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Best Homemade Chocolate Pudding Recipe

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4.4 from 8 reviews

This BEST Homemade Chocolate Pudding recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and decadent dessert that’s simple to make with everyday ingredients. Made from scratch using cocoa powder, whole milk, and melted chocolate, this pudding is silky smooth and perfect for a comforting treat or elegant dessert garnished with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes plus chilling time
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup good-quality cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole milk, divided
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For Garnish

  • Fresh whipped cream (optional)
  • Chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cocoa Mixture: Sift the cocoa powder into a medium saucepan and stir in the granulated sugar. Slowly whisk in 1 1/2 cups of milk until the mixture is smooth. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring constantly. Once simmering, remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Mix Egg Yolks and Cornstarch: In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup milk, cornstarch, egg yolks, and salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Continue whisking rapidly as you very slowly pour the hot cocoa and milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture. This tempers the eggs and prevents curdling.
  3. Cook the Pudding: Transfer the combined mixture back into the saucepan and return it to medium-high heat. Whisk continuously until the pudding comes to a full boil. Then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer and keep whisking until the pudding thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the melted chocolate chips, softened butter, and vanilla extract until the pudding is smooth and glossy.
  4. Strain and Chill: Pour the pudding through a fine mesh sieve into a separate container to ensure a silky texture by removing any lumps. Divide the pudding evenly between four 4-ounce cups or small bowls. Cover each pudding with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight until fully set.
  5. Serve with Garnish: Once chilled and set, garnish the pudding with fresh whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired. Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Notes

  • To prevent lumps, whisk continuously while cooking and strain the pudding before chilling.
  • Using whole milk provides a creamier texture; for a lighter version, substitute with 2% milk but expect slightly less richness.
  • Allow the pudding to chill thoroughly to develop the best texture and flavor.
  • This pudding can be made a day ahead, making it ideal for entertaining.
  • Ensure plastic wrap touches the surface to avoid forming a skin on the pudding.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American