Old Fashioned Chocolate Pudding (Easy From-Scratch Dessert)
When it comes to comforting sweet treats, nothing beats the nostalgic magic of a homemade dessert. This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pudding is a true classic that puts store-bought instant mixes to shame. It is made completely from scratch with simple pantry staples. As a result, it yields an incredibly rich, velvety texture and a deep chocolate flavor that melts in your mouth. One of the nicest things about this heirloom recipe is just how surprisingly easy it is to whip up.
Perfect for weeknight treats or elegant holiday endings, this stovetop pudding relies on real, chopped unsweetened chocolate and rich egg yolks. It also uses a hint of vanilla extract to create its signature decadence. By cooking the mixture gently on the stovetop, you achieve a thick, silky custard that is wonderful served warm. Alternatively, you can chill it completely in individual dessert dishes. It is a foolproof, timeless dessert that the entire family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Chocolate Pudding
Pure Pantry Staples: You do not need any boxed mixes or hard-to-find ingredients—just simple milk, sugar, butter, flour, and eggs.
Deep, Authentic Flavor: Using real chopped unsweetened chocolate creates a sophisticated, bold chocolate taste that isn’t overly sugary.
Perfect for Making Ahead: You can easily portion this pudding into dessert cups and let it chill in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Success Tips for the Smoothest Stovetop Pudding
Crafting a completely silky, lump-free custard from scratch is incredibly straightforward when you follow a few essential kitchen steps:
- Embrace the Double Boiler: Always cook this recipe using a double boiler or a heatproof metal bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water. Cooking over indirect heat protects the milk and delicate egg yolks from scorching on the bottom of the pan. Therefore, this guarantees a perfectly smooth result.
- Don’t Worry About the Melting Stage: While your chopped unsweetened chocolate and cubed butter are melting into the warm milk, the mixture can sometimes temporarily appear to look curdled or separated. Do not panic! This is completely normal. Once you cover, cook, and eventually whisk the mixture with your wooden spoon, it will come together beautifully.
- Temper Your Egg Yolks Wisely: To prevent your beaten egg yolks from scrambling when they hit the hot pan, you must temper them. Slowly drizzle a small ladle of the hot chocolate mixture into the bowl with your yolks, whisking constantly. Once combined, pour it all back into the double boiler. Then continue stirring constantly until a kitchen thermometer reads 160° and the pudding is thick and glossy.
Old Fashioned Chocolate Pudding (Easy From-Scratch Dessert)
Equipment
- 1 double broiler
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 2 Tbsps butter
- 2 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 large egg yolks , beaten
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- In a double boiler or metal bowl over simmering water, heat the milk, butter, and chocolate until the chocolate is melted .
- Combine the sugar, salt and flour. Sprinkle this over the chocolate mixture, but at this point do not stir it. Cover and continue to cook in a double broiler over medium low heat for about 20 minutes. Then using a wooden spoon, stir it until it is smooth, Then remove it from the heat.
- Now, stir in a small amount of the hot mixture into the egg yolks. Return all of this to the boiler pan, being sure to stir constantly. Cook and stir until mixture is thickened and the thermometer reads 160°. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Let this col for about 15 minutes. making sure to stir occasionally. Now transfer the mixture to dessert dishes.
- Cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour. If you want you can also top this with whipped cream.
Notes
Nutrition
Do you love to eat your chocolate pudding warm straight from the stove, or do you prefer it chilled with a giant dollop of homemade whipped cream? Let me know your favorite ways to enjoy it in the comments section below! If your family goes wild for this old-fashioned stovetop dessert, please take a quick second to leave a review and a star rating on the recipe card—your feedback keeps our kitchen growing!
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