Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of homemade chocolate pudding. This simple yet decadent dessert is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Made with wholesome ingredients, it's a treat that can be enjoyed by everyone, including those who prefer dairy-free options.
If you don't typically keep cocoa powder or cornstarch in your pantry, you might need to pick these up at the supermarket. Cocoa powder is essential for that deep chocolate flavor, while cornstarch is crucial for thickening the pudding to the perfect consistency. Make sure to get almond milk if you want to keep the recipe dairy-free.
Ingredients For Chocolate Pudding Recipe
Cocoa powder: Provides the rich chocolate flavor that is the star of this pudding.
Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to give the pudding its creamy texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the bitterness of the cocoa powder.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Almond milk: A dairy-free alternative that adds creaminess to the pudding.
Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor and enhances the chocolate taste.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When whisking the cocoa powder, cornstarch, sugar, and salt together, make sure to sift the dry ingredients first. This helps to eliminate any lumps and ensures a smoother pudding texture.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cocoa powder - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder is naturally sweet and caffeine-free, making it a great alternative to cocoa powder in vegan recipes.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder is a gluten-free thickening agent that works similarly to cornstarch and is often used in vegan cooking.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that adds a rich flavor and can be used as a vegan alternative to refined sugar.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt is a natural and minimally processed alternative to regular table salt, often preferred in vegan recipes for its trace minerals.
almond milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is a creamy, plant-based milk that works well in desserts and is a good alternative for those with nut allergies.
vanilla extract - Substitute with vanilla bean paste: Vanilla bean paste provides a more intense vanilla flavor and includes the seeds from the vanilla pod, making it a great substitute for vanilla extract.
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How to Store or Freeze Your Dessert
Allow the chocolate pudding to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can make the pudding watery.
Transfer the cooled pudding into an airtight container. This helps maintain its creamy texture and prevents it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
Store the container in the refrigerator. The pudding will stay fresh for up to 5 days. For the best taste and texture, consume it within this time frame.
If you wish to freeze the pudding, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. This ensures the pudding doesn't overflow as it freezes.
Cover the surface of the pudding with plastic wrap before sealing the container. This extra layer helps prevent ice crystals from forming on the pudding's surface.
Label the container with the date. Frozen chocolate pudding can be stored for up to 2 months. This helps you keep track of its freshness.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the pudding in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain its creamy consistency.
Give the thawed pudding a good stir before serving. This helps restore its smooth texture, ensuring a delightful dessert experience.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Place the leftover chocolate pudding in a saucepan.
- Add a splash of almond milk to help loosen the pudding.
- Heat over low to medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
- Continue stirring until the pudding is warmed through and reaches the desired consistency.
Microwave Method:
- Transfer the chocolate pudding to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add a small amount of almond milk to the pudding.
- Microwave on medium power for 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval.
- Repeat until the pudding is evenly heated and smooth.
Double Boiler Method:
- Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water and bring it to a simmer.
- Place the chocolate pudding in the top pot.
- Stir occasionally, allowing the gentle heat to warm the pudding evenly.
- Once heated through, remove from the heat and serve.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the chocolate pudding in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent a skin from forming.
- Heat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Once warmed, remove from the oven and enjoy.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Saucepan: A medium-sized saucepan is essential for cooking the pudding mixture over medium heat.
Whisk: A whisk is needed to combine the dry ingredients and to gradually whisk in the almond milk until smooth.
Measuring cups: Measuring cups are used to accurately measure the cocoa powder, cornstarch, sugar, and almond milk.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are necessary for measuring the salt and vanilla extract.
Stirring spoon: A stirring spoon is useful for stirring the mixture constantly as it cooks and thickens.
Serving dishes: Serving dishes are needed to pour the finished pudding into for cooling and serving.
Heat-resistant spatula: A heat-resistant spatula can help scrape down the sides of the saucepan to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the cocoa powder, cornstarch, sugar, and salt ahead of time to streamline the process.
Use a whisk: A whisk helps to quickly and smoothly combine the almond milk with the dry ingredients, reducing lumps.
Heat efficiently: Use a medium heat setting to ensure the mixture thickens quickly without burning.
Cool quickly: Pour the pudding into shallow dishes to speed up the cooling process.
Prep in bulk: Double the recipe and store extra servings in the fridge for a quick dessert later.
Chocolate Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a saucepan, whisk together cocoa powder, cornstarch, sugar, and salt.
- Gradually whisk in almond milk until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour into serving dishes and let cool.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
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