Healthy Chocolate Pudding Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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