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Chocolate Pudding

5 from 3 votes
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posted: 12/21/23

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

Chocolate Pudding is an easy dessert that takes only 10 minutes to make. This homemade chocolate pudding is going to become a family favorite!

Two cups of Chocolate Pudding garnished with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Spoon in front cup and another spoon beside

In general, I prefer savory and salty food over sweet. You hand me a plate of onion rings, and I am a very happy girl. Give me all the savory appetizers.

However, now and again, there is nothing that I want more than chocolate. And usually, when that chocolate craving hits, what I really want is a big delicious bowl of chocolate pudding with whipped cream on top.

Pudding is incredibly easy to make from scratch. In fact, one might argue that it is just as easy to make as cracking open a box of pudding mix. But homemade chocolate pudding is a million times better.

How to Make Chocolate Pudding

This is a brief overview of how to make this simple chocolate pudding recipe. For the full recipe with all of the measurements, see the recipe card in the bottom of the post.

  1. Combine dry ingredients. In a medium sauce pan, not over heat, combine sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
  2. Stir in milk. Turn the heat on low, and slowly whisk in the milk.
  3. Stir regularly. Continuously whisk the mixture until it comes to a boil. It will take about 10 minutes. Once it comes to a boil, cook for 1 more minute and then stir in vanilla extract and butter.
  4. Cool the pudding. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, and press a piece of plastic wrap to the top. Cool in the refrigerator for 4 hours.
Two bowls of Chocolate Pudding garnished with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Spoon beside.

Preventing Lumpy Chocolate Pudding

The key to making this pudding recipe rich, creamy, and smooth, is the way in which we add the ingredients. You will notice that you are specifically instructed to whisk together the dry ingredients. Then you very slowly add the milk. This, combined with the continued whisking while it is coming to a boil, will keep the pudding smooth and perfect.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is what helps to thicken the pudding. The benefit in using cornstarch instead of flour is that it thickens the pudding without turning it gummy. It also happens to keep this pudding gluten free!

Whole Milk

While there are some desert recipes where you can fudge on the fat content in milk, this is not one of them. You will want to use whole milk when making chocolate pudding. It gives you the rich taste and the creamy texture that puts this over the top.

Making Ahead

This is a great dessert recipe to make ahead, especially around the holidays. Since the pudding needs to set anyway, you can make this simple dessert the night before and then pull it out at the end of dinner.

Close up photo of a spoonful of Chocolate Pudding over cup of Chocolate Pudding

Serving

I highly recommend making this with some of my homemade whipped cream. The simple whipped cream can be thrown together just before serving as it comes together so quickly. The two recipes are so easy but compliment each other perfectly.

You will notice that I also added some chocolate shavings to the top. This makes for a really beautiful effect. Simply use a vegetable peeler to create little chocolate swirls from a chocolate bar.

Whipped Cream

Homemade Whipped Cream comes together with only two ingredients and it is perfect for topping all of your homemade desserts and pies.
Photo of a jar of Homemade Whipped Cream with strawberries

Storing

Store any leftover chocolate pudding in your refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to store it in an air tight container. Once it has been stirred after the first chilling you will not need to place the plastic wrap back on top. The chilled pudding will not form a layer on the top when it goes back in the refrigerator.

FAQ

How long can chocolate pudding last?

This recipe will last in your refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Is chocolate pudding gluten free?

Yes! As long as you ensure that your corn starch is gluten free, you are good to go.

Do you need eggs for pudding?

While lots of pudding recipes call for eggs, we assure you that this one works perfectly without them.

Do I have to use whole milk?

Yes, I do not recommend using a milk with a lower fat content such as 2% or skim.

Side view of cups of Chocolate Pudding garnished with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Spoons beside.

Other Easy Desserts

If you make this delicious chocolate pudding dessert, leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

Two bowls of Chocolate Pudding garnished with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Spoon beside.
5 from 3 votes

Chocolate Pudding

Serves: 4 servings
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 4 hours 15 minutes
Chocolate Pudding is an easy dessert that takes only 10 minutes to make. This homemade chocolate pudding is going to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup sugar (131.99 grams)
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder (21 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch (21 grams)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 cups whole milk (532.32 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (28.25 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan (with the heat off), whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Turn the heat on low, and gradually whisk in the milk.
    2/3 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Stir continuously while cooking the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a boil. It will take approximately 10 minutes. (See note.) Once it begins to boil, continue stirring and cooking for an additional minute. Remove it from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract and butter.
    2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Transfer the pudding to a medium mixing bowl and press a piece of plastic wrap right up against the pudding to keep it from developing a skin on top. Cool in the refrigerator for at least four hours.
  • Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Notes

In step 2 when you are waiting for the mixture to come to a boil and thicken, it will seem like it is never going to happen and something is wrong. Then suddenly it will come together and be a great consistency.
Serving: 0.5cup Calories: 299kcal (15%) Carbohydrates: 48g (16%) Protein: 6g (12%) Fat: 11g (17%) Saturated Fat: 7g (44%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g Monounsaturated Fat: 3g Trans Fat: 0.2g Cholesterol: 32mg (11%) Sodium: 245mg (11%) Potassium: 292mg (8%) Fiber: 2g (8%) Sugar: 40g (44%) Vitamin A: 397IU (8%) Calcium: 178mg (18%) Iron: 1mg (6%)
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Two bowls of Chocolate Pudding garnished with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Spoon beside.

did you make this

Chocolate Pudding

I’d love to see what you made! Tag me @lisasimplejoy and hashtag it #simplejoyrecipes!

Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

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  1. Cecile says

    I am a savory kind of gal also. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 Love your recipes!

  2. Vera J Tabor says

    5 stars
    Thanks for another of one your great recipes, went I get feeling better I’m going try lot of your recipes. Thanks for sharing your recipes. Enjoying see recipes and can’t wait to try some of them. GOD BLESS toYou and Your Family, Prayers., well said it again.

    • Lisa Longley says

      Thank you so much Vera!

  3. Andy says

    5 stars
    Hi I made this but I used lactaid whole milk and it worked ok for me since I am lactose intolerant. Tastes much better than from the box. Oh also used cool whip for the top. Now I don’t have to take a pill to enjoy it. Thank you!

    • Lisa Longley says

      Glad to hear that it works with lactaid!

  4. Carolyn says

    Easy, but adding a whole egg gives protein; makes it healthier.

    I use tapioca starch as a thickener.

  5. Terry says

    5 stars
    Something is wrong with the site. It’s very difficult to give anything higher than 3 stars. When I do manage to get all 5 stars, as soon as I scroll, they dissappear. I am most definitely giving this FIVE stars, even though I can’t hit 5 stars. Now, my review!
    Yum! I made this late this afternoon for after our Christmas Eve dinner tomorrow. I used a spatula to get all the last yumptuous out of the pan, and of course my husband and I had to lick that spatula clean! I’ll whip up some whipping cream to top it. Our daughter loves pudding. I haven’t made any in a very long time because I’m not buying boxed. Thank you so much for such an easy and quick recipe!
    Merry Christmas 🎄

    • Lisa Longley says

      I’m sorry about the site issue, but it doesn’t look like it was a problem, it came up as five stars. I’m so glad you liked it!

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