For me, Christmas is all about cozy flavors and indulgent desserts, and nothing beats a homemade chocolate pudding. It’s simple, festive, and absolutely irresistible
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Chocolate Pudding Recipe
Chocolate pudding is a classic dessert that never fails to bring back good memories. It’s everything you crave in comfort food: smooth, rich, and wonderfully chocolatey, with a silky texture that melts in your mouth.
Made with everyday kitchen staples like milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and a bit of cornstarch for thickening, chocolate pudding comes together quickly and can be served warm or chilled. It’s perfect for any season.
You can enjoy this pudding with crunchy chocolate chip cookies, delicate gingersnaps, or classic vanilla wafers. Biscotti and butter cookies also make delightful companions for dipping or crumbling on top.
This dessert can be served alongside a bowl of mixed berries, slices of ripe banana, or juicy orange segments. Roasted nuts such as hazelnuts or almonds add texture and a nutty contrast.
For something a bit more decadent, the dish pairs well with a swirl of whipped cream, a drizzle of salted caramel, or even a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt. You can try other toppings like toasted coconut, sprinkles, or warm fudge sauce to make it truly festive.
On the beverage side, the pudding complements an after-dinner espresso, a glass of cold milk, or sweet dessert wines like port or sherry. It’s especially delightful served with hot drinks such as a rich mocha, a chai latte, or classic hot chocolate for a full-on chocolate lover’s experience.
Here’s how to make the smooth chocolate pudding:
Chocolate Pudding
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Whipped cream or shaved chocolate for topping Optional:
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually add milk while whisking to prevent lumps.
- Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble (about 8–10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour into serving dishes. Cover with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours before serving.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk and vegan butter.
- To make it extra chocolatey, stir in 2 oz (56 g) of chopped dark chocolate after removing from heat.
- Best served chilled with whipped cream or fresh berries.
Variations
Besides this basic recipe, you can make other chocolate pudding versions. Try these:
- Dark Chocolate Pudding uses extra-dark cocoa and bittersweet chocolate for a deeper, more intense flavor.
- Salted Chocolate Pudding adds a generous pinch of flaky sea salt to the mix for a sophisticated balance between sweet and salty.
- Dairy-Free Version uses coconut milk or almond milk.
- Vegan Pudding uses plant-based milk and a cornstarch or arrowroot thickener for an egg-free, dairy-free pudding with the same creamy consistency.
- Mexican Variation adds cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper, giving it a warm, spicy kick reminiscent of classic Mexican chocolate.
- Peanut Butter Addition includes a few spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter for a nutty, ultra-rich and satisfying treat.
- Mocha Chocolate Pudding adds instant coffee or a splash of brewed espresso is whisked in for a grown-up, slightly bitter pudding with coffee notes.
- Orange Zest Pudding adds freshly grated orange zest for a citrusy twist.