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This single serving chocolate rice pudding is rich, creamy, and made on the stovetop with simple pantry ingredients. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s an easy chocolate dessert you can enjoy warm or chilled.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with Pantry Staples: This chocolate rice pudding uses simple ingredients you likely already have, making it easy to prepare anytime.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: From stovetop to bowl, this single serving dessert comes together quickly without complicated steps.
- Perfectly Portioned: Created as a single serving chocolate rice pudding, it delivers just the right amount for one.
- Rich and Creamy: Slow-cooked rice and melted chocolate create a smooth, creamy texture with deep chocolate flavor.
- Flexible and Customizable: Enjoy it warm or chilled and adjust the sweetness, milk, or chocolate to suit your taste.
This chocolate rice pudding is one of those desserts I make just for myself, usually when I want something warm and chocolate-forward without pulling out a stack of bowls.
I love watching the rice soften as it cooks and then stirring in the chocolate at the end, when everything turns smooth and glossy. It’s a simple moment in the kitchen that ends with a dessert that feels thoughtful, comforting, and just right for one.
If you enjoy this chocolate rice pudding, be sure to try our classic single serve rice pudding or small batch peaches and cream rice pudding. Each one is delicious on its own or served with a dollop of homemade whipped cream or a single scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredient Notes And Substitutions
If you have any ingredients leftover from this creamy chocolate rice pudding recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Long grain white rice: Gives the pudding a soft, tender texture that absorbs flavor and creates a creamy base.
- Sugar: Sweetens the pudding. Adjust to taste or swap for honey, maple syrup, or Stevia.
- Milk: Brings rich, creamy liquid to cook the rice. Use whole milk, or dairy-free alternatives like almond, soy, or coconut milk.
- Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor. Use 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract or 1/2 teaspoon of crème de cacao instead.
- Chocolate Chips: Delivers rich chocolate flavor. Choose dark, milk, or semi-sweet chips based on preference. Use extra chocolate chips in single serving chocolate chip banana bread, a single brookie, or a deep dish brownie.
Recipe Variations
This chocolate rice pudding is easy to customize with a few simple additions that change the flavor without altering the method.
- Spiced Chocolate Rice Pudding: Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth or a very small pinch of cayenne for gentle heat that enhances the chocolate.
- Mocha Chocolate Rice Pudding: Stir in 1 teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Orange Chocolate Rice Pudding: Add a small amount of fresh orange zest for a light citrus note that pairs well with chocolate.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Pudding: Stir in 1 tablespoon of creamy peanut butter at the end for added richness.
- Dark Chocolate Version: Use dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate for a deeper, less sweet chocolate flavor.
How To Make Chocolate Rice Pudding For One
See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Add the rice, milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt to a 1-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens, about 20 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the cocoa powder, vanilla extract or Crème de Cacao, and the chocolate chips. Continue stirring until the chocolate is fully melted and the pudding is smooth and creamy.
Expert Tips
- Stir Frequently: Stirring every minute or so prevents the rice from sticking to the pan and helps the pudding thicken evenly.
- Control the Consistency: If the pudding thickens too much as it cools, stir in a tablespoon or two of milk until it reaches your desired texture.
- Serving Temperature: This chocolate rice pudding can be enjoyed warm or chilled. The flavor deepens as it rests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. 1/4 cup uncooked long-grain rice yields about 3/4 to 1 cup cooked rice, which works well for this recipe. If using cooked rice, start with 1 cup cooked rice and 1/2 cup milk. Heat gently until creamy, adding more milk as needed to reach your preferred consistency. Stir in the cocoa powder, flavoring, and chocolate once the mixture is hot and smooth.
Stir the pudding regularly, especially as it thickens, and keep the heat at medium to medium-low to prevent scorching.
Yes. The pudding will continue to thicken as it cools. If it becomes too thick, stir in a small amount of milk before serving.
Stored in an airtight container, it will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yes, double the ingredients and use a 2-quart saucepan.
RELATED: 15 Easy Dessert Recipes For One
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this small batch chocolate rice pudding recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Get a Quick Recipe Overview
Chocolate Rice Pudding For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ tablespoon cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract or ½ teaspoon of crème de cacao
- 2 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add the rice, milk, sugar, and salt to a 1-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens, about 20 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and vanilla.
- Add the chocolate chips and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Transfer to a bowl, let cool for 10 minutes, and serve warm.
Notes
- Stir Frequently: Stirring every minute or so prevents the rice from sticking to the pan and helps the pudding thicken evenly.
- Control the Consistency: If the pudding thickens too much as it cools, stir in a tablespoon or two of milk until it reaches your desired texture.
- Serving Temperature: This chocolate rice pudding can be enjoyed warm or chilled. The flavor deepens as it rests.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Could this be made in an instant pot ?
We have not tested this rice pudding recipe in an instant pot.
Could this be made with brown rice?
Hi Barb,
This recipe would not do well with brown rice. First of all, the taste would be off. Secondly, the brown rice would have to cook longer and might need more liquid to keep it from drying.
I have only tested this rice pudding recipe as written, with white rice.
Joanie
Joanie, should I cover the pan when cooking the rice? Barb
No, Barb. Keep the pan uncovered.
Joanie
Put a lid on at an angle so the steam can get out or it will boil over and make a mess.