Chocolate Pudding

Rich, creamy, and nostalgic, this delicious treat will bring you back to your childhood.

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Growing up I loved chocolate pudding, whether it be a pudding cup or a scoop of pudding on my lunch tray, there was nothing better than the cool creamy sweetness of chocolate pudding. I distinctly remember when I had my wisdom teeth taken out and could only eat soft foods I did not mind because chocolate pudding was still on the menu.

I know it is obvious, I have a sweet tooth. I am pretty sure every time I talk about a dessert, a baked good, or anything sweet I end up waxing poetic about my nostalgia. I cannot help it, sweet was the flavor of my childhood. As much as I always loved chocolate pudding it was that nostalgia that made me want to learn to make it myself. When I found this recipe for chocolate pudding, I knew that chocolate pudding would always be on the menu, wisdom teeth or not.

While chocolate pudding has always been in my life, I know I am not the only one. Dating all the way back to the 19th century, chocolate pudding has been a part of American culture since the price of cocoa dropped, making it suddenly available to many people. Long before Jell-O made chocolate pudding for your grocery shelves, chocolate pudding made like this recipe was already popular. The taste is decadent but not overly so, dry yet sweet, not bitter like dark chocolate but still rich and full of cocoa flavors.

Is Chocolate Pudding Healthy?

This recipe has granulated sugar which should not be overindulged in, as well as whole milk and butter which bring additional calories and fats to the recipe, but also are a great source of calcium and protein. You can make this chocolate pudding vegan by substituting your whole milk with full-fat coconut milk and your butter with a plant-based butter substitute. This treat is also gluten-free making it safe for people with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

What is the difference between cocoa and chocolate?

We know we are making chocolate pudding so you would think chocolate would be an ingredient, but that is where the difference between cocoa and chocolate comes into play. Cocoa powder is made from the raw bean of the cacao plant that has been dried, fermented and roasted before being turned into powder. Cocoa is the primary ingredient in chocolate but for this recipe, it’s mixed with whole milk and butter (as well as the other ingredients) to make a chocolate pudding.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 3/4 cups whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

Whisk

Combine dry ingredients and milk in a saucepan.

Thicken

Heat while stirring until the mixture bubbles and thickens.

Chill

Add butter and vanilla, then chill until set.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

Storing your chocolate pudding can be done as either individual airtight servings, like a mason jar, or in a large airtight sealed container. It is recommended to put plastic wrap or parchment paper directly on top of your pudding to avoid a skin forming on the top. Your chocolate pudding will hold in a refrigerator for up to 5 days.

How long should I cool my chocolate pudding?

It is recommended to refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow your pudding to fully set.

What if I prefer dark chocolate?

You can easily use a dark cocoa powder to get a more dark chocolate flavor for your pudding.

Serving Suggestions

When serving your chocolate pudding the sky is the limit. Of course, the individual cups or mason jars are always a fantastic option for single-serving chocolate pudding. You can also make a homemade chocolate pudding pie by pouring your chocolate pudding mix into a Homemade Pie Crust and allowing it to set.

I personally like to top my chocolate pudding with fresh fruit and berries like bananas, strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. For a more decadent dessert, you can add milk chocolate flakes or chips to the top of your chocolate pudding. Finally, whipped cream or marshmallows also make great sweet toppings to your chocolate pudding. When I told you I love chocolate pudding I was not kidding, and after you make this recipe, you will be on the same page. Enjoy.