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+ servings
chocolate pudding with whipped cream and raspberries in a small glass jar
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4.84 from 6 votes

Homemade Chocolate Pudding

Creamy, rich, homemade chocolate pudding is made on the stovetop in about 20 minutes. It uses cocoa powder and chocolate for the best chocolate flavor and cornstarch to thicken.
This makes four generous servings or six smaller servings.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Dessert
Keyword: chocolate, easy dessert recipe, easy recipe, gluten free, homemade dessert, kid-friendly recipe
Servings: 6
Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef
Cost: $4.00

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing Bowls

Ingredients

  • 2 egg yolks (discard egg whites or use them for something else)
  • 2 1/2 cups milk, any type
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • 2 ounces dark chocolate or chocolate chips (optional, see note)
  • whipped cream, for topping (optional)
  • shaved chocolate, for topping (optional)

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks until smooth. Add milk to egg yolks while whisking. Set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
  • Pour egg-milk mixture over dry ingredients, whisking well.
  • Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. As the mixture heats, whisk constantly (this is the key to avoiding lumps). When it begins to simmer, add in chocolate. Continue simmering, stirring constantly, until chocolate melts and pudding thickens, about 1 minute.
  • Pour pudding into dessert dishes. Chill for at least one hour.
  • Just before serving, top pudding with whipped cream and shaved chocolate. Serve chilled.

Notes

Gluten-Free - For a gluten-free dessert, be sure to use gluten-free chocolate / chocolate chips.
Dark Chocolate - Adding solid chocolate to the pudding gives it a more rich flavor and texture, but the pudding will come together even without it. Use a high quality baking chocolate like Baker’s Dark Chocolate or 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips. 
Make Ahead - Pudding can be made up to 2 days ahead. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing down so that the plastic wrap is in contact with the surface of the pudding. (This will prevent a film forming on the surface of the pudding.)

Nutrition

Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 51mg | Potassium: 232mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 251IU | Calcium: 139mg | Iron: 1mg