Rich Creamy Chocolate Pudding (Printer Friendly)

A velvety smooth chocolate dessert with rich dark chocolate flavor and creamy texture.

# What You Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 2 cups whole milk
02 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter

→ Dry Ingredients

04 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
06 - 3 tbsp cornstarch
07 - 1/4 tsp salt

→ Chocolate

08 - 3.5 oz dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), finely chopped

→ Flavoring

09 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

# How to Make It:

01 - Whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan until evenly distributed.
02 - Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth mixture forms, ensuring no lumps remain.
03 - Place saucepan over medium heat. Cook while whisking constantly until mixture thickens and begins to bubble, approximately 5–7 minutes.
04 - Remove from heat. Add chopped chocolate and butter, whisking until completely melted and pudding achieves silky consistency.
05 - Stir in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
06 - Pour pudding into individual cups or ramekins. Press plastic wrap directly onto surface to prevent skin formation.
07 - Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours until pudding achieves firm, set consistency.
08 - Serve chilled. Optionally top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in about 20 minutes with ingredients you probably have in your pantry right now
  • The texture is impossibly silky, like something from a fancy restaurant but without the fuss
  • You can make it ahead and it actually tastes better after chilling in the fridge
02 -
  • Stop whisking only when the pudding is actively bubbling, not just steaming, or the cornstarch won't fully activate
  • Plastic wrap touching the surface is not optional, it's the secret to that perfectly smooth top
03 -
  • Add a pinch of espresso powder with the cocoa powder for a mocha depth that makes the chocolate taste more intense
  • A splash of bourbon or orange liqueur with the vanilla transforms this into a grown up dessert
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