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This small batch chocolate pudding is rich, creamy, and so easy to make. It’s the perfect size for one or two servings and comes together in minutes with simple ingredients—no box mix needed!
Explore our single serving and small batch chocolate desserts, perfect for one or two. Enjoy Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Lava Cake, Devil’s Food Cake, Brownies, Nanaimo Bar, and Double Chocolate Chip Cookies—all perfectly portioned for a sweet treat without leftovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Chocolate Pudding for Two: This small batch recipe makes enough to share or enjoy over two servings.
- Simple to Make: No special techniques—just basic ingredients and easy steps.
- Rich and Creamy: Smooth, decadent, and full of chocolate flavor.
- Perfectly Portioned: A great option when you want homemade pudding without making a large batch.
- Made with Real Ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have.
Homemade chocolate pudding is one of my favorite desserts—rich, creamy, and so much better than anything from a box. This small batch chocolate pudding is just the right amount for one generous serving or chocolate pudding for two if you want to share. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and comes together in minutes on the stovetop. No fuss, no fancy techniques—just smooth, velvety pudding every time. I love topping it with whipped cream or chocolate shavings, but honestly, it’s just as delicious on its own.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serving chocolate pudding recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Milk: Whole milk creates a rich, thick pudding. Avoid skim or reduced-fat milk, which can affect texture. For an even creamier result, use half and half.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and enhances the vanilla and chocolate flavors while contributing to thickness.
- Cornstarch: The key thickener that gives the pudding its smooth, creamy consistency.
- Cocoa Powder: Use any unsweetened cocoa powder for deep chocolate flavor.
- Egg Yolk: Provides structure, stability, and richness. Use the leftover egg white in recipes like Mini Texas Sheet Cake or Two Chocolate Cupcakes.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds warmth and enhances flavor.
- Butter: Stirred in at the end for a smooth, glossy finish and richer taste.
- Chocolate: Chocolate chips or chunks deepen the flavor. Use semi-sweet, dark, or bittersweet chocolate. Leftovers work well in Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Chocolate Scones, or Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.
Recipe Variations
Customize your chocolate pudding with these simple flavor additions:
- Mocha Pudding: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of instant coffee for a mocha flavor.
- Spiced Chocolate Pudding: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for warmth and spice.
- Mint Chocolate Pudding: A few drops of mint extract add a refreshing flavor.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl in peanut butter for a rich, nutty taste.
- Coconut Chocolate Pudding: Mix in coconut flakes for a hint of coconut flavor.
How To Make Chocolate Pudding
These photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make a small batch of chocolate pudding. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- In a 1-quart saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch.
- Add 1/2 cup of milk and whisk until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in the remaining milk and egg yolk.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture starts to simmer, about 5 minutes.
- Once simmering, stir constantly until it begins to thicken, about 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and continue stirring for another 2 minutes until fully thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter, vanilla, and chocolate.
- Pour into a bowl or dessert dishes, add whipped cream if desired, and serve.
Expert Tips
- Have Everything Ready: Measure ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Control the Heat: Cook over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent lumps and scorching.
- Look for the Right Thickness: The pudding will gradually thicken as it simmers. Once it coats the back of a spoon, it’s ready.
- Avoid Grainy Pudding: Stir continuously and don’t rush the cooking process. If the pudding starts to clump, whisk vigorously to smooth it out.
Topping Ideas
Enhance your chocolate pudding with these simple toppings and mix-ins for added flavor and texture.
- Chocolate Shavings: Use a vegetable peeler to create chocolate shavings for an elegant topping.
- Whipped Cream: A spoonful of homemade whipped cream makes a great finishing touch.
- Crushed Cookies: Sprinkle crushed peanut butter cookies, shortbread cookies, or chocolate chip cookies for extra crunch and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Properly stored, it can last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Yes! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger saucepan.
This happens as it cools. To prevent it, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface while it’s still warm.
RELATED: 15 Easy Dessert Recipes For One
More Small Batch Pudding Recipes
If you like this chocolate pudding recipe, be sure to try these too:
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 single serving chocolate pudding 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.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Small Batch Chocolate Pudding
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 ½ cups whole milk -divided
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- In a 1-quart saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch.
- Add 1/2 cup of milk and whisk until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in the remaining milk and egg yolk.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture starts to simmer, about 5 minutes.
- Once simmering, stir constantly until it begins to thicken, about 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and continue stirring for another 2 minutes until fully thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter, vanilla, and chocolate.
- Pour into a bowl or dessert dishes and refrigerate, covered or uncovered, for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Add whipped cream if desired, and serve.
Notes
-
- Have Everything Ready: Measure ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.
-
- Control the Heat: Cook over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent lumps and scorching.
-
- Look for the Right Thickness: The pudding will gradually thicken as it simmers. Once it coats the back of a spoon, it’s ready.
-
- Avoid Grainy Pudding: Stir continuously and don’t rush the cooking process. If the pudding starts to clump, whisk vigorously to smooth it out.
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.
My husband is out of town so this is perfect!! Going to have to try!! Yum!
Oh my god, I love this so much!! I adore homemade pudding but rarely make it because every recipe out there calls for at least four servings, and trust me, I WILL eat all four servings myself. Problem…
I pinned this, so awesome!!
Thanks so much, Julie!
Love that this is pudding for one! I always have way too many leftovers. Thanks for sharing!
Love this gorgeous pudding Joanie! I have somehow never made homemade chocolate pudding. Looks so rich and decadent. Pass me a spoon!
Thank you, Allie. It’s really simple and so easy to make. The “most difficult” part is whisking the pudding while it’s cooking but you really can’t beat the taste of homemade.
I love all your “for one” recipes! I am always looking for these because my husband does not like chocolate and I love anything chocolate.
Thanks, Lisa. It’s nice to have something just for yourself 😉
This looks so yummy! I love pudding, but the rest of my family isn’t crazy about it, so one serving is plenty for me! 🙂
Great, thanks Logan!
This looks delicious! I love chocolate mouse and there’s a really easy recipe that I make with whipping cream and Chocolate pudding powder
Thank you, Nicole. There are so many uses for the chocolate pudding powder, I’ve even added it to cookie recipes 🙂
Yes please! I love homemade chocolate pudding. Now I’ve got a craving for it, I think I’ll have to make some of this soon.
Oh yes, I hope you make it soon – it’s so good!
Love that this is one serving. My husband always whines that he wants pudding, so this is perfect!
Chocolate pudding is so nostalgic for me! I love how yours is so luscious and totally elegant.
Thank you, Lora.