Why We Love Homemade Chocolate Pudding
Rich, silky, perfectly chilled pudding is a classic dessert recipe that is dear to our hearts. My husband and I both loved eating puddings as kids, and it’s such a joy to share them with our children now. There are so many different, delicious ways that a great pudding can be enjoyed. Like in this fruity and unique Homemade Strawberry Pudding recipe, or one of my personal favorites, as a base for a Layered Banana Pudding Cake. Or you can even make Key Lime Pudding Pops or Chocolate Pots de Creme! No matter how it’s served, there’s something so wonderfully comforting and nostalgic about savoring creamy spoonfuls of sweet, cold pudding. And did you know that it is ridiculously easy to make pudding from scratch? Today we are sharing what is absolutely the Best Homemade Chocolate Pudding Recipe… Ever. It’s so terrifically simple and quick, that I swear you’ll never buy the boxed stuff again!
Why Should I Make Chocolate Pudding from Scratch?
Why make pudding from scratch when you can pick up a mix package at the store? Homemade pudding skips the weird preservatives and chemicals found in boxed varieties. Plus, you can personalize the flavors with whatever you like, so you are not stuck with what is available on the supermarket shelf! I’m not exaggerating at all when I say that it’s almost just as easy, and tastes SO much better when you make pudding at home with just a few pantry staple ingredients. It’s just sugar, milk, cornstarch, and flavoring, mixed, simmered, and then cooled. How simple is that?!
Ingredients You Need
Below, you’ll find the ingredients necessary to make a chocolate version of our classic homemade pudding recipe. This is also a great base recipe for adding your favorite goodies like cinnamon, peanut butter powder, and/or flavored extracts. Here’s what you need to make the BEST pudding from scratch:
Whole Milk – or 2% Granulated sugar Unsweetened cocoa powder Cornstarch – to thicken things up, used instead of egg yolks or whole eggs! Salt Butter Vanilla extract – for a little extra flavor Instant coffee granules
I include instant coffee granules in this Homemade Chocolate Pudding recipe to add depth and richness to the chocolate flavor. However, feel free to omit them if you prefer. The butter is added at the end to offer a silkier texture and beautiful sheen to this easy chocolate pudding. It’s not necessary, but oh my does it make a lovely difference!
How to Make Chocolate Pudding from Scratch
It only takes 10 minutes and a few easy steps to whip up an unbelievably indulgent chocolate pudding. First, set a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, salt, and coffee granules. Stir to combine, and then pour in the milk. Whisk well to remove all clumps. Next, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Be sure not to turn the heat too high or you’ll boil and overcook your pudding! Once simmering, stir constantly for a couple of minutes as the pudding thickens. It should be fairly thick to coat a spoon or spatula, but will continue to thicken as it cools. Lastly, remove from heat and immediately stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Keep stirring until the butter is fully melted and combined. Scoop the pudding into a storage container and press a piece of plastic wrap down over the surface of the pudding, so a skin doesn’t form as it cools. Place the container(s) of pudding covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator to completely cool and thicken, for about 2 hours. Once it is fully chilled, you can remove the plastic wrap and cover the chocolate pudding with a lid. Serve cold. Just look at that gorgeous shine!
Tips & Tricks
If you feel like you were unable to stir in all the clumps, you can pour the pudding through a mesh strainer to remove any debris. This chocolate pudding recipe also makes a fabulous chocolate pie filling! Make sure to cook it the full 2 minutes, so it sets very thick. This will ensure that the corn starch really gets activated! Use high-quality cocoa powder for a deep, chocolatey flavor!
Get the Complete (Printable) Best Homemade Chocolate Pudding Recipe + Video Below. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this easy chocolate pudding recipe in individual serving dishes, topping with a dollop of freshly made whipped cream, for adorable little treats! Chocolate pudding is delicious served with fresh fruit like raspberries, strawberries, or bananas!
Looking for More Delicious Chocolate Dessert Recipes?
2 Ingredient Easy Chocolate Fondue Quintessential Chocolate Cake Chocolate Pots de Creme with Espresso Whipped Cream French Silk Chocolate Brownies Best Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Check the printable recipe card below for the prep time, cook time, total time, and nutrition information. Make sure to share this recipe on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Share This Recipe With Friends!
