The Best Homemade Chocolate Pudding Recipe: Silky and Rich From Scratch
Make the creamiest homemade chocolate pudding from scratch. This simple, no-bake recipe delivers a velvety texture and deep cocoa flavor that beats any boxed mix. It is a classic comfort food dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and cornstarch until combined.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the mixture thickens and just begins to bubble. This takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Do not stop stirring.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks lightly.
- Temper the egg yolks by slowly pouring about 1/2 cup of the hot pudding mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly.
- Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining pudding.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 more minutes until the pudding is very thick. Do not let it boil rapidly.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
- Pour the pudding into individual serving bowls or a single large bowl. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until completely cold and set.
Notes
- For an extra rich flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder.
- If you want a slightly thinner pudding, reduce the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons.
- This recipe is naturally gluten free.
- Serve topped with fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of sea salt for contrast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 85