Healthy Chocolate Pudding Recipe

Introduction

This healthy chocolate pudding is a creamy, satisfying treat made with simple ingredients you can feel good about. It’s naturally rich, easy to prepare, and perfect for a guilt-free dessert anytime.

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 2 cups of your chosen milk with the salt, cocoa powder, and sweetener over medium heat until warm.
2. Step 2: While the milk is warming, whisk together 1/2 cup milk and cornstarch in a small bowl until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.
3. Step 3: Once the milk mixture is warm, slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture while stirring continuously.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, and maintain the boil for 2 minutes until it thickens.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for an additional minute, then turn off the heat.
6. Step 6: Stir in the vanilla extract and the optional chocolate pieces until the chocolate melts completely.
7. Step 7: Transfer the pudding to a container and refrigerate to thicken. It will be ready after a few hours or can be chilled overnight for best results.

Tips & Variations

• Use Dutch cocoa powder for a richer, smoother chocolate flavor compared to regular unsweetened cocoa powder.
• Swap the milk for almond, oat, or soy milk to make this pudding dairy-free and customize the taste.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate notes.
• Try maple syrup or honey as natural sweeteners for a different flavor profile.
• For a creamier texture, stir in a tablespoon of coconut cream before chilling.

Storage

Store the pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently if desired, but it is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Stir well before serving if the pudding has settled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Regular unsweetened cocoa powder can be used, but the flavor and texture may differ. Dutch cocoa is less acidic and provides a smoother taste, so results may vary with regular cocoa.

Is this pudding suitable for a dairy-free diet?

Yes, simply use plant-based milk like almond, coconut, or oat milk to keep it dairy-free while still maintaining delicious flavor and creaminess.

Healthy Chocolate Pudding Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 119 reviews

A creamy and healthy chocolate pudding made with milk, Dutch cocoa powder, and a choice of natural sweeteners. This stovetop recipe uses cornstarch as a thickening agent to create a rich, smooth dessert that’s perfect for a guilt-free treat. Ready in just minutes and thickens further when chilled.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Milk Base

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

Cornstarch Mixture

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

Finishing Ingredients

• 3 oz chocolate chips or broken-up chocolate bar (optional)
• 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. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is hot but not boiling.
2. Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of milk until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
3. Combine and Boil: Gradually add the cornstarch slurry to the warm milk mixture in the saucepan. Bring the combined mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and sticking.
4. Simmer to Thicken: Once boiling, continue stirring constantly for 2 minutes, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for an additional 1 minute. This allows the pudding to thicken properly.
5. Add Flavor and Chocolate: Turn off the heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract. If using, add the chocolate chips or broken-up chocolate pieces and stir until they melt completely and are fully incorporated.
6. Chill to Set: Transfer the pudding to a refrigerator-safe container. Chill for several hours or overnight to allow the pudding to thicken further and develop a creamy texture.

Notes

• Using Dutch cocoa powder is recommended as regular unsweetened cocoa powder may alter the flavor.
• You can experiment with different sweeteners such as sugar, maple syrup, erythritol, or honey based on dietary preferences.
• The pudding thickens as it cools; for best results refrigerate for at least a few hours before serving.
• Optional addition of chocolate pieces enhances richness but can be omitted for a smoother texture.
• This recipe has not been tested with arrowroot powder as a cornstarch substitute.

Keywords: healthy chocolate pudding, stovetop chocolate pudding, low fat dessert, dairy or coconut milk pudding, easy chocolate dessert