One of the first recipes that I posted to Budget Bytes back in 2010 was a really simple microwave chocolate pudding that we used to make for dessert when we were growing up (read: it’s so easy even kids can make it). But that recipe was from the 90’s when only drank skim milk and made everything possible in the microwave. 😅 Today my cooking style is little different, so here’s my new and (very much) improved chocolate pudding recipe that is rich, creamy, chocolatey, and so fast you’ll wonder why anyone would need a box of “instant” pudding mix.
When I tell you this chocolate pudding recipe is fast, I mean it. The recipe comes together in the amount of time that it takes to measure the five simple ingredients and for it to come to a simmer on the stovetop. It’s ridiculously easy, so much so that it might just be dangerous. 😏
Ingredients for Chocolate Pudding
You probably have everything you need to make this chocolate pudding already in your kitchen. Here are the five simple ingredients you’ll need:
- Sugar: Simple white sugar gives the pudding sweetness without muddying up the chocolate flavor. You can adjust the sugar up or down according to your taste buds.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Simple, inexpensive chocolate flavor at your finger tips!
- Cornstarch: This is what thickens the pudding into that classic pudding texture. No egg yolks or complicated tempering techniques needed! The cornstarch thickens the milk as soon as it comes to a simmer.
- Half and Half: This is the base of the pudding that provides the rich creamy flavor. You can do this with whole milk, if you prefer, but I love the richness of half and half. You can also make your own half and half by using half whole milk and half heavy cream.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla and chocolate are made for each other! Vanilla extract gives the pudding a little extra richness.
Make it Dairy-Free
This chocolate pudding can easily be made dairy-free by substituting the half and half with your favorite dairy-free milk. Keep in mind that the richness of the milk substitute will determine the richness of the pudding, so I would suggest using something like coconut milk, which has a rich flavor. Light canned coconut milk would probably be perfect.
How to Serve Chocolate Pudding
This incredible chocolate pudding is great served either hot or cold. Personally, I get a little too impatient to wait for it to chill in the refrigerator, especially after smelling that chocolate goodness as it comes up to a simmer, so I dig in when it’s still warm!
Try topping the chocolate pudding with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, or even some shaved chocolate to make it extra fancy!
How to Store Homemade Chocolate Pudding
If you prefer to eat your pudding chilled, just make sure to place a layer of plastic wrap or parchment onto the surface of the pudding before chilling to prevent it from forming a skin on top. I still suggest chilling it in an air-tight container, in addition to placing the plastic film on top. The chocolate pudding will stay good in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, making it great to pack for lunches. I do not suggest freezing this homemade chocolate pudding because it will separate upon thawing.
Easy Chocolate Pudding
Servings 4 (about ½ cup each)Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar ($0.18)
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder ($0.35)
- 3 Tbsp cornstarch ($0.17)
- 2 cups half and half* ($1.50)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract ($0.24)
Instructions
- Add the sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch to a small sauce pot and stir to combine.
- Add the half and half and vanilla extract to the sauce pot. Place the pot over medium heat and begin to whisk everything together. The cocoa will repel the liquid at first, but as the half and half begins to warm, they will come together.
- Continue to heat the mixture while whisking until it comes to a gentle simmer, at which point it will thicken into a pudding. Remove the pudding from the heat.
- Serve the chocolate pudding warm, or refrigerate until cool. To refrigerate, place a layer or plastic wrap or parchment on the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming on top.
See how we calculate recipe costs here.
Notes
Nutrition
Also try our Homemade Vanilla Pudding and Banana Pudding!
How to Make Chocolate Pudding
Add ½ cup sugar, ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 3 Tbsp cornstarch to a small sauce pot. Stir to combine.
Add 2 cups half & half (or 1 cup whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream) and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the sauce pot. Place the pot over medium heat and begin to whisk the milk into the cocoa mixture. The cocoa will repel the liquid at first, but as it warms it will begin to whisk in.
Continue to cook and whisk as the half and half warms. Allow it to come to a simmer, at which point the cornstarch will thicken the mixture into a pudding. Remove the pudding from the heat.
Serve the pudding warm, or chill for two hours (place plastic or parchment on the surface of the pudding to prevent it from forming a skin). Serve as-is, or top with whipped cream, fresh berries, or shaved chocolate.
My mom born in 1929 would use evaporated milk so good, so do I!
I’ve made this using Splenda sugar substitute and skim milk and 1/2 tsp almond extract for a lighter fare. It’s good!
Very delicious. I made mine with whole milk because I didn’t have any half and half. Thanks for sharing this recipe with us.
I’m t try tying to find an easy bread pudding recipe help.!!!!!
Best home made pudding ever. I cannot eat processed pudding and I was craving chocolate pudding. I found this recipe and tried it. Making more today. Only question is can I add dark chocolate chips to the recipe for a darker pudding.
Ive done the vanilla pudding it was great thanks
This helpful information! Absolutely worth passing along with others.
Thank you! I needed some chocolate pudding and this was super easy. I added semi sweet chocolate chips and used whole milk because I didn’t have half and half. It tastes perfect and at the moment cooling in the fridge. I’ll be trying vanilla next. 💕
I used a can (12oz.)of evaporated milk and 1/2 cup 2% milk instead of half and half. I used this in a 9” Graham cracker crust for pie. Simple, easy, great!
The easy chocolate pudding is great
I made this A.M. supper easy & delicious
Many. Thanks