 70mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! This chocolate pudding can be made up to a day in advance.
Can I use different ingredients?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment with different types of milk or add-ins like flavored extracts.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
How long does it last?
Stored properly, this pudding is good for about 3 days.
Wrapping It Up
This homemade chocolate pudding is not just a dessert; it’s a journey down memory lane, filled with cozy moments and sweet indulgences. By using simple and wholesome ingredients, you can recreate that warm feeling in your kitchen. So, whether you’re making it for a family dinner or just treating yourself on a rainy day, this recipe is sure to fill your soul with joy. Save this How to Make Chocolate Pudding from Scratch to your dessert board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
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Chocolate Pudding from Scratch
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm, rich, and creamy chocolate pudding made from simple ingredients, perfect for a comforting dessert.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened organic cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup organic cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 3/4 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons room temperature butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, stir together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.
- Over medium heat, slowly whisk in the milk while stirring gently.
- Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Let the pudding cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for about 2 hours to chill until set.
Notes
This pudding can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It can also be customized with add-ins like peppermint extract or fruit toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: chocolate pudding, homemade dessert, easy recipe, no-bake, creamy pudding