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Home / Desserts

Homemade Dark Chocolate Pudding

Indulge in the silky, rich taste of Homemade Dark Chocolate Pudding—a perfect balance of deep chocolate flavor and creamy texture.

Erren Hart

|

last Updated:

03/02/2025
4.96 from 22 votes
Jump to Recipe Video
Serves: 6 servings
Prep: 10 minutes mins
Cook: 10 minutes mins
A bowl of delightful dark chocolate pudding is garnished with whipped cream and rich chocolate shavings, beautifully featured in a recipe from Erren's Kitchen. Discover more at www.errenskitchen.com.
A spoonful of rich, decadent chocolate pudding with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, held above a bowl. The text reads, "Homemade Dark Chocolate Pudding" and "erreskitchen.com.
A glass bowl of luscious chocolate pudding is crowned with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Below, a spoonful of silky pudding is lifted, highlighting its rich texture. The text reads "Homemade Chocolate Pudding" from "Erren's Kitchen.
Close-up of a glass bowl filled with rich, creamy chocolate mousse and topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. A spoon lifts a generous scoop, revealing the smooth texture of this decadent chocolate pudding delight.
A glass bowl brimming with decadent chocolate pudding, crowned by a dollop of whipped cream and drizzled in delicate dark chocolate shavings, rests elegantly against a light backdrop.
A glass cup brimming with luscious chocolate pudding is topped with a swirl of whipped cream and garnished with dark chocolate shavings, set against a plain white background.
Three glass cups filled with rich chocolate mousse and velvety chocolate pudding are topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with chocolate shavings, surrounded by scattered pieces of chopped chocolate on a white marble surface.
A spoonful of rich, decadent chocolate pudding with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, held above a bowl. The text reads, "Homemade Dark Chocolate Pudding" and "erreskitchen.com.

A close-up of a spoonful of decadent chocolate pudding, adorned with delicate chocolate shavings and a swirl of whipped cream. The spoon hovers tantalizingly above a glass brimming with more luscious chocolate pudding, set against a bright, blurred background.

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Rich, creamy, and indulgent, this Homemade Dark Chocolate Pudding is easy to make and packed with decadent flavor. Top it with homemade whipped cream for the ultimate dessert.

  • Why This Recipe Works
  • What Chocolate Is Best
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Step By Step Instructions
  • Recipe Tips
  • Storage & Freezing Instructions ❄
  • FAQs
  • Rate This Recipe
  • Recipe

When I was a kid, chocolate pudding was my ultimate comfort food—straight out of a box, whisked with milk, and eaten while still warm. But nothing compares to the real deal: silky, rich Homemade Dark Chocolate Pudding. This recipe is a game-changer, bringing out deep chocolate flavors while keeping things simple enough for anyone to make. Trust me, it’s worth the (short!) time it takes.

Close-up of a glass bowl filled with rich, creamy chocolate mousse and topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. A spoon lifts a generous scoop, revealing the smooth texture of this decadent chocolate pudding delight.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Using dark chocolate instead of just cocoa powder gives the pudding a rich deep flavor.
  • Adding Butter at the end gives it a silky smooth consistency.
  • Using vanilla adds an extra depth of flavor
  • A little salt cuts the sweetness giving a perfect balance.
A bowl of luscious chocolate pudding topped with a swirl of whipped cream and sprinkled with dark chocolate shavings rests on a white marble surface, with extra chocolate pieces scattered around.

What Chocolate Is Best

Close-up of a pile of dark chocolate chunks, reminiscent of indulgent chocolate pudding. The pieces have a glossy surface with some rough edges and varying sizes, capturing the rich texture of the chocolate.

High-Quality Dark Chocolate (54 to 70% Cocoa)

Why: This cocoa percentage provides a perfect balance between intense chocolate flavor and smooth creaminess. Anything below 54% may be too sweet, while anything above 70% can make the pudding too bitter.


Ingredient Notes

An arrangement of ingredients for chocolate pudding on a white background includes milk, cocoa powder, sugar, dark chocolate, eggs, butter, vanilla extract, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Each item is neatly labeled in its own container.

2 cups whole milk (480 ml): Use full-fat milk for a creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, substitute unsweetened almond or oat milk. Find it in the dairy aisle.

½ cup sugar (100 g): Regular granulated sugar works best. Want less sweetness? Reduce by a tablespoon.

