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The Best Creamy, Rich, and Easy Homemade Chocolate Pudding From Scratch

Close-up of thick, rich homemade chocolate pudding swirled beautifully in a small white bowl.
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Create a comforting hug in a bowl with this rich, velvety homemade chocolate pudding. This easy stovetop recipe uses simple pantry staples to deliver a silky smooth dessert that beats any store-bought version.

Ingredients

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  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch process recommended for deep flavor)
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups whole milk (or your preferred milk)
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until no lumps remain. This step prevents lumps later.
  2. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the mixture thickens and just begins to bubble. This usually takes 8 to 10 minutes. Keep stirring to prevent scorching on the bottom.
  4. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Temper the yolks by slowly whisking about 1/2 cup of the hot pudding mixture into the yolks. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
  5. Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining pudding. Continue to cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes until the pudding is very thick. Do not let it boil rapidly once the eggs are added.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
  7. Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes or a single bowl. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
  8. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until completely cold and set.

Notes

  • For the silkiest texture, use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the pudding mixture into the saucepan after whisking the dry ingredients together.
  • If you want a richer, more decadent flavor, substitute 1/4 cup of the milk with 2 ounces of finely chopped bittersweet chocolate, stirring it in with the butter at the end.
  • This recipe is naturally vegetarian. If you need an eggless version, increase the cornstarch to 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/homemade-chocolate-pudding-recipe/