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Velvety smooth Homemade Chocolate Pudding made completely from scratch is a simple recipe that everyone will love. Easy to make from whole ingredients and the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Chocolate Pudding is a simple comfort food I crave regularly. I used to make brownies and chocolate pudding from a box a lot for a quick and easy snack that was ready in no time. But a lot of instant pudding mixes have a ton of stabilizers and artificial flavors to I made something a little better….better tasting and better for you.
This easy Chocolate Pudding recipe is made from scratch with ingredients you can readily find in your kitchen right now. Ready in under 30 minutes, you can enjoy this sweet and creamy pudding warm or chilled. A great prep ahead dessert for entertaining or just to have on hand during the week.
Ingredients for Chocolate Pudding
The ingredient list is short and sweet with no added egg so this is a great recipe for those that can’t have eggs.
- Half and Half – A lighter alternative to cream, half and half keeps this pudding rich and creamy. For a more decadent dessert, you can use whole milk or heavy cream.
- Granulated Sugar – White sugar is always available and economical. You can experiment with coconut sugar or another variety of sugar if you prefer.
- Light Brown Sugar – The richer flavor of brown sugar makes this pudding even more delicious. You can substitute with regular granulated sugar or dark brown sugar, if you prefer.
- Butter – I tested the recipe using both salted butter and unsalted butter. I prefer unsalted butter but you can use what you have on hand.
- Vanilla Extract – Pure vanilla extract is worth the splurge.
- Corn Starch – Used as a thickening agent since we’re not using eggs, you can swap for flour (just cut the amount by 1/2 tablespoon.)
- Cocoa Powder – Dutch process cocoa or unsweetened cocoa powder both work well.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate – Semi-sweet chocolate is my favorite but you can substitute with milk chocolate, dark chocolate or a combination.
For the full ingredient list and instructions, see the recipe card below.
How To Make Chocolate Pudding
I was inspired to make the very best Chocolate Pudding from scratch when I accidentally made this Vanilla Pudding. What I didn’t tell you in that post is that, it was kind of an accident. I tested out recipes for pastry cream, wasn’t paying attention to what I was doing and voila, the Very Best Vanilla Pudding ever.
- Bring Half and half to a simmer.
- Whisk in sugar and cook until dissolved.
- Stir in the butter until melted.
- Whisk the remaining half and half with the cornstarch and coco powder in a separate bowl.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the half and half.
- Cook until thickened.
- Stir in the chopped chocolate and cook until melted.
- Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
- Chill for 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
How To Serve Chocolate Pudding
I love how easy it is to make the best Chocolate Pudding from scratch and this is definitely an activity you can get the little ones to help with.
You can use this Chocolate Pudding to make poke cakes or a no bake summer treat like a pie!
It’s also the base for this amazing Chocolate Banana Pudding! Don’t forget the Whipped Cream!
More Easy Pudding Recipes
- Rice Pudding Recipe
- Banana Pudding Recipe
- Spiced Coconut Chia Pudding Recipe
- Easy Dirt Pudding Recipe
Topped with a bit of whipped cream, this Chocolate Pudding is a dream come true.
Serve with a few of these chocolate chip cookies or this chocolate martini.
And if you’re looking for something a little less chocolate or vanilla….this Butterscotch Pudding is completely amazing!!
For more easy dessert recipe ideas, follow us on Instagram and Facebook!
The Best Chocolate Pudding Recipe
Equipment
- 1 saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups half and half
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lightly packed light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, I use Plugra European Style Butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, I use Nielsen-Massey
- 3 tablespoons corn starch
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup finely chopped high quality semi-sweet chocolate, I used Guittard
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of half and half to a simmer (do not boil).
- Add both sugars and vanilla. Cook until the sugar is completely dissolved, stirring constantly to prevent scalding. Stir in the butter until melted. I
- n a small bowl, whisk together the remaining half and half with the cornstarch and cocoa powder. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the half and half whisking constantly.
- Continue cooking until the mixture has thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
- Stir in the chopped chocolate until melted. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap being sure the plastic wrap is touching the top of the pudding. (This will prevent a skin from forming.) Refrigerate for 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Mine taste amazing but hasn’t formed pudding yet and it’s been 12 hours what did I possible do wrong.
It may have needed to cook a little longer, you do have to cook it until it begins to thicken and coats the back of a spoon. (Dip spoon in the pot, turn it over and run your finger through to make a line. If the line fills back in, keep cooking.)
This pudding looks awesome! Love all that chocolate flavor…yum!
This is the most delicious looking chocolate pudding. It looks so delicious and appealing. I am always looking for comfort food and this one is going on the list.
I love happy accidents like that! This pudding looks delicious, too (love those little cups!), but this vanilla girl may have to give the other pudding a whirl first!
Hooray for homemade pudding! It is SO much better than store bought. I’ll have to give your recipe a try. 🙂
Wow! This pudding looks so elegant and decadent. Saving as I will need it for “cheat days” and entertaining. Thanks!
Cheat days are my favorite days. 🙂
I came across your recipe and the title caught my eye. Love your foodie stories from your youth! Precious and fun memories. Going to love making this for my sweetie – pinned for later!!
This looks fabulous — very similar to one I make but this looks better!
I remember making chocolate pudding from a packet when I was little. Your grown up version sounds even better.
Hey trailblazer, I’m loving this pudding. I’m a foodie too, but can’t believe I’ve not yet made homemade chocolate pudding. Seriously, I love chocolate pudding. The real deal kind. Love your serving cups and pass me two spoons!