• Recipe Index
    • Appetizers & Snacks
      • Healthy Snacks
    • Breakfast
      • Breads and Muffins
    • Desserts
      • Cakes and Cupcakes
      • Frozen Treats
      • Pies
    • Main Course
      • Slow Cooker Recipes
      • Sandwiches & Wraps
    • Salads
    • Sauces & Spreads
    • Side Dishes
    • Drinks
      • Smoothies and Shakes
    • Soups
    • Seasonal Favorites
  • 30 Minute Meals
  • Instant Pot
  • Contact
  • Meet Gayle
↑

Pumpkin 'N Spice

Where easy recipes and lifestyle collide

  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers & Snacks
      • Healthy Snacks
    • Breakfast
      • Breads and Muffins
      • Donuts and Scones
    • Desserts
      • Breads and Muffins
      • Cakes and Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Donuts and Scones
      • Frozen Treats
      • Pies
    • Drinks
      • Smoothies and Shakes
    • Main Course
      • 30 Minute Meals
      • Instant Pot
      • Sandwiches & Wraps
      • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Salads
    • Sauces & Spreads
    • Seasonal Favorites
      • Christmas Favorites
      • Fall Recipes
      • Valentine’s Day
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • 30 Minute Meals
  • Instant Pot
  • Slow Cooker
  • Shop
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
  • Meet Gayle
You are here: Home / Desserts / Easy Chocolate Pudding

Easy Chocolate Pudding

Desserts

  • Pin114
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly2
  • Email

Easy Chocolate Pudding is made completely from scratch and loaded with flavor. Thick, creamy, and extra chocolatey, this classic dish will be a favorite for years to come!

Easy Chocolate Pudding is made completely from scratch and loaded with flavor. Thick, creamy, and extra chocolatey, this classic dish will be a favorite for years to come!

Chocolate pudding is one of those treats that reminds me of my childhood.

Such an easy dessert…just open the box, add some milk, and whisk away. Within minutes, creamy pudding appeared. It was magical!

And I’m not ashamed to admit that I still make the boxed kind every once in a while for the hubster and I. It’s just so convenient for when you get a craving for chocolate.

But, I have to say that once I tried making this homemade chocolate pudding, I was instantly hooked.

Now, it’s not the first time that I’ve made homemade pudding, but, it’s been a while. So when I got a taste for some really good pudding, I put my chef’s hat on and got to work.

There is a little bit more hand power that goes into this chocolate pudding recipe, but trust me, it’s worth it. Once you taste the rich flavors and experience that thick and creamy texture, you’ll never go back to the boxed pudding mix.

Easy Chocolate Pudding is made completely from scratch and loaded with flavor. Thick, creamy, and extra chocolatey, this classic dish will be a favorite for years to come!

How to make easy chocolate pudding:

Just seven ingredients, and no eggs are required to make this decadent homemade chocolate pudding.

  • In a medium saucepan, whisk some sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, cornstarch and salt until mixed well.
  • While whisking continuously, slowly add in the milk until combined.
  • Turn the heat to low and whisk until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble up and boil. This is where you have to be patient. You don’t want to turn the heat too high, as the cornstarch will boil before it cooks to thicken the pudding. You can turn the heat up slightly, but don’t do so too fast. It will take about 10 minutes for the mixture to bubble up.
  • Once that happens, continue whisking for 1-2 minutes. You want the mixture to be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon without seeing through it. As the pudding chills, it will continue to thicken.
  • Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Transfer to serving dishes, if desired, and chill for at least 4 hours, or until firm.

Some tips for making homemade chocolate pudding:

Like I mentioned above, this recipe calls for patience. You don’t want to rush through the process, as you will end up with runny pudding that just won’t firm up in the fridge. Trust me, it took me more than five times to get this right, so you can learn from my mistakes.

It’s best to have your ingredients ready to go and within arms reach. After the pudding comes off the stove, you want to stir in the butter and vanilla immediately so the butter melts. Why add butter? It gives the pudding an added richness. Don’t skip this step!

I cannot stress this enough…don’t crank the heat up when cooking this pudding. That was my first mistake when attempting thick chocolate pudding. If you have the heat on medium or high, it will boil the mixture before the cornstarch gets a chance to cook. And when that happens, the pudding will remain soupy and won’t firm up no matter what you do. And no one wants soupy pudding!

It’s best to cook this pudding on low heat to create a thick and creamy consistency. Yes, it will take longer, but the results are a silky and creamy pudding.

Cornstarch is essential in this pudding recipe. It’s what helps create that thick consistency which we all love. However, cornstarch can cause small lumps, so it’s best to pour the pudding through a mesh strainer before transferring to a serving dish.

How do you know when your pudding is cooked? It should coat the back of a metal spoon without dripping, and you shouldn’t be able to see the metal through the pudding.

Let the pudding chill for at least four hours before digging in. While you can eat it beforehand, it may still be a little runny in the center. Leave it in the fridge to firm up completely and get that thick texture.

