This homemade Chocolate Pudding is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. It has a velvety texture and a rich, deep chocolate flavor. Once you make this easy treat with only wholesome ingredients, you will never go back to store-bought pudding again. For an over-the-top treat, serve with fresh whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Rich and creamy chocolate pudding hits the sweet spot just right. This recipe uses wholesome natural ingredients, so you can feel good about eating and serving it to your family.
My family is full of chocoholics. If you have a few, try my chocolate zucchini cake, double chocolate muffins, and chocolate pie.
Why this recipe works
- The ingredients for this recipe are everyday pantry staples or are readily available at any grocery store.
- This pudding is goof-proof with a couple of simple tips (which are in the recipe notes). It is an authentic pudding; it does not contain eggs like a custard.
- It turns out rich, creamy, velvety, and smooth every time.
- Everyone I know loves pudding, and the most popular flavor is, of course, chocolate.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Cocoa: use good quality unsweetened cocoa powder like Ghirardell. It will give you a richer chocolate flavor.
- Milk: whole milk or 2%
- Butter: unsalted or salted. If using salted, omit the added salt.
- Vanilla extract: the real stuff. I know it is pricey, but it really does make a difference. Costco sells a large bottle for a fairly reasonable price if you do a lot of baking.
How to make Chocolate Pudding
Mix the brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, and cocoa powder in a medium bowl. Now, for best results, run it through a sifter to break up any lumps. Add it to a medium saucepan or pot as you run it through the sifter. Now, whisk the milk into the mixture over medium heat. Continue whisking and stirring to ensure all the pan’s inside edges are scraped. I alternate between the whisk and spoon to make it creamy and ensure it does not stick or scorch to the bottom of the pan.
Bring it to a full boil, then reduce it to a simmer and cook for about 2 minutes or until thickened, whisking and stirring. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla. Pour the pudding into a bowl and press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding. This will keep skin from forming on the pudding. For best results, chill for several hours.
Preparations Tips
- Pull the butter out of the fridge and let it soften on the counter while you prepare the pudding.
- Reduce the heat if necessary to prevent the pudding from boiling too hard or sticking or scorching to the bottom of the pan.
- Don’t stop stirring and whisking. Both steps are essential in the outcome of the pudding.
- After the pudding is cooked, continue stirring every couple of minutes to prevent a skin from forming till you cover the top with plastic wrap.
Storage
Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I do not recommend freezing pudding, as the consistency will be more like low-quality ice cream.
More Chocolate Recipes
Easy Chocolate Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup cocoa
- 4 cups whole milk 2% or 2%
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan sift together brown sugar, cornstarch, salt and cocoa.
- Whisk in the milk until combined. Turn heat to medium/medium low and continue whisking and stirring.
- Bring to a full boil and then reduce to a simmer while whisking and stirring. Cook for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla.
- Pour the pudding into a bowl and press a piece of plastic wrap directly on to the surface of the pudding. This will keep a skin from forming on the pudding. For best results chill for several hours.
- Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container.
Notes
- Pull the butter out of the fridge and let it soften on the counter while you prepare the pudding.
- Reduce the heat if necessary to prevent the pudding from boiling too hard or from sticking or scorching to the bottom of the pan.
- Don’t stop stirring and whisking. Both steps are very important in the final outcome of the pudding.
- After the pudding is cooked, continue stirring every couple of minutes to prevent a skin from forming till you cover the top with plastic wrap.
Nutrition
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Maria
What an easy treat to make! I’ll could never go back to the instant kind after seeing this recipe. Thank you!
Jen
This was surprisingly easy! I’ve never made it from scratch before so now I can officially ditch the box now, thanks!
Sandra McCollum
Such a delicious and impressive dessert!! Everyone at my house loved it!
Suzy
The kids loved it! Homemade is so much more tastier than boxed!
Sharry
Can this be a pie?
Beth Pierce
Yes you can make this pudding into a pie.
Tara
Definitely looks absolutely incredible with that velvety texture! So much better than homemade. I love how easily the pudding comes together too. Yum!
Kevin
This is going to be the only way I eat pudding now!
Cathy
Homemade chocolate pudding is my new favorite!
Catalina
Who can resist to this chocolate pudding?! It’s the best!
Cate
Ohh yum! I’ve never made my own pudding, and these looks so creamy and delicious, saving!
Julia
My kids loves chocolate pudding! I have to try this homemade version of chocolate pudding:) It looks so delicious!
Pam
I’m going to make some of this pudding today and eat it warm! There is nothing like warm chocolate in my opinion.
veenaazmanov
Delicious, easy, quick and kid friendly recipe. Looks yum and definitely super delicious.
Shelley
Definitely a chocolate lover’s dream! All that velvety, rich chocolate flavor! Great tips to make sure it turns out perfectly – like how to avoid the dreaded “pudding skin” lol!
j german
Could I sub 2/3 cup gran. white sugar for the brown ? I’m not a big fan of brown sugar.
Beth Pierce
Yes you most certainly can!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
This homemade Chocolate Pudding is looks absolutely delicious! Yummy!
Sara Welch
What a delicious treat and so easy too! Excited to try this for dessert tonight; this is exactly what I need to cure my sweet tooth!