Healthy Chocolate Pudding Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pudding is not only easy to make but also customizable to your dietary needs. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, and can even be sugar-free depending on your sweetener choice. The texture is incredibly creamy, and the flavor is rich with the deep taste of cocoa. You won’t miss the heavy cream or any other traditional pudding ingredients, making it a guilt-free treat for everyone!

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk of choice (or canned coconut milk)

• 1/8 tsp salt

• 1/4 cup Dutch cocoa powder

• 1/3 cup sweetener (sugar, pure maple syrup, erythritol, or honey)

• 1/2 cup milk of choice + 3 tbsp cornstarch

• Optional: 3 oz chocolate chips or broken-up chocolate bar

• 3/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Heat 2 cups of your chosen milk in a small saucepan with the salt, cocoa powder, and sweetener.

2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of milk and cornstarch until fully dissolved.

3. When the milk mixture in the saucepan is warm, add the cornstarch mixture and bring it to a boil.

4. Stir constantly for 2 minutes, then lower the heat and let it simmer for another minute.

5. Turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. If using chocolate, add it now, stirring until it fully melts.

6. Transfer the pudding to the refrigerator to thicken. It will get thicker over time and is best after a few hours or overnight.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 3

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Milk Options: Experiment with different milk options, such as almond, oat, or cashew milk.

• Sweetener: Adjust the sweetness with your preferred sweetener, such as honey, maple syrup, or stevia.

• Flavor Add-ins: For a unique twist, try adding peppermint extract, coconut extract, or even a bit of cinnamon.

• Chocolate Add-ins: Add chocolate chips for extra richness or use chopped dark chocolate for an even more decadent treat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

• Reheating: If you prefer it warm, reheat the pudding gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently.

FAQs

How do I make this pudding thicker?

If you’d like a thicker pudding, allow it to sit in the refrigerator for longer, as it thickens as it cools.

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch cocoa?

Yes, but Dutch cocoa powder has a smoother and deeper flavor, which works best for this recipe. Regular cocoa will still work but may result in a slightly different taste.

Is this pudding sugar-free?

Yes, you can make it sugar-free by using a low-calorie sweetener like erythritol or stevia in place of sugar or maple syrup.

Can I make this pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pudding actually tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, allowing the flavors to develop and the texture to set perfectly.

Can I use arrowroot instead of cornstarch?

Some readers have substituted arrowroot powder for cornstarch successfully. If using arrowroot, reduce the amount to about half the cornstarch amount.

Can I freeze this pudding?

While freezing is possible, the texture may change, so it’s best to enjoy this pudding fresh or refrigerated.

How do I make this pudding extra creamy?

Use canned coconut milk or a full-fat dairy-free milk for an extra creamy texture.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can melt dark chocolate and stir it in for a richer chocolate flavor.

Can I use this recipe for a pie filling?

Yes! This pudding can make a delicious, creamy filling for pies, especially if you chill it until firm.

Is this pudding suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s a great dessert option for kids, as it’s both healthy and indulgent without any artificial additives.

Conclusion

This Healthy Chocolate Pudding is the perfect dessert to satisfy your chocolate cravings without any guilt. It’s easy to make, customizable, and delicious, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a healthier, indulgent treat. Enjoy it chilled, topped with coconut whipped cream, or as is for a rich and creamy dessert experience!