Chocolate Pudding is a classic favorite dessert! This easy, kid friendly treat is a cinch to prepare and a great make-ahead option!

My family loves fruit desserts like Rhubarb Crisp and Strawberry Pie but sometimes I just need my chocolate fix! Light, creamy, rich, and chocolatey, this easy chocolate pudding recipe goes perfectly with fruit or on its own!

Several glasses filled with homemade chocolate pudding

How to Make Chocolate Pudding

This chocolate pudding recipe takes no time at all on the stovetop, and then a quick chill while you’re eating dinner and voila! Homemade chocolate pudding can be made in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy it.

To make homemade chocolate pudding:

Combine dry ingredients (sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch). Whisk in milk.
Bring to a low boil and remove from the heat as soon as the pudding has thickened.
Cool the chocolate pudding completely.

Tips for Making Pudding

Use medium heat and sugar and milk can scorch or burn at a higher temperature.
Whisk constantly while it comes to a boil.
To keep the pudding from having a skin, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding while it cools.

How Long Does Homemade Chocolate Pudding Last

Homemade chocolate pudding has to be stored in the fridge. I like to store it in serving-sized plastic containers for ease. It will last 5-7 days.

This recipe makes a pretty good amount so it’s perfect for packing in lunches. Grab some single-serving plastic containers and you have delicious chocolate pudding to send with your kids (or yourself) for the whole week.

Chocolate pudding can change texture when frozen because of the corn starch so it’s not great to defrost but it does make great drip-free pudding pops!

More Chocolate Love

Caramel Chocolate Trifle – always impresses
Best Ever Chocolate Cake – decadent!
Chocolate Macaroons (No Bake) – so easy
Easy Triple Chocolate Cookies – kid approved
Easy Chocolate Truffles – a holiday favorite!
Oreo Dirt Cups – fun snack or dessert

Did you enjoy this Chocolate Pudding? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

Several glasses filled with chocolate pudding

4.83 from 676 votes

Author Holly Nilsson

Homemade Chocolate Pudding

Author Holly Nilsson

Servings 8 servings

Easy and delicious, this rich chocolate pudding recipe is one of our favorite desserts!

Save Rate Print

Servings 8 servings

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Cooling Time 20

Total Time 40

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

In a saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and cornstarch. Mix well. Add in cold milk, whisk until combined.
Turn heat to medium, stirring constantly until mixture reaches a boil*.
As soon as the pudding has thickened, remove from the heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
Allow mixture to cool completely, stirring occasionally to avoid a skin forming on the pudding.
Serve chilled or warm.

Notes

Note: Place a plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding while it cools to avoid a skin from forming.

*remove the pudding from the heat as soon as it begins to boil and thicken. If left to continue boiling the starch will start to break down and it will not properly thicken, resulting in watery pudding.

4.83 from 676 votes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

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