Chocolate Pudding with Cream (Print Version)
Rich, smooth chocolate dessert enhanced with a creamy whipped topping, ideal for indulgence.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pudding
01 - 2 cups whole milk
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 3 tablespoons cornstarch
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
07 - 3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
→ Whipped Cream
08 - 1/2 cup heavy cream, chilled
09 - 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
10 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
# How to Cook:
01 - In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add milk while whisking to dissolve dry ingredients completely.
02 - Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 5 to 7 minutes.
03 - Remove from heat. Add chopped chocolate and vanilla extract. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the pudding is smooth.
04 - Pour the pudding into 4 serving dishes. Let cool slightly, then cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
05 - Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until fully chilled.
06 - In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
07 - Top the chilled pudding with a generous dollop of whipped cream before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in under 20 minutes of active cooking, making it perfect for when you need comfort food without the fuss.
- The texture is silky and sophisticated enough to impress guests, yet humble enough to eat straight from the fridge at midnight.
- Once you nail the technique, you'll find yourself making it constantly because the ingredient list is forgiving and your pantry probably has everything already.
02 -
- The cornstarch thickens as the pudding cools, so if it seems slightly loose while still warm, don't panic—it will set perfectly once chilled.
- Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the pudding surface is the only way to prevent a skin from forming, and once you know this trick, you'll use it everywhere.
03 -
- Chill your mixing bowl before whipping cream—it makes the whole process faster and more forgiving, turning soft peaks into an almost inevitable outcome.
- Make the pudding the night before if you're serving guests; it actually tastes better after sitting overnight as flavors meld and the texture becomes even silkier.