You’ll be impressed by this simple, indulgent homemade dark chocolate pudding. Made with just five ingredients, it comes together quickly — the longest step is waiting for it to chill.
This dark chocolate pudding is delicious on its own or served as a dip for cookies and fresh fruit. Its rich, creamy texture and intense chocolate flavor make it a reliable crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
🥘 Ingredients
- Dark chocolate couverture (high quality)
- Whole milk
- Granulated sugar
- Cornstarch
- Heavy cream
- Fresh berries & cookies (optional for serving)
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
🔪 Instructions
Start by mixing the cornstarch with a tablespoon of milk to make a smooth slurry. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky pudding.
In a small saucepan combine the dark chocolate, the remaining milk, and the sugar. Warm the mixture gently until it comes to a simmer, then whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue stirring and bring the mixture briefly back to a boil until it thickens.
Remove the pan from heat and transfer the pudding to a covered bowl. Chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours; preparing it overnight yields the best texture and flavor.
Once the pudding is well chilled, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the cold chocolate pudding for a light, velvety finish.
Transfer the pudding to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe into serving bowls if you want a decorative presentation. Alternatively, spoon the pudding into glasses or bowls and garnish as you like.
Serve as a dip with raspberries or cookies, or present it in glass bowls topped with chopped cookies, nuts, or fresh berries.
🍑 Variations
You can make this pudding with milk chocolate or white chocolate instead of dark if you prefer a milder or sweeter profile. Dark chocolate gives the most intense flavor, but all three versions work well as dessert dips or plated puddings.
🍽 Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Small bowl
- Tablespoon
- Bowl with a lid for chilling
- Electric hand mixer
- Piping bag with a star tip (optional)
- Serving bowls or small dipping bowls
🌡 Storage
Store the pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep it covered to preserve its texture and flavor.
💭 Top tip
Chill the pudding for at least three hours; shorter chilling will result in a looser, less set texture. For best results, make it the night before serving so you’re not rushed on the day of your event.
The active prep takes about 20 minutes; advance preparation makes entertaining easier and stress-free.
🙋🏻 FAQ
Dark chocolate works beautifully in puddings, cakes, mousses, fudges, and pastries. It can also add depth to savory dishes such as mole sauces.
This recipe uses five ingredients and minimal hands-on time. Cook the chocolate with milk and sugar, thicken with cornstarch, chill, then fold in whipped cream.
Yes, some brands offer prepared dark chocolate pudding if you prefer a quick store-bought option.
Cornstarch is the key thickening agent in most homemade puddings, creating a smooth, set texture when heated with liquids.
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Scrumptious Dark Chocolate Pudding
Equipment
- Saucepan (small)
- Whisk
- Small bowl
- Tablespoon
- Bowl with a lid
- Electric hand mixer
- Piping bag with a star tip (optional)
- Glass bowl for serving (or small dipping bowls)
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Dark chocolate couverture (high quality)
- 1 ¼ Cups Whole milk
- 1 ¼ tbsp Sugar
- 1 ¾ tbsp Cornstarch
- ½ Cup Heavy cream
Instructions
- Mix 1 ¾ tbsp cornstarch with a tablespoon of milk to form a smooth slurry.
- Combine ½ cup dark chocolate couverture, 1 ¼ cups whole milk, and 1 ¼ tbsp sugar in a small saucepan. Heat to a gentle boil, then whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the mixture thickens and returns to a boil.
- Remove from heat and pour into a bowl with a lid. Chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours.
- After chilling, whip ½ cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the cold pudding until smooth and airy.
- Pipe the pudding into serving bowls with a star tip for a decorative finish, or spoon into glasses. Serve with fresh fruit or cookies if desired.
Nutrition
| Calories: 441 kcal
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⛑️ Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) when reheating or preparing dishes that require full pasteurization.
- Use separate utensils for raw and cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination.
- Wash hands after handling raw meat or other potentially hazardous ingredients.
- Do not leave perishable foods at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with a high smoke point when frying to reduce harmful compounds.
- Ensure good ventilation when using a gas stove.
For further information, consult official safe food handling guidance from relevant food safety authorities.