Creamy smooth and luscious, this homemade chocolate pudding is comforting and delicious. It is easy to make with pantry staples and definitely worth the effort!
![Homemade Chocolate Pudding 1 bowl of chocolate pudding with whipped cream](https://cookingwithcarlee.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Bowl2Bof2Bchocolate2Bpudding2Bwith2Bchocolate2Bchips2Band2Bwhipped2Bcream2Btop2Bview.jpg.webp)
Sometimes you just want a little chocolate pudding. There is just something so comforting about it.
Now, you could run to the store and buy a box of mix. Then all you have to do is stir in the milk and let it sit.
Or you can do something that is almost as easy and tastes twice as good. Chances are you have most of the ingredients in your pantry already, and as a bonus you get to sneak a little warm pudding to tide you over until it cools!
In my book those are all wins! This pudding’s chocolate flavor is so deep and delicious.
I added some instant coffee to really round out the chocolate flavor, though you certainly don’t have to.
It is sweet enough, but not too sweet. It is smooth and luscious and a perfect treat that will remind you of childhood while still pleasing your adult pallet.
![Homemade Chocolate Pudding 2 sauce pan with dry ingredients for homemade chocolate pudding inside.](https://cookingwithcarlee.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Chocolate-Pudding-Dry-Ingredients-in-the-saucepan.jpg.webp)
Making the pudding really isn’t hard at all. You just whisk together the dry ingredients, then the cold milk.
This next step is time consuming, but easy. Just get comfortable and ready to hang out over the stove for a little bit.
You want to bring up the temperature of the milk slowly until the pudding is thickened. True, it may take ten or fifteen minutes, but the results are worth it!
![Homemade Chocolate Pudding 3 Thickened chocolate pudding mixture coating the back of a measuring spoon.](https://cookingwithcarlee.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Chocolate-Pudding-Coats-Spoon.jpg.webp)
Besides you waste time on much sillier things than that!
Just when it seems like it is never going to happen, the mixture starts to thicken. All of the sudden it goes from seemingly a lost cause to really moving fast.
Once it seems like it is reaching pudding consistency, check to make sure it really coats the back of a spoon. All that is left is stirring in the butter and vanilla, a quick taste test and off to the fridge.
![Creamy smooth and luscious, this homemade chocolate pudding is comforting and delicious. It is easy to make with pantry staples and definitely worth the effort! small bowl of chocolate pudding with whipped cream on top, spoon taking first bite.](https://cookingwithcarlee.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Bite-of-chocolate-pudding-with-whipped-cream.jpg.webp)
See, that wasn’t so hard! In addition to being a great snack on its own, it is also a great building block to other treats.
I used some in the ghosts in the graveyard trifle to make it extra special.
You could also pour the warm pudding in a baked pie shell and chill it. Top it with some cream cheese whipped cream for an extra special treat!
For another vintage feeling chocolate pudding treat, try making chocolate rice pudding in a pressure cooker. It is super comforting and really easy to make.
Did you make this great recipe? Please leave a review in the recipe card below!
![Homemade Chocolate Pudding 4 bowl of chocolate pudding with whipped cream](https://cookingwithcarlee.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Bowl2Bof2Bchocolate2Bpudding2Bwith2Bchocolate2Bchips2Band2Bwhipped2Bcream2Btop2Bview-320x320.jpg.webp)
Homemade Chocolate Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules optional
- 4 Tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3¼ cups whole milk
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract coffee or orange liqueur would be great too!
Instructions
- In a large heavy bottomed saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa, coffee, cornstarch and salt.1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules, 4 Tablespoons cornstarch, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Add 1 cup of the milk and whisk vigorously until smooth. This is your chance to get all the lumps out. Whisk in additional milk.3¼ cups whole milk
- Place pan over low heat and whisk VERY frequently for the first five minutes. Be sure to get the edges of the pan, you don’t want anything to scald.
- After 5 minutes, start whisking constantly. It is important that you don’t lose your patience and turn up the heat, it will thicken.
- Once the mixture is thick enough to really coat a spoon, remove from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla.2 Tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour into serving dishes or pie crust. Cover with plastic wrap allowing the plastic wrap to actually touch the surface of the pudding. Refrigerate until chilled through (1-2 hours depending on size of serving dish)
Carlee
Monday 15th of January 2018
Sure thing! There is just something so soothing about pudding, isn't there?
Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
Wednesday 10th of January 2018
Nothing beats homemade chocolate pudding...NOTHING!!!
Carlee
Thursday 11th of January 2018
Ha! It is definitely way up there!
Julie Pollitt @ Back To My Southern Roots
Wednesday 10th of January 2018
Chocolate pudding is worth waiting for! What a delicious recipe. I am craving some now.
Carlee
Thursday 11th of January 2018
It definitely is worth the wait! Thank you!
Unknown
Saturday 6th of January 2018
You had me at luscious and chocolate hehehe. PINNED!
Carlee
Thursday 11th of January 2018
It so creamy and smooth too! So many great adjectives for a fun treat!
Family Around the Table
Saturday 6th of January 2018
I've never made homemade pudding. You're recipe makes me want to give it a try. I think my kids will love it.
Carlee
Thursday 11th of January 2018
It is so easy and creamy and delicious!