Name: Chocolate Pudding Recipe: Rich, Creamy, Classic Comfort
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 140 min
Ingredients: ½ cup sugar; ¼ cup cocoa powder; ¼ cup cornstarch; 3 cups whole milk; 4 egg yolks; 4 oz bittersweet chocolate; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tsp vanilla

Introduction

Table of Contents

Chocolate Pudding is the ultimate nostalgic dessert: silky smooth, deeply chocolatey, and perfectly spoonable straight from the fridge. This homemade version is miles better than boxed, with real cocoa and a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. Presented in small white ceramic ramekins or a large glass bowl, optionally topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, this Chocolate Pudding offers glossy richness and pure comfort that makes any day feel a little sweeter.

Ingredients

For the Homemade Chocolate Pudding (serves 6): • ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed for richer flavor)
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ⅛ tsp kosher salt
• 3 cups whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• 4 oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For Serving: • Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, fresh berries

Step-by-Step Process

Whisk the dry ingredients
In a medium saucepan (off heat), whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until no lumps remain.
Add milk gradually
Slowly pour in 1 cup of milk while whisking constantly to dissolve the cornstarch. Add the remaining 2 cups of milk and whisk until smooth.
Heat the mixture
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until mixture thickens and starts to bubble (about 6–8 minutes). Once bubbling, cook 1 more minute to fully activate the cornstarch.
Temper the egg yolks
Remove from heat. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly pour 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking vigorously (this prevents scrambling).
Combine
Pour tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan. Return to medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, for 2–3 minutes, until the mixture has thickened further and coats the back of a spoon.
Add chocolate & butter
Remove from heat. Add chopped chocolate, butter, and vanilla. Stir until completely melted and smooth.
Strain & cool
Pour through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl (removes any tiny lumps). Press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent skin. Cool to room temp (30 minutes), then chill 2–4 hours.
Serve
Stir before serving. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Pudding

• Whisk constantly—prevents lumps and scorching
• Temper eggs slowly—avoids scrambled texture
• Strain at the end—ensures ultra-smooth
• Dutch-processed cocoa—deeper, less bitter flavor
• Plastic wrap on surface—no skin forms
• Chill fully—sets up perfectly

Variations and Customization

• Extra Rich: add 2 oz extra chocolate
• Mint Chocolate: add ½ tsp peppermint extract
• Mocha: add 1–2 tsp espresso powder
• Vegan: coconut milk + cornstarch + dark chocolate
• Spiced: add a pinch of cinnamon or chili
• Layered: alternate with vanilla pudding

Storage and Serving Tips

• Keeps 4–5 days in fridge (covered)
• Freezes up to 1 month (texture slightly softer)
• Serve chilled or room temp
• Quick refresh: stir + top with fresh cream
• Serve in individual cups or a large bowl
• Perfect with cookies or as pie filling

Nutritional Information

Based on 6 servings:
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Total Fat: 22g (Saturated 13g)
• Carbohydrates: 42g (Sugars 30g)

FAQ

1. Can I use milk chocolate?
Yes—reduce sugar by 2 tbsp for balance.

2. Is my pudding lumpy?
Didn’t whisk constantly or add eggs too fast. Strain or blend.

3. Make-ahead?
Yes—up to 3 days ahead.

4. No cornstarch—what can I use?
Flour (double amount) or arrowroot.

5. Too thick?
Add more milk next time or thin with cream.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Pudding is pure comfort in a bowl—rich, creamy, and so chocolatey it feels like a hug. One spoonful and suddenly childhood memories flood back, afternoons feel slower, and everyone’s asking for the recipe while sneaking extra bites. Make it once, and it becomes your signature “I whipped this up” dessert that earns happy sighs and empty bowls every time.