¼ cup cocoa powder (25 g): Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey base. Dutch-processed cocoa adds an extra depth of flavor.

4 teaspoons cornstarch (10 g): This thickens the pudding perfectly. Substitute arrowroot powder if needed, available in the baking aisle.

2 large egg yolks: These add richness and help with thickening. Use pasteurized eggs for safety, especially if serving to kids.

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: A high-quality extract elevates the flavor. Avoid artificial vanilla if possible.

¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor.

½ cup dark chocolate, chopped (85 g): Use High-Quality Dark Chocolate Bars (54-70% Cocoa).

2 tablespoons butter (28 g): Adds a silky finish. Substitute vegan butter if needed.

Three glass cups filled with rich chocolate mousse and velvety chocolate pudding are topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with chocolate shavings, surrounded by scattered pieces of chopped chocolate on a white marble surface.

JUMP TO RECIPE

Step By Step Instructions

You can find the full, printable recipe at the bottom of this post (click the button above), but you can read a summary with step-by-step instructions and photos for each step below.

Combine Ingredients In a medium saucepan, whisk together 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, ½ cup (100 g) sugar, ¼ cup (25 g) cocoa powder, 4 teaspoons (10 g) cornstarch, 2 large egg yolks, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt until smooth.

Two images depict a chocolate pudding cooking process in a pot. The top shows dry ingredients, including cocoa powder and flour. The bottom reveals the mixture after stirring, with a whisk and a bubbly, liquid texture.

Place the saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly. Heat until the mixture begins to simmer and thicken.

Two images: The top one features a metal pot with a silky chocolate pudding mixture being expertly whisked. The bottom image captures chocolate chunks cascading into a pot filled with warm, melted chocolate.

Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup (85 g) chopped dark chocolate and 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter until fully melted and smooth.

A saucepan filled with smooth, melted chocolate being stirred with a spatula, alongside a glass bowl lined with plastic wrap, containing a thick layer of rich chocolate pudding spread.

Divide the pudding evenly into 6 ramekins. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

A glass bowl brimming with decadent chocolate pudding, crowned by a dollop of whipped cream and drizzled in delicate dark chocolate shavings, rests elegantly against a light backdrop.

Enjoy chilled, topped with whipped cream, chopped chocolate or fresh berries.

Recipe Tips

  • Buy the best quality chocolate you can afford as it will make a big difference to the end result.
  • Use whole milk as lighter milk may cause the pudding to go runny.
  • Don’t skip the plastic wrap.  If it doesn’t touch the mixture as it cools it will form a skin.
  • Whisk constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
  • Use a silicone spatula to scrape the sides and bottom of the pan.
  • For extra richness, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.

Storage & Freezing Instructions ❄

Refrigerate: Cover with plastic wrap and store for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Pour into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and whisk before serving.

A close-up of a spoonful of creamy chocolate mousse topped with delicate chocolate shavings, showcasing the elegance of fine chocolate recipes. The mousse is smooth and rich, bits of chocolate atop it, set against a blurred backdrop of a glass filled with more mousse.

FAQs

How Long Will Homemade Pudding Last?

Properly stored in the fridge in an airtight container, homemade chocolate pudding will last 5-7 days.

Can Chocolate Pudding Be Frozen?

Because it contains cornstarch, pudding can change texture when frozen so it’s not recommended.

Rate This Recipe

Click here to leave a star rating!

A close-up of a spoonful of decadent chocolate pudding, adorned with delicate chocolate shavings and a swirl of whipped cream. The spoon hovers tantalizingly above a glass brimming with more luscious chocolate pudding, set against a bright, blurred background.

Recipe

Homemade Dark Chocolate Pudding

Indulge in the silky, rich taste of Homemade Dark Chocolate Pudding—a perfect balance of deep chocolate flavor and creamy texture.
4.96 from 22 votes
Print
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
Total Time: 15 minutes mins
Serves 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 4 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup dark chocolate (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  • In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, egg yolks, vanilla, and salt. Cook over medium-high heat whisking constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer. Add the chocolate and butter.
  • Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring continuously with a whisk or silicone spatula. Be sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the pan to prevent sticking or scorching.
  • After several minutes, the mixture will begin to thicken. Continue cooking until it reaches a thick, pudding-like consistency, about 8–10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon and holds its shape when swirled.
  • Pour the pudding into 6 small cups or ramekins. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the pudding and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.

