Got Extra Milk? The Best Homemade Chocolate Pudding Recipe
When I first got my milk cows, I was excited to make the classic dairy products we use and enjoy. But, hands down, my favorite indulgence to make with fresh, raw cow’s milk is homemade chocolate pudding! Whether you’re looking for a way to use up a lot of milk or just craving something sweet, this creamy chocolate pudding is the perfect treat. Even if you’re using store-bought milk, cooking with real, simple ingredients ensures you know exactly what’s going into your food. If you’re ready for a dessert that’s both delicious and easy to make, this homemade raw milk chocolate pudding recipe is one to try!
Simple Ingredients
Homemade pudding uses just a handful of simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. While instant pudding may be quick, you can’t beat the taste of fresh pudding made with real ingredients. If you are working towards less processed foods, this easy chocolate pudding recipe is a kid-friendly option.
Mix Dry Ingredients
Quality Whole Milk
Finishing Ingredients
No Eggs?
Egg yolks are a common ingredient added to pudding, and I do add them to some of my recipes. However, this recipe is egg-free. Eggs act as a thickener and can enhance texture and flavor, however, this recipe comes together so well without them, I don’t add the egg yolks or the calories to my homemade chocolate pudding. Best part, no tempering of eggs required!
Must Have: Heavy Bottomed Stock Pot
When making pudding, using a heavy-bottomed pot is essential! Thin-bottomed pans can cause the pudding to scorch quickly, as they don’t distribute heat evenly. A heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heat distribution, reducing the risk of burning. That said, frequent stirring is still necessary to achieve a smooth, lump-free pudding.
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Steps to Success!
Begin by mixing the sugar, a pinch of salt, corn starch, and cocoa powder into a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Whisk together.
Pro Tip
I prefer to sift my cocoa powder and cornstarch together to eliminate lumps in my pudding. If you don’t have a sifter, use a metal screen colander and sift into the heavy bottom pot.
Add cold milk slowly, whisking as you add the milk. Begin heating the milk mixture on medium heat, stirring constantly. After the dry ingredients are mixed well, I switch to a rubber spatula to stir my pudding. I find that it’s easier to keep milk from scorching on the bottom when I can thoroughly stir to the bottom of the pan. A whisk grazes the bottom of the pan, while a rubber spatula is more effective at preventing burnt food by thoroughly scraping the surface.
Continue stirring the pudding until it boils, boiling for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Once done and the pudding reaches your desired thickness, remove from heat. Be careful not to boil it too long. If you over-boil cornstarch, it can become thin because the starches break down too much. If you don’t cook the pudding long enough, it tends to separate when it cools. So be patient and keep stirring! Keep in mind, pudding will continue to thicken as it cools.
Pro Tip
It takes time for the pudding to come to a boil. On medium heat, it takes me about 30 minutes of stirring. I know, I know! 30 minutes?! I scroll on my phone while I stir with a rubber spatula… you’ve got this!
As your pudding begins to thicken, you may have to stop stirring for just a few seconds to allow the bubbles to surface. Once you see surfacing bubbles, begin timing the final minute. It’s unnecessary to wait for a rolling boil that is not settled by stirring. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Transfer the pudding to a serving bowl or individual serving cups. To prevent the pudding from creating a skin on the top of the pudding, add a piece of plastic wrap, making sure the plastic wrap makes direct contact with the surface of the pudding. Some people like the skin on pudding, so feel free to try it either way!
Serving Delicious Chocolate Pudding
Personally, I love warm pudding! I always enjoy a bowl when it’s warm, no whipped cream required! However, it’s just as delicious once it’s cooled! Cool your pudding completely in the fridge. If you want to elevate your homemade pudding for a guest dessert, add fresh whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Fresh fruit that pairs well with chocolate also makes a pretty garnish.
If this rich chocolate pudding doesn’t satisfy your chocolate cravings, toss in a few chocolate chips to make it even richer!
Bonus Tip
Want even more delicious ways to serve homemade chocolate pudding??
Make fudgsicles! Philip’s favorite way to enjoy homemade chocolate pudding is on a stick! Once pudding is ready, simply pour into the popsicle molds and freeze until solid.
Amazing Raw Milk Chocolate Pudding Recipe
Homemade pudding is easy to make! While it certainly takes a bit more time to whip up a batch, you won’t be disappointed! Give it a try today!
Homemade Chocolate Pudding
Equipment
- 1 Heavy-bottomed pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup cocoa powder sifted, (Death-By-Chocolate Version: Increase cocoa powder to 1 1/3 cups!)
- 2/3 cups cornstarch sifted
- 2 cups sugar
- pinch of salt
- 9 cups whole milk
- 8 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Sift the cocoa powder and cornstarch into a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
- Add sugar and a pinch of salt, whisk until combined.
- Add milk slowly, whisking together as you pour.
- Heat the mixture on medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a boil.
- Boil one additional minute.
- Remove from heat, add butter and vanilla, and stir until smooth.
- Pour into individual serving cups or a large bowl. Cool completely. See NOTE below.
- Note: To prevent the pudding from forming a skin on the surface of the pudding, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding until chilled through. (Optional)
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
Mention us @kowalski.mountain or tag us using #kowalskimountain so we can see your creations! You can also leave a comment below!
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About the Author: Barbra-Sue Kowalski grew up on a small hobby farm. She was always drawn to farm life, however, she was stuck in an urban life far from her roots. Barbra-Sue was a single mom for 13 years, raising her 3 children on her own. She met Philip in 2018 and they married in 2021. Between the two of them, they have 5 grown children and 6 grandchildren. These empty nesters are following their dreams! As they both turn 50, they are building their off-grid homestead to live the life that they dream about. Learn more about Philip and Barbra-Sue here. Contact them here. To leave a comment on this post, please scroll down.
This is the most delicious homemade chocolate pudding recipe we have ever had! I used it in a Dark Chocolate Trifle with my grandmothers “Red Devil Cake” recipe and Real Whipped Cream! Yum…
Ohhhh thank you so much for sharing! I love hearing you loved it!