Description
This BEST Homemade Chocolate Pudding recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and luscious dessert made from scratch using high-quality cocoa powder and melted semi-sweet chocolate. It’s a simple stovetop pudding that’s smooth, deeply chocolatey, and perfect for chilling and serving with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1/3 cup good-quality cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Dairy & Eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (divided)
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (softened)
Chocolate & Flavoring
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For Garnishing
- Fresh whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Mix Cocoa and Sugar: Sift the cocoa powder into a medium saucepan and stir in the granulated sugar. Slowly whisk in 1 1/2 cups of the whole milk until the mixture is smooth. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer while stirring constantly to prevent lumps or burning. Once simmering, remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup whole milk, cornstarch, egg yolks, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Whisk rapidly while very slowly pouring the hot cocoa milk mixture into the egg mixture to temper the eggs, preventing curdling.
- Cook the Pudding: Transfer the combined mixture back into the saucepan. Place over medium-high heat and whisk constantly until the pudding reaches a full boil. Immediately reduce the heat to a simmer and continue whisking for 2 to 3 more minutes until the pudding thickens to a creamy consistency. Remove from heat.
- Add Chocolate and Flavorings: Stir the melted semi-sweet chocolate chips, softened butter, and vanilla extract into the hot pudding until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Strain and Chill: Pour the pudding through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps, then divide evenly into four 4-ounce cups or small bowls. Cover each with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent skin formation. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set and chilled.
- Serve and Garnish: Before serving, garnish each pudding cup with fresh whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an elegant and delicious presentation. Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Notes
- Tempering the egg mixture carefully is essential to prevent curdling when combining with hot milk.
- Using good-quality cocoa powder and melting semi-sweet chocolate chips enhances the depth of chocolate flavor.
- Whisk continuously during cooking to avoid lumps and ensure smooth texture.
- Covering the pudding surface directly with plastic wrap avoids skin formation during chilling.
- Chilling for at least 4 hours helps the pudding set perfectly for ideal consistency.
- Leftover pudding should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate pudding, homemade pudding, stovetop pudding, chocolate dessert, easy chocolate pudding
