Healthy Chocolate Pudding Recipe

Introduction

This healthy chocolate pudding is a creamy, guilt-free dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without compromising on nutrition. Made with simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s perfect for a quick treat or a make-ahead dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk of choice or canned coconut milk
• Heaping 1/8 teaspoon 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 tablespoons cornstarch
• Optional: 3 ounces chocolate chips or broken-up chocolate bar
• 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a saucepan, heat the 2 cups of milk with the salt, cocoa powder, and sweetener over medium heat until warm.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup milk and cornstarch until completely dissolved.
3. Step 3: When the milk mixture in the saucepan is warm, slowly add the cornstarch mixture while stirring continuously.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to thicken.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat.
6. Step 6: Stir in the vanilla extract and chocolate pieces until the chocolate melts completely.
7. Step 7: Pour the pudding into serving dishes and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight until fully thickened.

Tips & Variations

• Use Dutch cocoa powder for the richest flavor; regular unsweetened cocoa can be used but may alter the taste.
• Try different sweeteners to suit your preference, such as honey for a natural option or erythritol for low sugar.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder for an extra depth of flavor.
• For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and a sweetener like maple syrup or agave.

Storage

Store the pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, give it a good stir. It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch cocoa?

Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different and may be less smooth and rich compared to Dutch-processed cocoa.

Is it possible to make this pudding dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or coconut milk and choose a plant-based sweetener to keep it dairy-free.

Healthy Chocolate Pudding Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 113 reviews

This Healthy Chocolate Pudding is a creamy, rich dessert made with simple, wholesome ingredients like cocoa powder, milk of choice, and a natural sweetener. It uses cornstarch as a thickener to create a smooth, velvety texture without refined additives, perfect for a guilt-free treat that can be enjoyed anytime.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes plus chilling time (minimum 2 hours recommended)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 2 cups milk of choice (dairy or canned coconut milk)
• heaping 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup dutch cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup sweetener (sugar, pure maple syrup, erythritol, or honey)

Thickening Mixture

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

Optional Ingredients

• 3 oz chocolate chips or broken-up chocolate bar
• 3/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Heat the Milk Mixture: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of your chosen milk, salt, Dutch cocoa powder, and sweetener. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm and well combined.
2. Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: While the milk mixture warms, whisk together 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of milk in a small bowl until completely smooth with no lumps.
3. Combine and Boil: Once the milk mixture is warm (not boiling), gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue heating and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Maintain a boil and stir continuously for 2 minutes to activate the thickening.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently. This ensures a smooth and thick consistency.
5. Finish with Vanilla and Chocolate: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the pure vanilla extract and then add the chocolate chips or broken-up chocolate pieces, stirring until fully melted and integrated into the pudding.
6. Chill the Pudding: Transfer the pudding into serving dishes or a container. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow the pudding to fully thicken and set to a creamy, luscious texture.

Notes

• The pudding thickens further the longer it sits in the refrigerator.
• Only Dutch cocoa powder was tested; regular unsweetened cocoa powder may alter taste and texture.
• Sweetener type can be adjusted based on dietary preferences or restrictions.
• Arrowroot starch was not tested, so cornstarch is recommended for best results.
• Optional chocolate chips add extra richness but can be omitted for a purer cocoa flavor.

Keywords: Healthy chocolate pudding, dairy-free pudding option, low sugar chocolate dessert, homemade chocolate pudding, creamy pudding recipe