Healthy Chocolate Pudding Recipe

Introduction

This Healthy Chocolate Pudding is a creamy, guilt-free dessert that satisfies your chocolate cravings without the heaviness. Made with simple ingredients and natural sweeteners, 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 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a saucepan, heat the 2 cups of milk with salt, cocoa powder, and sweetener over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm.
2. Step 2: While the milk mixture warms, whisk together the cornstarch and 1/2 cup milk in a small bowl until smooth and dissolved.
3. Step 3: When the milk mixture is warm, slowly add the cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly to combine.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir constantly for 2 minutes until it thickens.
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: Transfer the pudding to a container and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to allow it to thicken further before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, use canned coconut milk or add a splash of cream instead of regular milk.
• Try different sweeteners like maple syrup or honey for varied flavor profiles.
• To make it vegan, use plant-based milk and a vegan sweetener.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of peppermint extract for a fun twist.

Storage

Store the pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, give it a good stir if it thickens too much. You can enjoy it chilled or bring it to room temperature for a softer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch cocoa powder?

While the recipe calls for Dutch cocoa powder for its smooth flavor, you can experiment with regular unsweetened cocoa powder. Keep in mind the taste and color might differ slightly.

Is there a substitute for cornstarch?

Cornstarch is ideal for thickening this pudding smoothly. You might try arrowroot powder as a substitute, but results can vary and the texture may change.

Healthy Chocolate Pudding Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 148 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Healthy Chocolate Pudding recipe offers a creamy, rich dessert made with natural ingredients. Using milk or canned coconut milk combined with Dutch cocoa powder and a sweetener of your choice, it creates a smooth pudding thickened with cornstarch. The pudding is cooked gently on the stovetop and finished with vanilla and optional chocolate pieces for an extra indulgent touch. Perfect for a wholesome, satisfying treat that can be enjoyed after chilling for a few hours or overnight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups milk of choice 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)
• 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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cornstarch mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and 1/2 cup of the milk of choice until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
2. Heat the milk base: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of milk (or canned coconut milk), heaping 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup Dutch cocoa powder, and 1/3 cup sweetener. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture is warm but not boiling.
3. Add the cornstarch mixture: Pour the dissolved cornstarch and milk mixture into the warm cocoa mixture. Increase heat and bring it to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Cook until thickened: Once boiling, continue stirring constantly for 2 minutes until the pudding thickens. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for an additional 1 minute to ensure the cornstarch is fully cooked.
5. Add vanilla and chocolate: Turn off the heat. Stir in 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and the optional 3 ounces of chocolate chips or broken chocolate pieces. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the pudding is smooth.
6. Chill the pudding: Transfer the pudding to a container, cover it, and refrigerate. Allow it to thicken further while chilling. The pudding will be ready to enjoy after a few hours but tastes best after chilling overnight.

Notes

• The recipe uses Dutch cocoa powder specifically. Substituting with regular unsweetened cocoa powder may alter the flavor.
• You may use a sweetener of choice such as sugar, pure maple syrup, erythritol, or honey depending on dietary preferences.
• For a dairy-free option, canned coconut milk is recommended and imparts a creamy texture.
• Stirring constantly during boiling is crucial to avoid lumps and scorching.
• This pudding thickens as it chills, so be patient for the best texture.
• Arrowroot has not been tested as a substitute for cornstarch in this recipe.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Healthy chocolate pudding, dairy-free chocolate pudding, easy chocolate dessert, stovetop pudding, low-calorie dessert