Description
This rich and creamy Chocolate Pudding recipe is a classic dessert made from scratch using simple pantry ingredients. Cooked on the stovetop to achieve a smooth, velvety texture, it’s perfect served chilled after setting in the refrigerator. The pudding combines cocoa powder, cornstarch, and sugar with whole milk, enhanced by butter and vanilla for a delightful chocolate treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 5 Tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Dash of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 Tablespoons butter, chopped into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, thoroughly stir together the cornstarch, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and a dash of salt to evenly distribute the powders.
- Add Milk Slowly: Gradually pour in the cold whole milk while stirring continuously to ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved and no lumps form.
- Cook the Pudding: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil. Allow it to boil steadily for 1 minute to fully activate the thickening properties of the cornstarch.
- Finish with Butter and Vanilla: Remove the pudding from heat and immediately stir in the chopped butter and vanilla extract to add richness and enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Prevent Skin Formation: Cover the pudding surface directly with a piece of plastic wrap to stop a skin from forming on top as it cools down.
- Chill to Set: Allow the pudding to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour so it can fully set and develop its smooth, creamy consistency before serving.
Notes
- Stir constantly during cooking to avoid lumps and prevent burning on the bottom of the pan.
- Using cold milk helps incorporate the cornstarch evenly.
- Covering the pudding with plastic wrap prevents the formation of a thick skin on top.
- You can adjust the sweetness by reducing or increasing the sugar to taste.
- If you want a richer pudding, use half-and-half or add a little heavy cream.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a vegan butter alternative.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate pudding, homemade pudding, stovetop pudding, creamy dessert, chocolate dessert, easy pudding recipe
