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Chocolate Pudding

Rich, creamy homemade chocolate pudding with a silky-smooth texture and deep chocolate flavor. This easy dessert is perfect served warm or chilled with your favorite toppings.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: pudding
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate finely chopped

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving bowls or dessert cups

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
  2. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks.
  4. Slowly add a small amount of the warm milk mixture to the egg yolks while whisking constantly.
  5. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and whisk to combine.
  6. Cook over medium heat, whisking continuously, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
  7. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
  8. Add the chopped chocolate, butter, and vanilla extract.
  9. Stir until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and the pudding is smooth.
  10. Pour into individual serving dishes.
  11. Serve warm or cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours for a chilled dessert.
  12. Add whipped cream, chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or chopped nuts before serving.

Notes

  • Use whole milk for the creamiest texture.
  • Whisk continuously while cooking to prevent lumps.
  • Do not use excessively high heat because it can affect the texture.
  • For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate.
  • If the pudding has small lumps, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.
  • Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap while chilling to help prevent a skin from forming.