Easy Chocolate Pudding is made completely from scratch and loaded with flavor. Thick, creamy, and extra chocolatey, this classic dish will be a favorite for years to come!

Why is my pudding grainy?

Most likely because the sugar didn’t dissolve completely when heating. Remember, we are cooking this pudding low and slow, while whisking continuously, so that should help with making sure your pudding is smooth and silky.

How long does thick chocolate pudding last?

You can store this pudding in the refrigerator for up to five days. I like to cover it with cling wrap or spoon into a glass container for convenience.

What do I serve with homemade chocolate pudding?

Whipped cream! I love to spoon a dollop of homemade whipped cream, or even the canned kind, on top.

Vanilla ice cream! If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a scoop of ice cream will hit the spot!

Fresh strawberries! If you need a little fruit alongside your chocolate, strawberries are the perfect side.

The best chocolate pudding is just a few ingredients away! It’ll bring back those childhood memories and hit the spot…trust me!

Easy Chocolate Pudding is made completely from scratch and loaded with flavor. Thick, creamy, and extra chocolatey, this classic dish will be a favorite for years to come!

Looking for more chocolate desserts? I’ve got you covered!

  • Flourless Chocolate Cake
  • Chocolate Lava Mug Cake
  • Double Chocolate Cobbler
  • Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting
  • Chocolate Covered Pound Cake Bites
 
 
Easy Chocolate Pudding is made completely from scratch and loaded with flavor. Thick, creamy, and extra chocolatey, this classic dish will be a favorite for years to come!
Print Pin

Easy Chocolate Pudding

Easy Chocolate Pudding is made completely from scratch and loaded with flavor. Thick, creamy, and extra chocolatey, this classic dish will be a favorite for years to come!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword chocolate, chocolate pudding
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 306kcal

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Measuring Cups

Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4¼ cups whole or 2% milk
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, whisk sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, cornstarch and salt. While whisking continuously, slowly add milk until combined. 
  • Turn the heat to medium-low and whisk frequently until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble up and boil. This is where you have to be patient. You don't want to turn the heat too high, as the cornstarch will boil before it cooks, and then it won't thicken the pudding. You can turn the heat up slightly, but don't do so too fast. It will take about 10 minutes (or more, depending on your stove) for the mixture to bubble up.
  • Once the mixture bubbles up like lava, continue whisking for 1-2 minutes. You want the mixture to be thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon without seeing through it. As the pudding chills, it will continue to thicken.
  • Remove from heat and immediately add butter and vanilla and stir until butter is completely melted. If there are lumps in the pudding from the cornstarch, that is normal. Pour the pudding through a mesh strainer before transferring to serving dish(es).
  • Transfer to serving dishes (or one big bowl) and cover the top of pudding with cling wrap (put the wrap directly on the surface of the pudding so a film doesn't form) and chill for at least 4 hours, or until firm. Serve with whipped cream, if desired.

Notes

  • See my tips and tricks for making this easy chocolate pudding above the recipe box.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 306kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 275mg | Potassium: 343mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 43g | Vitamin A: 345IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 211mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @pumpkin_n_spice or tag #pumpkin_n_spice!
 
 

Stay in the loop! Subscribe for all the latest recipes

Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.

By Gayle | April 13, 2020

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Gayle

Welcome!

I’m glad you've stumbled on by and hope you’ll return to find some recipes that intrigue your senses! About Gayle

Popular Recipes

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

These Easy Breakfast Quesadillas are filled with fluffy, scrambled eggs, green peppers, bacon and cheddar cheeses, all enveloped between two crispy tortilla shells. It's an easy meal that's perfect for busy mornings!

Easy Breakfast Quesadillas

simple sweet potatoes in a bowl with a fork

Parmesan Herb Roasted Sweet Potatoes

These Baked Parmesan Green Bean Fries are coated with a mixture of Parmesan cheese and spices, and then baked until golden. Crispy, crunchy, and full of flavor, these healthier fries make the perfect appetizer or easy side dish!

Parmesan Baked Green Bean Fries

Featured in:

Featured On

Stay in the loop! Subscribe for all the latest recipes

Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.

Copyright ©2021, Pumpkin 'N Spice. / Site by Pixel Me Designs
  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers & Snacks
      • Healthy Snacks
    • Breakfast
      • Breads and Muffins
      • Donuts and Scones
    • Desserts
      • Breads and Muffins
      • Cakes and Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Donuts and Scones
      • Frozen Treats
      • Pies
    • Drinks
      • Smoothies and Shakes
    • Main Course
      • 30 Minute Meals
      • Instant Pot
      • Sandwiches & Wraps
      • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Salads
    • Sauces & Spreads
    • Seasonal Favorites
      • Christmas Favorites
      • Fall Recipes
      • Valentine’s Day
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • 30 Minute Meals
  • Instant Pot
  • Slow Cooker
  • Shop
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
  • Meet Gayle