Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch – Acts as a thickening agent to give the pudding its smooth and creamy consistency.
- ¼ cup cocoa powder – Provides deep chocolate flavor. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the pudding. You can adjust the amount to taste or use alternatives like honey or maple syrup.
- ⅛ teaspoon salt – Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 2 cups milk – Whole milk works best for a rich texture, but you can also use low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and smoothness. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
Instructions
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding the liquid.
2. Add the Milk and Heat the Mixture
Slowly pour in the cold milk while whisking continuously. Make sure the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Turn the heat to medium and continue whisking constantly, scraping the sides and bottom of the pan to prevent burning. Keep stirring as the mixture heats up.
3. Bring to a Boil and Thicken
Once the pudding begins to boil, continue whisking for another minute. You will notice the mixture thickening to a pudding-like consistency. At this stage, remove the pot from the heat.
4. Add the Butter and Vanilla
Stir in the butter and vanilla extract while the pudding is still warm. The butter will melt, making the pudding extra smooth and silky.
5. Cool and Set the Pudding
Divide the pudding into two heat-safe bowls or glasses. To prevent a skin from forming on the surface, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the pudding.
Refrigerate for 1–2 hours or until fully chilled and set.
Notes
1. Avoid Lumps
Whisking continuously while adding the milk prevents clumps from forming. If you notice lumps, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before chilling.
2. Prevent a Skin from Forming
Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding while it cools prevents an unpleasant skin from developing. If you don’t mind the skin, you can skip this step.
3. Control the Thickness
If you prefer a thicker pudding, add an extra half tablespoon of cornstarch. If you want it slightly thinner, reduce the cornstarch slightly or add a little more milk.
4. Make It Dairy-Free
Use plant-based milk and substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter.
5. How to Fix Overcooked Pudding
If the pudding becomes too thick or grainy, it may have been overcooked. To fix this, whisk in a tablespoon of warm milk at a time until the texture becomes smooth again.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes