Homemade Dark Chocolate Pudding Recipe (2024)

You only need a few easy steps to make this delicious, creamy, thick and luscious dark chocolate pudding recipe. No boxed pudding mix is necessary. Make it from scratch with ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

Enjoy the rich, velvety goodness of homemade dark chocolate pudding with this simple and decadent recipe.

This no-bake dessert is surprisingly easy to make from scratch. Not to mention, the taste is superior to any boxed variety or ready-made product.

My family has been enjoying this homemade chocolate pudding recipe for as long as I can remember.

Loved by both kids and adults, the simplicity of this classic dessert might surprise you, as making it from scratch is far from being considered complicated.

Whether you’re a chocolate enthusiast or simply craving a luxurious treat, let me show you in just a few easy steps how you, too, can create a delectable dark chocolate pudding that will leave you craving for more.

Ingredients

• Egg yolks.Just a couple to contribute to the perfect texture.
• Granulated sugar.To achieve the right amount of sweetness.
• Cornstarch. A great thickening agent to achieve the perfect pudding consistency.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder.A must.
• Espresso powder: This is an optional ingredient. I love adding just a small amount to enrich the flavor of the chocolate.
• Milk.Whole milk or 2%.
• Bittersweet chocolate. For a little boost of antioxidants.
• Vanilla extract.If possible, use the real stuff.
• Salt.Just a pinch.
• Butter. It’s optionalbut adds an extra layer of smoothness.
• Whipped ricotta. It’s optional, but this adds a burst of freshness!
• Grated chocolate.Also optional but adds a festive touch.

A whisk is the single most important kitchen gadget you need to have for this recipe. Forget about using a fork or spoon; don’t try it if you haven’t got your trusty whisk ready!

Ready to make the best pudding recipe?

How to make chocolate pudding from scratch

The first thing you need to do is separate 2 eggs. Place your egg yolks in a bowl and give them a whisk. Set them aside for now.

Whisk together some of the dry ingredients in a saucepan. More specifically, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. As an optional ingredient, add ½ teaspoon of espresso powder.

Slowly pour in the 2 cups of cold milk and whisk continuously.

Eventually, you will get a mixture that resembles and smells like chocolate milk. Now, it’s time to turn on the heat.

Over medium to medium-low heat, whisk the mixture for at least 7 minutes or until it begins to thicken and is barely simmering. You will notice a lot of steam. We do not want a rolling boil…just a slight simmer. Stir for 1-2 more minutes and then lower the heat to low.

Whisk about ½ a cup of this hot chocolate mixture into the bowl with the egg yolks. Continue mixing for about 30 seconds. Repeat this step one more time.

Now you’re ready to add the egg mixture to the hot mixture and…guess what? Whisk some more! I told you the whisk was essential in this homemade recipe.

Increase the heat to medium-low and whisk continuously for another 2-3 minutes or until the mixture thickens and begins to achieve the correct pudding consistency.

At this point, remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add 2 ounces of chopped chocolate, 1 teaspoon of butter, ½ teaspoon of vanilla, and ¼ teaspoon of salt and combine.

Please note that if you notice that you do have small clumps at the end of this process, feel free to run the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer.

Pour the mixture into your serving dishes or a large bowl, and cover with cellophane. Make sure the cellophane touches the surface of the pudding.

Chill the pudding for a minimal couple of hours.

Congratulations! You’ve just made the best homemade chocolate pudding recipe.

Tips

• Resist the temptation to increase the heat during the initial whisking period to speed things along. The cooking time is necessary to remove the raw taste of cornstarch and is essential for the cornstarch molecules to be activated.
• There is always the possibility that the egg yolks and the cornstarch will create small clumps. If this happens to you, simply pass the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to obtain a perfectly smooth pudding.
• Immediately place a piece of plastic wrap against the hot surface of the chocolate pudding to prevent a “crust” from forming on top.

FAQ

Serving suggestions

• Whipped sweet ricotta: Substitute traditional whipped cream with the light and airy texture of this sweet ricotta recipe. Its subtle tanginess adds a delightful twist to the richness of the pudding.
• Fresh berries: Opt for strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a vibrant and sweet contrast.
• Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder: Sprinkle for an extra touch of elegance.

Easy Chocolate Treats

• Healthy Chocolate Brownies (GF)
• Chocolate Surprise Cupcakes
• Marshmallow Fudge
• Chocolate Bark Recipe
• Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Kisses

Recipe origins

I’ve adapted this easy recipe from one I found on this website a few decades ago.

Over the years, I’ve made subtle refinements, continually perfecting its simplicity. In my most recent experiments, I’ve introduced espresso powder, discovering that a hint of it elevates this humble dessert.

This delightful dessert has become my go-to for ending any meal, be it a special occasion like Valentine’s Day or a casual weeknight dinner.

This truly is a timeless chocolate dessert. I hope you get a chance to try it.

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★★★★★ If you have made this chocolate pudding from scratch recipe, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

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Recipe

This post was originally published on February 12, 2015, republished on February 9, 2019, February 1, 2022 and again on January 25, 2024 with updated content. Thanks for watching and sharing.