Print

The Best Homemade Chocolate Pudding Recipe From Scratch

A scoop of thick, rich homemade chocolate pudding served in a small white bowl with a spoon.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this rich, creamy, and velvety homemade chocolate pudding from scratch. This stovetop recipe uses simple pantry staples for a comforting dessert that beats any boxed mix.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and cornstarch until fully combined.
  2. Gradually whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is smooth.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble. This takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
  4. Once boiling, continue to cook and whisk for 1 minute to cook out the cornstarch taste. Remove the pan from the heat.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks lightly. Temper the yolks by slowly whisking about 1/2 cup of the hot pudding mixture into the yolks.
  6. Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining pudding. Return the pan to low heat. Cook gently, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes until the pudding is thick. Do not let it boil after adding the yolks.
  7. Remove from heat. Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter is melted and fully incorporated.
  8. 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.
  9. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until cold and set. Serve cold.

Notes

  • For a deeper chocolate flavor, use Dutch-process cocoa powder.
  • You can substitute the whole milk with low-fat milk, but the texture will be slightly less rich.
  • For a mocha flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of instant espresso powder with the dry ingredients.

Nutrition