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Discover the joy of making a small batch of homemade chocolate pudding! This simple recipe makes a small batch with rich chocolate flavor and a super creamy texture. It’s way better than the stuff from a box because you use real ingredients. Perfect for when you want a chocolate treat without having lots of leftovers.
Explore our selection of single serving and small batch chocolate desserts, perfect for anyone cooking for one or two. From the silky classic Chocolate Mousse and gooey Chocolate Lava Cake to the rich Devil’s Food Cake, chewy Brownies, and chocolate-filled Double Chocolate Chip Cookies, each dessert offers a unique, indulgent experience in just the right size.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Pudding Recipe
- Chocolate Pudding For Two (Recipe Doubles Easily!): This recipe is perfect for sharing or for satisfying a bigger chocolate craving.
- Easy to Make: No complicated techniques here – this recipe is straightforward and great for all experience levels.
- Rich and Creamy: Indulge in a decadent chocolate treat with a luxuriously smooth texture.
- Perfect Portion: Enjoy fresh, delicious pudding without dealing with leftovers.
- Real Ingredients: You’ll recognize everything in this recipe, and you might already have the ingredients on hand.
- Versatile: Enjoy as is, or customize with your favorite toppings and mix-ins for endless possibilities!
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Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this homemade pudding recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Milk: Whole milk is key for a rich, thick pudding. Avoid skim or reduced-fat milk as they compromise the luxurious texture. Alternatively, use half and half for an even creamier texture.
- Sugar: Essential for sweetness, sugar also enhances the vanilla and chocolate flavors while contributing to the pudding’s thickness.
- Cornstarch: The cornerstone for thickening, ensuring your pudding achieves that perfect consistency.
- Cocoa Powder: Any type of unsweetened cocoa powder works well in this recipe, providing the essential chocolate flavor.
- Egg Yolk: Adds structure, stability, and richness. Don’t waste the egg white – repurpose it in other egg white recipes like Mini Texas Sheet Cake or Two Chocolate Cupcakes.
- Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract to infuse the pudding with a delightful, aromatic flavor.
- Butter: A touch of butter at the end enriches the pudding with a smooth texture, glossy finish, and deeper flavor.
- Chocolate: Incorporating chocolate chips or chunks enhances richness. Try semi-sweet, dark, or bittersweet chocolate to vary the intensity. Leftover chocolate can be used in Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Chocolate Scones, or Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.
Recipe Variations
Chocolate pudding is a canvas for creativity, and these variations are just the beginning.
- Mocha Pudding: Stir in a quarter-teaspoon of instant coffee for a mocha flavor.
- Spiced Chocolate Pudding: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili for a warm, spicy twist.
- Mint Chocolate Pudding: A few drops of mint extract can transform your pudding into a refreshing treat.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl in some peanut butter for a nutty, rich flavor.
- Coconut Chocolate Pudding: Mix in some coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
How To Make Chocolate Pudding
These step-by-step 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.
- Mix the sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch in a 1-quart saucepan.
- Add ½ cup of milk and whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- Slowly whisk in the remaining milk and the egg yolk.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. This process takes me about 5 minutes.
- Once the mixture starts to simmer, stir constantly until it begins to thicken, about 2 minutes.
- Once the mixture starts to thicken, lower the heat to low and cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the butter, vanilla, and chocolate chips.
- Pour into a bowl or two dessert dishes, top with whipped cream if you’d like, and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Preparation is Key: Before beginning, thoroughly read the recipe and the detailed Ingredient Notes. Check out the process photos for visual guidance and have all your ingredients ready. This prep work ensures a smooth cooking experience.
- Watch the Thickening: As you cook, pay attention to the pudding’s texture. Patience is crucial – you’ll notice the mixture gradually becoming thicker, a sign that your pudding is coming together beautifully.
- Elevate with Chocolate Shavings: For an eye-catching finish, garnish your pudding with chocolate shavings. Easily create these with a vegetable peeler for an elegant touch.
