Silky, rich, and utterly irresistible, this 4-Ingredient Chocolate Pudding is proof that you don’t need a lengthy ingredient list to satisfy a serious chocolate craving. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a velvety-smooth dessert that tastes decadent enough for a dinner party but is easy enough for any day of the week. Whether you’re a chocolate fanatic or simply in the mood for something sweet, this recipe promises all the nostalgic, creamy goodness of classic pudding—no eggs or fancy tools required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to fall in love with how simple these ingredients are. Each one is a star player, coming together for that signature, lush spoonful of 4-Ingredient Chocolate Pudding. Here’s why each one matters:
- Milk: The essential base for creaminess. Whole milk gives the richest texture, but 2% also works for a lighter pudding.
- Cornstarch: Acts as the secret thickener that transforms everything into that luscious, spoonable pudding you crave.
- Cocoa Powder: This brings all the deep, chocolaty flavor—use Dutch-processed for a smoother, darker result, or regular unsweetened cocoa for a lighter taste.
- Sugar: Just enough to balance the bitterness of cocoa and give that perfect touch of sweetness.
How to Make 4-Ingredient Chocolate Pudding
Step 1: Make the Slurry
Start by whisking together ½ cup of the milk, the cocoa powder, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl. Make sure to keep whisking until the mixture is completely smooth with no visible lumps—the slurry should look glossy and unified. This step ensures the pudding will be satiny and lump-free.
Step 2: Heat the Milk and Sugar
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, pour in the remaining 1 cup of milk along with the sugar. Stir occasionally and bring the milk to a gentle boil. This not only dissolves the sugar but also gets the milk warm and ready to thicken.
Step 3: Combine and Whisk
Slowly pour your cocoa-cornstarch slurry into the hot milk-sugar mixture. For extra insurance against lumps, I love to pour it through a fine-mesh sieve. Keep the heat steady and whisk constantly as the mixture comes together, so everything melds seamlessly into a gorgeous, smooth base.
Step 4: Cook Until Thickened
Keep whisking over medium heat for a few more minutes. You’ll notice the pudding gradually thickening and taking on that classic, glossy chocolate look. Once it thickly coats the back of a spoon, immediately remove the pan from heat—this is when the magic happens!
Step 5: Chill and Set
Pour the warm pudding straight into two ramekins or small glasses. Set them in the refrigerator for at least 4 to 5 hours, or until the 4-Ingredient Chocolate Pudding is fully set. The chilling time is essential for that classic, cool creaminess.
How to Serve 4-Ingredient Chocolate Pudding
Garnishes
The finishing touches can turn your humble pudding into a mini masterpiece. Swirl on a generous dollop of whipped cream, scatter over some dark chocolate shavings, or dust with a veil of cocoa powder. Each topping adds texture and a little extra flair to every bite.
Side Dishes
While 4-Ingredient Chocolate Pudding truly steals the show, it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. Crisp butter cookies, fresh berries, or a handful of toasted nuts are lovely for contrasting crunch and brightness alongside each chocolatey spoonful.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond ramekins! You can layer individual portions in small jars for a picnic treat, or demould and plate with a drizzle of caramel for something dressy. Pudding shooters in tiny glasses make adorable party bites, or serve in hollowed-out orange halves for a fun, retro twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid and keep them in the refrigerator. The 4-Ingredient Chocolate Pudding stays perfectly delicious for up to three days—if you can resist eating it all sooner!
Freezing
Surprisingly, you can freeze chocolate pudding! Pour cooled pudding into freezer-safe containers with some headspace, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and whisk briskly to restore its creamy texture—just note it may lose a hint of its original silkiness.
Reheating
For the classic cold experience, serve straight from the fridge. If you prefer a warm pudding, gently reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, then give them a good stir. Avoid overheating, or the texture could become gluey.
FAQs
Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?
Absolutely! Almond, soy, or oat milk can all be substituted for regular milk in 4-Ingredient Chocolate Pudding. Just be sure to choose unsweetened varieties to control the sweetness, and remember that texture and flavor may vary slightly based on your choice.
How do I prevent lumps in my pudding?
The trick is in the whisking! Mix the cornstarch, cocoa, and milk very thoroughly at the start. Pouring the mixture through a fine sieve into the saucepan will catch any stray lumps, ensuring a perfectly smooth 4-Ingredient Chocolate Pudding every time.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just use a larger saucepan to give the pudding plenty of room to cook, and extend the cooking time by a couple of minutes if making a big batch.
What if my pudding isn’t thickening?
If your pudding is still runny after several minutes of cooking, leave it over the heat and keep whisking. Sometimes it just needs a minute or two longer—cornstarch activates as it gets hotter, so patience pays off. Also, double-check your measurements for accuracy.
Can I make this 4-Ingredient Chocolate Pudding ahead of time?
Definitely! This dessert is actually best when made a few hours ahead, as it needs time in the fridge to set. You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for maximum chocolate flavor with minimum fuss, you simply have to try this 4-Ingredient Chocolate Pudding. It’s a go-to treat that always delivers, whether you’re sharing with friends or just treating yourself. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite dessert to whip up any day of the week!
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4-Ingredient Chocolate Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Global
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this rich and creamy 4-Ingredient Chocolate Pudding that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
For the Pudding:
- 1 + ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- ¼ cup sugar
For Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Shaved chocolate
- Cocoa powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together ½ cup milk, cocoa powder, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Cook the Pudding: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining 1 cup of milk and sugar. Bring to a boil.
- Combine and Thicken: Pour the milk-cornstarch mixture into the saucepan through a sieve. Cook on medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened.
- Set the Pudding: Remove from heat when thick, pour into ramekins or glasses, and refrigerate for 4-5 hours until set.
- Serve: Demould onto a plate, dust with cocoa powder, and garnish with shaved chocolate and whipped cream. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize the sweetness by adjusting the sugar quantity.
- Experiment with different garnishes like fresh berries or nuts for added texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
