Discover our easy homemade chocolate pudding recipe. Perfect for hot summer days, this rich and creamy dessert uses semi-sweet or dark chocolate, milk, and heavy cream for a luscious treat. Ideal for busy families!
Hot summer days call for cool, refreshing desserts, especially in our large family. While cookies have their place, we often turn to delightful treats like homemade pudding, custard, popsicles, pie, and more to beat the heat. One of our all-time favorites is this rich and creamy chocolate pudding. It’s easy to make ahead and enjoy throughout the week. I love using little jars to portion out servings for the kids, making it a convenient and satisfying dessert for everyone. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious recipe and explore the ingredients that make it so unique.
The Irresistible Taste of Homemade Chocolate Pudding
Homemade chocolate pudding is a world away from store-bought versions. Its velvety texture and deep, chocolatey flavor make it a decadent treat everyone will love. Combining semi-sweet or dark chocolate with creamy milk and heavy cream creates a rich and satisfying dessert perfect for any occasion. This pudding is smooth, luscious, and just the right balance of sweet and bittersweet, making it a hit for kids and adults alike.
Key Ingredients and Techniques:
- Choosing the Right Chocolate: The type of chocolate you use is crucial for achieving the perfect flavor. I recommend using high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate, depending on your preference. Semi-sweet chocolate provides a balanced sweetness with a deep chocolate flavor, while dark chocolate offers a more intense, slightly bittersweet taste. Both options work wonderfully in this recipe, so choose the one that suits your taste best.
- Combining milk and heavy cream is essential; a luxurious touch creates a rich and creamy pudding. Milk adds a smooth texture, while heavy cream contributes to the pudding's indulgent mouthfeel. For the best results, use whole milk and heavy cream to ensure a decadent, creamy consistency that will make you feel like you're indulging in a dessert fit for royalty.
- Cooking the Pudding: Cooking the pudding mixture requires careful attention to achieve the perfect texture. Start by whisking together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until it thickens. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Once the pudding has thickened, please remove it from the heat and stir in the chopped chocolate and a touch of vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
- Cornstarch for Thickening: Cornstarch is the key thickening agent in this pudding recipe. It helps create a smooth and silky texture without the need for eggs. Mix the cornstarch with the dry ingredients before adding the liquids to prevent clumping. As the pudding cooks, the cornstarch activates, thickening the mixture to the perfect consistency.
- Chilling and Serving:
- Once the pudding is cooked and the chocolate is fully melted and incorporated, pour the mixture into small jars or serving dishes.
- Cover each container with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the pudding's surface to prevent skin from forming.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled. Chocolate pudding can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a convenient dessert option for busy families.
Why Make Chocolate Pudding at Home?
- Superior Taste and Quality: Homemade chocolate pudding offers a rich, authentic flavor that store-bought versions can’t match. The use of high-quality ingredients ensures a dessert that is both delicious and wholesome.
- Healthier: By making pudding at home, you control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives and artificial additives, often in pre-packaged options. You can adjust the sweetness and use organic or locally sourced ingredients.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for portioning out into individual servings, making it easy to manage and serve to kids. The little jars are practical and add a charming touch to your homemade treats.
Homemade chocolate pudding is a delightful and refreshing dessert perfect for hot summer days. With its rich, chocolatey flavor and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. This recipe is simple yet indulgent. Whether you’re making it ahead for the week or serving it as a special treat, homemade chocolate pudding is a delicious way to enjoy the sweetness of summer.
Homemade Chocolate Pudding Recipe:
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
- 2 ¾ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan.
- Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil, about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped chocolate and vanilla extract until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Transfer pudding to serving dishes or a large bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent skin from forming.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Serve chilled, optionally topped with whipped cream or chocolate shavings.
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