Velvety Smooth, Rich Homemade Chocolate Pudding From Scratch
Make the richest, creamiest chocolate pudding on the stovetop. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients to create a silky smooth dessert that tastes far better than any boxed mix.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-processed)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. This step prevents lumps later.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the mixture thickens and just begins to bubble. This usually takes 5 to 8 minutes. You must stir constantly to prevent scorching the bottom.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk lightly. Scoop about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk while whisking the yolk vigorously. This tempers the egg, preventing it from scrambling.
- Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot pudding base. Whisk well.
- Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 1 minute more until the pudding thickens significantly. Do not let it boil rapidly after adding the egg.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and butter until the butter is fully melted and incorporated, giving the pudding a rich finish.
- Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes or a 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. Serve cold for the best velvety texture.
Notes
- For an extra rich flavor, substitute 1/4 cup of the milk with strong brewed coffee.
- If you prefer a thicker pudding, increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons.
- To ensure a truly silky smooth dessert, strain the finished pudding through a fine-mesh sieve before chilling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 55