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Healthy Chocolate Pudding 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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