- Top with Homemade Whipped Cream: Enhance your chocolate pudding with a dollop of homemade whipped cream. Refer to our small batch whipped cream recipe for a perfectly proportioned, creamy topping.
Serving Suggestions
Before exploring into these delicious serving ideas, let’s appreciate how versatile chocolate pudding can be. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night in or sprucing it up for guests, there’s a topping or mix-in for every occasion.
- With Fresh Berries: Top your pudding with a handful of fresh berries for a refreshing twist.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast.
- Crumbled Cookies: Add some texture with your favorite crumbled cookies or biscuits.
- Shaved Chocolate: For the chocolate enthusiasts, extra shaved chocolate on top never hurts.
- Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped nuts for a crunchy element.
Frequently Asked Questions
Properly stored, it can last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Yes, the ingredients can easily be doubled to serve more.
To avoid skin formation, place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding while it cools. This prevents air from drying out the top layer.
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More Small Batch Pudding Recipes
If you like this single serve chocolate pudding recipe, be sure to try any of these single serving pudding recipes:
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:
For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
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
- Mix the sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch in a 1-quart saucepan.
- Add ½ cup of milk and whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- Slowly whisk in the remaining milk and the egg yolk.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.Note: This process takes me about 5 minutes.
- Once the mixture starts to simmer, stir constantly until it begins to thicken, about 2 minutes.
- Once the mixture starts to thicken, lower the heat to low and cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the butter, vanilla, and chocolate chips.
- Pour into a bowl. Refrigerate, covered or uncovered, for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Enjoy with whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
- Preparation is Key: Before beginning, thoroughly read the recipe and the detailed Ingredient Notes. Check out the process photos for visual guidance and have all your ingredients ready. This prep work ensures a smooth cooking experience.
- Watch the Thickening: As you cook, pay attention to the pudding’s texture. Patience is crucial – you’ll notice the mixture gradually becoming thicker, a sign that your pudding is coming together beautifully.
- Elevate with Chocolate Shavings: For an eye-catching finish, garnish your pudding with chocolate shavings. Easily create these with a vegetable peeler for an elegant touch.
- Top with Homemade Whipped Cream: Enhance your chocolate pudding with a dollop of homemade whipped cream. Refer to our small batch whipped cream recipe for a perfectly proportioned, creamy topping.
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.
Terrific… smooth, easy and satisfying. I always double the recipe.
Do you have a recipe for blackberry pie or cobbler? I know how to make one for my big family but would be unable to eat the whole thing. I would appreciate any help.
Terrific recipe.
In the first three steps of instructions is any heat involved or just combining ingredients? Thanks for your time in advance.
No heat is involved in the first 3 steps.
Due to lactose intolerance, could I use all almond milk?
Yes, almond milk is fine to use. The pudding won’t be quite as thick and rich but will still be delicious.
Oh my goodness I am going to make this again and again. It’s so creamy and I love the deeply chocolate flavor. Joanie, what would I need to do if I wanted to make this a filling for a chocolate cream pie, maybe just increase the cornstarch?
Thank you
I’m so happy you love the pudding, Dana. You can use the pudding recipe as-is, without any additions, and spoon it into a small pie crust. I like using our recipe for a mini graham cracker crust (https://onedishkitchen.com/graham-cracker-crust/). If you’d like to make a little more pudding, this chocolate pudding recipe doubles well.
I learned how to cook for 7 people about 60 years ago. I’ve never managed to learn how to cook for just me. I am so happy to have found this site.
I’m so happy you found us too and I hope you find many new recipes you love.
Husband is very particular about his foods and he loved this. Incredibly smooth, no gumming and brings out the best chocolate flavor possible. We use a chocolate 70% cocoa…so it is dark. No need for whip cream at all and we had 2 nice size serving dishes full using the one recipe.
I’m so happy to know you both love the pudding. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know.