Rich & Creamy Homemade Chocolate Pudding Recipe
Here on the homestead, we’ve been blessed with an abundance of fresh milk from our second cow, Pearl. Producing about 3 gallons daily. That’s 21 gallons of rich, creamy milk each week! While we share some with friends and family, most of it stays right here, inspiring us to get creative in the kitchen. This surplus led me to experiment with a chocolate pudding recipe.
From churning butter and crafting cheese to skimming cream for our morning coffee, making yogurt, and fermenting kefir. We’ve explored numerous ways to utilize this “liquid gold.” Always eager ton try new recipes, I was excited to discover how simple homemade chocolate pudding is to prepare. It’s quickly become a weekly staple in our home.
A New Homestead Favorite
More than anything, I utilize the cream from the milk the most. It’s what I need to make butter and let’s face it, Travis and I drink a lot of coffee so the cream also goes to that a lot. This leaves behind a lot of the milk that the cream has been skimmed off of. And this pudding can be easily made with the leftover milk.
Even the milk skimmed of cream still has a higher butterfat content because it comes from a jersey cow, so if you’re using store bought milk, use whole milk or no less than 2%.
The Simple Ingredients In This Chocolate Pudding Recipe
Crafting this pudding requires just a handful of basic ingredients: sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-processed for a strong flavor), cornstarch, fresh whole milk, egg yolks, butter, and vanilla extract. Using Pearl’s raw milk adds an extra layer of richness and creamy texture to this delightful dessert. For an extra indulgent twist, you can fold in chocolate chips or bittersweet chocolate for depth.
The Joy of Homemade Pudding
There’s a unique satisfaction in creating something from scratch, especially when it involves ingredients sourced directly from our homestead. This pudding not only satisfies our sweet tooth but also reinforces our commitment to a self-sustained lifestyle.
With its silky pudding mixture, this recipe creates the perfect final product: a dessert that’s versatile enough to serve warm or chilled. Whether you’re topping it with whipped cream, fresh berries, or shaved chocolate, it’s guaranteed to delight.
Serving Suggestions
We enjoy our pudding in individual serving bowls, served warm for a cozy treat or chilled for a refreshing dessert. Adding a layer of plastic wrap directly on the top of the pudding while it cools prevents a skin from forming. For an extra special touch, garnish with semisweet chocolate, fresh fruit, or even a drizzle of maple syrup.
This recipe is ideal for personal consumption but also fits beautifully into a chocolate pie or as a layer in a trifle. It’s a simple recipe that feels like an elevated treat. The best pudding for any occasion.
Why Homemade?
Boxed stuff from the grocery store might be convenient, but it can’t compete with the flavor of homemade pudding. Making it from scratch allows you to control the amount of sugar and adjust the recipe for medically restrictive diets or calorie-conscious needs. Whether you’re looking for a sweeter pudding or one with a deep chocolate milk flavor, this recipe is easily adaptable.
Tips for Perfect Pudding
- Customizing Sweetness: Use maple syrup or adjust the sugar to suit your preference.
- Texture Enhancers: Add a splash of heavy cream for extra richness or replace some milk with almond milk for a lighter option.
- Serving Ideas: Garnish with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of chia seeds for added texture.
- Storage: Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Homemade Chocolate Pudding Recipe
Below is the full recipe for our creamy chocolate pudding, perfect for anyone seeking an easy dessert with a homemade touch. The first step in this simple recipe is to combine sugar and cocoa in a medium saucepan, ensuring a smooth mixture that will cook to perfection. With just a little bit of effort, you’ll have a dessert that’s truly the good stuff. Let us know if this silky pudding becomes a new favorite in your home!
Chocolate Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 5½ cups whole milk or substitute almond milk, oat milk, or skim milk for a lighter option
- 8 egg yolks
- 1/3 tsp salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed pot or enameled Dutch oven, whisk together the sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and cornstarch until well combined.
Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring a smooth mixture with no lumps.
Cook Mixture: Place the pot over medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent sticking. Cook until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble gently.
Temper Egg Yolks: In a separate medium bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Slowly add about 1 cup of the hot chocolate mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper them.
Combine Mixtures: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the pot, stirring continuously.
Thicken Pudding: Return the pot to medium heat and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the pudding reaches your desired thickness.
Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Cool Pudding: Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes or a large bowl. To prevent a skin from forming on the top of the pudding, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding.
Refrigerate: Allow the pudding to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
I hope you enjoy this chocolate treat!
If you want more, try your hand at these sourdough discard pop tart recipe! Or if you need more dairy ideas, this yogurt recipe will be a new favorite.
If you’d like to learn more about our homestead adventures and the heart behind our lifestyle, please visit my About Me page. For daily glimpses into our life, delicious recipes, and homesteading tips, follow me on Instagram. Don’t forget to tag me when you try out this chocolate pudding recipe—I love seeing your creations!
