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    Home » Desserts

    Homemade Chocolate Pudding

    by Kathy Berget · Updated: Oct 29, 2025 ·

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    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full disclosure here.

    Chocolate pudding topped with whipped cream and fresh raspberries.

    Homemade Chocolate Pudding is easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. This makes a rich, creamy pudding with old-fashioned chocolate flavor that will take you right back to your childhood.

    A glass parfait filled with chocolate pudding and whipped cream.

    Creamy chocolate pudding

    Growing up, we often had dessert every evening. Pudding was always a favorite. However, we didn't make it homemade; we usually made it from a box. This pudding reminds me of my childhood, but with a delicious homemade version.

    It's been many years since I've had the boxed powdered version, but if my memory serves me correctly, I think this pudding has a richer chocolate flavor and a silkier texture.

    This homemade pudding is easy to make, and once made, it's hard to resist sneaking a spoonful while it's still warm. Whether you enjoy this pudding warm or fully chilled, each bite is smooth, creamy, and so delicious.

    Pudding ingredients

    A pitcher with milk, and a few bowls filled with sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch.
    • Milk - Any type of milk works in this recipe. For the richest pudding, use whole milk.
    • Cocoa - Use unsweetened cocoa powder.
    • Sugar - Granulated sugar.
    • Cornstarch - Used to thicken the pudding.
    • Vanilla - Use pure vanilla extract.

    Making chocolate pudding

    Cocoa powder and sugar in a saucepan.
    1. Combine sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt together in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
    Pouring milk into a saucepan.
    1. Whisk in milk.
    Whisking together pudding ingredients in a saucepan.
    1. Heat over medium-low heat. Stir often with the whisk or a spoon to avoid burning.
    Thickened pudding in a saucepan.
    1. Heat until the pudding simmers and thickens.
    2. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and then pour into a large bowl or individual serving dishes.
    3. Cover with plastic wrap. The plastic wrap should be in direct contact with the pudding in order to prevent a skin from developing on the surface.
    4. Refrigerate until chilled.

    Recipe tips

    • Stir the pudding often. It will easily burn if not stirred.
    • You may find areas near the bottom of the pan that begin to thicken before the rest of the pudding. Just keep stirring to mix together.
    • Be certain to cover the pudding with plastic wrap with direct contact to the pudding. This will help prevent a skin from developing on the surface of the pudding.

    Frequently asked questions

    How long will chocolate pudding last?

    When stored in the refrigerator, it will last for 3-4 days.

    Does chocolate pudding need to be chilled before eating?

    Some people enjoy eating chocolate pudding warm, while other enjoy it chilled.

    A spoonful of chocolate pudding with a bit of whipped cream.

    More delicious chocolate desserts

    • Chocolate Mousse
    • Flourless Chocolate Cake
    • Chocolate Bundt Cake
    • Buttermilk Chocolate Cake
    • Brownies
    An empty glass with a bit of pudding and a spoon.

    If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

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    A glass parfait filled with chocolate pudding and whipped cream.

    Homemade Chocolate Pudding

    Kathy Berget
    Rich and creamy chocolate pudding made with just a few simple ingredients.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Chilling Time 1 hour hr
    Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 228 kcal

    Equipment

    • Whisk

    Ingredients
     
     

    • ⅔ cup sugar
    • ⅔ cup cocoa powder
    • ¼ cup cornstarch
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • 4 cups milk (whole, 2%, or skim)
    • 1½ teaspoons vanilla

    Instructions
     

    • Combine sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt together in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
      ⅔ cup sugar, ⅔ cup cocoa powder, ¼ cup cornstarch, ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • Whisk in milk.
      4 cups milk
    • Heat over medium-low heat. Stir often with the whisk or a spoon to avoid burning.
    • Heat until the pudding simmers and thickens.
    • Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and then pour into a large bowl or individual serving dishes.
      1½ teaspoons vanilla
    • Cover with plastic wrap. The plastic wrap should be in direct contact with the pudding in order to prevent a skin from developing on the surface.
    • Refrigerate until chilled.
    • Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries, if desired.

    Notes

    • Whole milk will produce the richest tasting pudding. 
    • Stir the pudding often. It will easily burn if not stirred.
    • You may find areas near the bottom of the pan that begin to thicken before the rest of the pudding. Just keep stirring to mix together.
    • Be certain to cover the pudding with plastic wrap with direct contact to the pudding. This will help prevent a skin from developing on the surface of the pudding.

    Nutritional Disclaimer:

    Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 228kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 7gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 113mgPotassium: 391mgFiber: 4gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 264IUCalcium: 213mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @BeyondTheChickenCoop or tag #beyondthechickencoop!

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    I'm Kathy, and I love to create delicious recipes from scratch, utilizing many ingredients that we grow and raise. I'm a recipe creator, food photographer, and cookbook author!

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