Description
Quick and creamy chocolate pudding made with just 3 ingredients – eggs, cocoa powder, and milk. No gelatin, no cornstarch, ready in 10 minutes. Budget-friendly dessert under $2 that tastes like homemade chocolate custard.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup milk (any type – dairy or non-dairy)
- 2–3 tablespoons sugar or honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, crack the eggs and whisk until smooth.
- Add cocoa powder, milk, and sweetener (if using). Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds until completely smooth with no lumps.
- Pour mixture into a small saucepan or pot.
- Place pot over LOW heat (lowest setting on your burner).
- Stir constantly with a silicone spatula or whisk for 5-7 minutes, scraping bottom and sides of the pot continuously.
- Watch for the mixture to thicken and coat the back of your spoon. When it no longer runs off immediately, it’s done.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract if using.
- Pour into serving bowls or jars.
- Serve warm immediately or refrigerate for 20-30 minutes for chilled pudding.
- Top with whipped cream, fresh berries, chocolate chips, or enjoy plain.
Notes
- Heat is crucial: Use the lowest heat setting. Medium or high heat will scramble the eggs instead of creating pudding.
- Never stop stirring: Constant motion prevents lumps and ensures smooth texture.
- Sweetener flexibility: Adjust sugar to taste. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed.
- Milk options: Whole milk = creamiest. Almond, oat, or soy milk work well for dairy-free.
- Storage: Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Texture improves as it chills.
- Straining tip: For ultra-smooth pudding, strain through fine-mesh sieve after cooking.
- Flavor variations: Add espresso powder for mocha, peanut butter for chocolate-PB, or cinnamon for Mexican chocolate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 of recipe (approximately 3/4 cup)
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 12g (with 2 tbsp sugar added)
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 280mg
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