Easy Homemade Chocolate Pudding (Best From Scratch Recipe)
There’s something so comforting about a bowl of homemade chocolate pudding, rich, creamy, and full of that deep chocolate flavor you just can’t get from the boxed stuff. This easy chocolate pudding recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, and it comes together in just minutes on the stovetop.
Whether you’re satisfying a late-night chocolate craving or making a cozy dessert to enjoy during your favorite movie, this homemade pudding is about to become your go-to.
Scroll down for the recipe card, followed by detailed step-by-step instructions (with photos).
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Homemade Chocolate Pudding Recipe
Homemade Chocolate Pudding
Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until fully combined and no lumps remain.
- Gradually pour in the chocolate milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to create a smooth mixture.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a whisk or spatula. Be sure to scrape the bottom and sides to prevent sticking.
- Continue cooking for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens. Bring it just to a gentle boil (not a full boil) to activate the cornstarch and reach the perfect consistency.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully melted and incorporated.
- Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes or a bowl.
- Let cool at room temperature. Then press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
- Refrigerate until chilled. About 30 minutes.
- Serve cold or enjoy slightly warm.
Video
Notes
- For extra smooth pudding: Sift or thoroughly whisk the cocoa powder and cornstarch before adding liquid to prevent lumps.
- Milk options: Whole milk can be used instead of chocolate milk for a milder flavor.
- Don’t rush the heat: Cooking over medium heat (not medium-high heat) ensures a smooth, lump-free pudding.
- Too thick? Whisk in a splash of milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Too thin? Continue cooking a bit longer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days with plastic wrap touching the surface of the pudding.
- Serving ideas: Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries for a simple homemade dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Chocolate Pudding Recipe
- Made with simple ingredients
- No egg yolks required (but I’ll share a variation below!)
- Rich, velvety texture with a deep chocolate flavor
- Comes together in one medium saucepan
- Better than any boxed pudding mix
Ingredients for Homemade Chocolate Pudding
Here’s everything you’ll need for this homemade chocolate pudding recipe:
- 2 cups chocolate milk (or whole milk for a richer base)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder (regular cocoa or dutch cocoa both work)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp butter
How to Make Homemade Chocolate Pudding
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, whisk together:
- sugar
- cocoa powder
- cornstarch
- salt
If you want the best homemade chocolate pudding with a perfectly smooth, velvety texture, don’t skip this simple step, sifting your cocoa powder and dry ingredients.
Cocoa powder and cornstarch tend to form small clumps, which can lead to a grainy pudding if not properly mixed. By quickly sifting (or whisking thoroughly), you’ll create a smoother mixture that blends easily with the milk. This helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth pudding.
Step 2: Add Milk and Cream
Slowly whisk in the chocolate milk and heavy cream until fully combined. Make sure the mixture is smooth before turning on the heat.
This step takes a minute to combine and may take a minute for the dry ingredients to mix in. Just keep wisking it, it will mix after a minute or so! 🙂
Step 3: Cook Until Thickened
Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Continue whisking as the pudding heats
- It will begin to thicken after about 5–7 minutes
- Bring it just to a gentle boil (not a full boil) for the best consistency
You’ll know it’s ready when it reaches that perfect sweet spot, a thick, creamy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Finish with Butter and Vanilla
Remove from heat and stir in:
- butter
- vanilla extract
This gives your homemade pudding that rich finish and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Step 5: Prevent a Skin from Forming
Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes or a large bowl.
To keep the top of the pudding smooth:
- Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding
Let cool slightly, then refrigerate until set.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Pudding
- Use whole milk for a richer pudding (or keep chocolate milk for extra flavor)
- Stir constantly over medium heat to avoid lumps or scorching
- Don’t rush to high or medium-high heat, low heat helps create that velvety texture
- If lumps form, you can blend the pudding in a food processor for a silky finish
Variations
Classic Egg-Based Chocolate Pudding
For a more traditional homemade pudding:
- Add 2 egg yolks while whisking the mixture
- Cook gently to avoid scrambling
Dairy-Free Option
- Swap milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk
- Still delicious and creamy!
Extra Rich Chocolate Flavor
- Add chopped dark chocolate at the end
- Stir until melted for an ultra-decadent pudding
How to Serve Homemade Chocolate Pudding
Serve chilled and topped with:
- whipped cream
- chocolate shavings
- fresh berries
Or enjoy it warm straight from the pot, no judgment here.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge
- Keeps fresh for up to 4 days
- Keep plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent a skin
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Both regular cocoa powder and dutch cocoa work well in this homemade chocolate pudding recipe.
Make sure you, cook long enough over medium heat, bring it close to a gentle boil and use the correct amount of cornstarch.
Absolutely. Homemade pudding is perfect for prepping ahead and storing in individual serving dishes.
This easy homemade chocolate pudding recipe proves that you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to make the best pudding. With its smooth, velvety texture and rich chocolate taste, it’s a classic dessert you’ll come back to again and again.
Once you try homemade, you’ll never go back to the boxed version again.
