Why I love this chocolate pudding recipe
The Gilmore girls really like pudding. Did you know that? So much so that Lorelai was super impressed that her mother thoughtful enough to have it made for the Friday night dinner before Rory’s birthday.
I have never really been a huge fan of pudding, but I thought if the Gilmore Girls like it, I could give it another chance – with this homemade chocolate pudding recipe.
Making this homemade salted chocolate pudding is easier than ever, too. Even the Gilmore girls could do it. At least I’d like to think they could. I’m positive college-aged Rory could. It’s basically just thickened sweetened milk with chocolate stirred in.
I used two different forms of chocolate to build flavor – cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips – and I used almond milk and dairy free chocolate chips to make this pudding recipe vegan.
If you like this recipe, you have to try these chocolate lava cakes, and this hot fudge sauce and these chocolate cupcakes.
Searching for more chocolate desserts? chocolate chocolate chip cookies / dairy free hot chocolate / microwave fudge / dairy free chocolate mousse / dirt dessert cups
Ingredients & substitutions
- Cocoa powder – You can use either type of baking cocoa powder – Dutch-processed or conventional. Since we aren’t actually baking, we don’t need to worry about chemical reactions.
- Dairy free milk – Use your favorite, unsweetened dairy free milk – we used almond milk for this batch.
- Cornstarch – This is what helps achieve the thick, creamy texture.
- Chocolate chips – Grab your favorite dairy free or plant based chocolate chips, always making sure to check the labels.
Making changes to a recipe can result in recipe failure. Any substitutions listed below are simple changes that I believe will work in this recipe, but results are not guaranteed.
The following is a detailed overview of the recipe steps with added tips and tricks for recipe success. For a simplified and printable version, including ingredient amounts and more formal instructions, see the recipe card below.
How to make chocolate pudding
Whisk the dry and wet ingredients. In your saucepan without the heat on, whisk the dry ingredients with your milk until smooth. Add vanilla extract.
Melt the chocolate chips. Stir in your chocolate chips (be sure to use dairy free if necessary). Heat your saucepan to medium, and whisk or stir frequently until the chocolate chips have melted.
Thicken your pudding. Continue to whisk or stir the pudding until it thickens. You’ll know when it’s done when the pudding easily coats the back of a spoon.
Allow pudding to set. Transfer the pudding to serving containers (we used 4-ounce mason jars), cover and refrigerate for 2 – 3 hours to give the pudding time to set.
Garnish & serve. Before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of coarse salt, chocolate shavings, or favorite whipped cream.
More dairy free chocolate recipes: olive oil brownies / chocolate espresso cupcakes / chocolate sorbet / no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies
FAQs & Tips for making homemade chocolate pudding
Is baking cocoa the same things as cocoa powder?
Yes. Baking cocoa is the same as cocoa powder. Baking cocoa just means cocoa powder that’s not mixed with any other ingredients, like powdered milk or sugar, which would be used for drinking cocoa.
You can use either type of cocoa powder – Dutch-processed or conventional. Since we aren’t actually baking, we don’t need to worry about chemical reactions.
How do you thicken homemade pudding?
This chocolate pudding recipe is thickened with cornstarch. If you want to make it thicker, you can adjust the cornstarch amount. Arrowroot would also be a great substitute for cornstarch in this homemade pudding.
How long does it take for pudding to set?
Homemade pudding takes about 2 – 3 hours to set in the fridge. You could speed the process up by placing your pudding in the freezer.
Be careful not to leave it for too long, or you’ll end up with frozen pudding. I like to make mine at night so it’s set by the morning.
How can I stop skin from from forming in pudding?
To stop skin from forming on your pudding, you need to prevent air from hitting it. The easiest way to do that is the cover the surface of your pudding with plastic wrap or wax paper.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt - divided
- 3 cups dairy free milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips*
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch, sugar, cocoa powder and 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking until smooth. Add vanilla extract.
- Add chocolate chips and turn heat to medium, whisking frequently until chocolate chips are melted.
- Allow mixture to continue cooking, over medium heat, whisking occasionally to prevent lumps. Continue until pudding has thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
- Transfer pudding to individual cups and allow pudding to set in the refrigerator for about 2 – 3 hours.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of salt, fresh chocolate shavings or whipped cream*.