Tips

  • Prevent Lumps: Make sure to whisk the mixture constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.
  • Richness: For an extra creamy texture, add an additional tablespoon of butter to the pudding mixture.
  • Pudding Too Runny?: If your pudding isn’t thickening as expected, try increasing the heat slightly, but make sure to stir continuously.
Show Nutrition Hide Nutrition

Nutrition

Calories: 271 | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 172mg | Potassium: 272mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 335IU | Calcium: 115mg | Iron: 2.4mg
Created by Erren Hart
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Update Notes: This post was originally published on Aug 15, 2014, but was republished with step by step instructions, new photos, and tips in December of 2019.

4.96 from 22 votes (11 ratings without comment)

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34 responses

  1. Elizabeth Avatar
    Elizabeth
    11/02/2020

    Fabulous recipe. I added a teaspoon instant coffee (I always add a bit to chocolate dishes), used skim milk because it was all I had, and stirred in the vanilla after I took the pudding off the heat. I’d learned to do that decades ago so the heat doesn’t compromise good, and precious, vanilla. Followed everything else as instructed. Pudding seems too mundane a name for a guest worthy dessert!

    Reply
    1. Erren's Kitchen Avatar
      Erren’s Kitchen
      11/04/2020

      Thank you Elizabeth, I’m so pleased you liked it 🙂

      Reply
  2. Kyla Sordino Avatar
    Kyla Sordino
    10/24/2020

    Recipe is Easy and fast. Delicious pudding warm or cold. Cannot imagine buying a box mix again.

    Reply
    1. Erren's Kitchen Avatar
      Erren’s Kitchen
      10/24/2020

      This is exactly what I love to hear Kyla, thank you 🙂

      Reply
  3. Ilena Avatar
    Ilena
    09/30/2020

    Chocolate pudding is my favorite snack.

    Reply
    1. Erren's Kitchen Avatar
      Erren’s Kitchen
      10/01/2020

      It’s great, isn’t it? 🙂

      Reply
  4. Sally Gardener Avatar
    Sally Gardener
    08/21/2020

    Exquisite and long lasting (3-4 days carefully wrapped). Highly recommend for special events and every day thrill at the end of a meal.

    Reply
    1. Erren's Kitchen Avatar
      Erren’s Kitchen
      08/22/2020

      Thank you Sally, I’m so pleased you liked the recipe! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer
    07/09/2020

    I made this delectable treat this morning, for a quick dessert tonight! I added a little more sugar as all I had were unsweetened mini chocolate chips, but my goodness, what a lovely recipe! Everyone gobbled theirs up after dinner, begging for more, a perfect encore to the cutest little line of whisk lickers I had this morning. Thank you for the fantastic recipe, this will definitely be a keeper in this house. 🤍

    Reply
    1. Erren's Kitchen Avatar
      Erren’s Kitchen
      07/09/2020

      Nothing better than licking the whisk! I’m so pleased it was enjoyed by all 🙂

      Reply
  6. Erren's Kitchen Avatar
    Erren’s Kitchen
    06/11/2020

    Isn’t it great? And so easy too.

    Reply
  7. Mary Elizabeth Avatar
    Mary Elizabeth
    10/13/2018

    Delicious and super easy to make! Great recipe!!

    Reply
  8. Anna Avatar
    Anna
    10/04/2017

    This is a wonderful recipe! My kids just love it!

    Reply
    1. Erren Avatar
      Erren
      10/04/2017

      I’m so glad to hear it, Anna!

      Reply
  9. jess Avatar
    jess
    09/29/2015

    we have baking chocolate rather than a dark chocolate in the cupboard. do you see a way to incorporate that in the recipe instead?

    Reply
    1. Erren Avatar
      Erren
      10/06/2015

      Hi there. Sorry for the late reply. I would say if it’s unsweetened chocolate, it would need more sugar. I would taste as you go. Hope this helps.

      Reply
  10. filicia Avatar
    filicia
    07/07/2015

    Hi erren! I am a new reader here, but I have been enjoying looking at your archives and pin many of your recipes to my “Recipes to Try” board. Well, hopefully I will actually make it some day haha. Anyway, thank you so much for sharing your recipes. also, love your styling and photography too,

    goodluck!

    Reply
    1. Erren Avatar
      Erren
      07/13/2015

      Hi Filicia, Welcome 🙂 Thank you for the lovely comment! It’s always nice to get such great feedback!

      Reply
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