Chocolate Pudding Recipe

The Ultimate Chocolate Pudding Recipe: Silky & Sweet Treat

Chocolate pudding converts ordinary moments into delectable celebrations of pure indulgence.

Sweet, velvety chocolate pudding whispers promises of comfort and nostalgia with its rich, silky essence.

Smooth and decadent, this classic dessert captures the heart of everyone who craves something luxurious and deeply satisfying.

Generations have cherished its creamy texture and intense flavor profile that melts effortlessly on your palate.

The magic lies in its simplicity, blending fundamental ingredients into a heavenly treat that transcends ordinary desserts.

chocolate pudding represents more than just a sweet—it’s an emotional journey that connects us to childhood memories and pure culinary joy.

Creamy and Smooth Chocolate Pudding

  • Craft Elegant Layers: This dessert transforms simple ingredients into a visually stunning two-tone masterpiece with raspberry and chocolate layers that create a professional-looking treat perfect for impressing guests.
  • Nail Easy Technique: The recipe uses simple gelatin setting method which makes creating complex-looking desserts super approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, requiring minimal technical cooking knowledge.
  • Enjoy Decadent Flavor Combo: Chocolate and raspberry create a classic flavor pairing that balances rich, creamy chocolate with bright, tangy fruit notes, delivering a luxurious taste experience in every spoonful.
  • Quick Chilling Convenience: By using strategic refrigeration techniques and a muffin tin for glass stabilization, this dessert allows for efficient preparation with minimal hands-on time and maximum make-ahead potential.

What You Need for Chocolate Pudding

Base Ingredients:
  • Gelatin: A key setting agent that helps create the puddings smooth, firm texture. Choose unflavored gelatin for the best results.
  • Boiling Water: Essential for dissolving gelatin completely and creating the right consistency.
  • Cold Water: Helps cool and set the gelatin mixture.
Flavor Ingredients:
  • Half-and-Half Milk: Provides rich, creamy base for the chocolate layer. Look for fresh, high-quality dairy for best flavor.
  • Chocolate: Gives the deep, rich chocolate flavor to the pudding. Dark or semi-sweet chocolate works best for intense taste.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the chocolate layer and balances the overall flavor profile.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Whipped Cream: Adds lightness and smoothness to the raspberry layer. Use fresh, cold cream for best volume.
  • Fresh Raspberries: Bright, fresh topping that adds color and fruity contrast to the chocolate pudding.
  • Mint Leaves: Optional garnish that provides a fresh, aromatic finishing touch to the dessert.

How to Make Chocolate Pudding from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Grab a muffin tin and get 6 wine glasses ready. Nestle the glasses diagonally in the tin’s cups to keep them steady during preparation.

Step 2: Create Raspberry Gelatin Base

In a bowl, pour boiling water over gelatin:
  • Boiling water
  • Gelatin packet
Stir until completely dissolved, then mix in:
  • Cold water

Let the mixture cool and partially set (about 1 hour at room temperature or 5-10 minutes in the refrigerator).

Step 3: Fold in Creamy Goodness

Once the raspberry mixture reaches a thick, soft consistency, gently fold in whipped cream until perfectly blended.

Step 4: Layer First Raspberry Level

Carefully pour the raspberry mixture into each wine glass. Use the muffin tin as a support system to move glasses smoothly into the refrigerator. Chill for 2 hours until fully set.

Step 5: Craft Chocolate Heaven

In a saucepan, combine:
  • Half-and-half milk
  • Gelatin
Let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk in:
  • Cold water
  • Chocolate
  • Sugar

Step 6: Cook Chocolate Mixture

Heat on medium-low heat for 8-12 minutes. Watch for the mixture to coat the back of a spoon – this means it’s perfect! Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 7: Create Final Chocolate Layer

Retrieve chilled glasses and pour chocolate mixture over the raspberry layer, completely covering it.

Step 8: Final Chill and Garnish

Refrigerate for 1 more hour to set completely. Before serving, sprinkle with:
  • Fresh raspberries
  • Mint leaves

Enjoy your stunning dessert!

Tips for Silky Chocolate Pudding

  • Stabilize Glasses: Secure wine glasses in a muffin tin at a diagonal angle to prevent tipping during layering and chilling.
  • Check Gelatin Consistency: Watch the gelatin mixture closely when cooling; it should be thick but still pourable, like a soft pudding texture.
  • Smooth Layer Technique: Pour chocolate and raspberry layers gently to avoid mixing, creating clean, distinct color boundaries.
  • Temperature Control: Use a medium-low heat when preparing chocolate mixture to prevent scorching and ensure smooth consistency.
  • Chill Thoroughly: Allow each layer to set completely in the refrigerator for at least one hour to achieve perfect texture and separation.

Storing and Reheating Chocolate Pudding

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover chocolate pudding in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Seal the container carefully to prevent absorbing other food odors and maintain freshness. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual pudding servings tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and flavor.
  • Reheating: Gently warm pudding at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, which can cause separation and compromise the smooth, creamy consistency. For best results, enjoy chilled directly from the refrigerator.

Best Pairings for Chocolate Pudding

  • Pair with Sweet Red Wine: Select a luscious dessert wine like port or late harvest Zinfandel to complement the rich chocolate and fruity raspberry layers, enhancing the pudding's decadent flavor profile.
  • Serve with Crisp Almond Cookies: Add delicate, crunchy almond biscotti or thin wafer cookies on the side to provide textural contrast and a nutty undertone that balances the smooth pudding.
  • Match with Fresh Berry Sorbet: Create a refreshing palate cleanser by serving a small scoop of raspberry or mixed berry sorbet alongside the pudding, which will intensify the fruit notes and provide a cool, light counterpoint.
  • Accompany with Whipped Cream and Mint: Top the pudding with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream and a few fresh mint leaves to add a creamy, aromatic finish that elevates the dessert's overall complexity.

Chocolate Pudding Variations to Enjoy

  • Berry Bonanza: Swap raspberries with strawberries or blackberries for a different fruity layer, creating a vibrant and colorful dessert that bursts with summer flavors.
  • Mocha Magic: Add a shot of espresso to the chocolate layer for a rich, coffee-infused treat that elevates the classic pudding with a sophisticated caffeine kick.
  • Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almonds or crushed hazelnuts between layers for added texture and a delightful nutty undertone that complements the smooth chocolate and fruit.
  • Liqueur Luxury: Incorporate a splash of raspberry liqueur or chocolate liqueur into the respective layers for an adult version that brings depth and complexity to the dessert.
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Chocolate Pudding Recipe

Chocolate Pudding Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Rich chocolate pudding offers pure comfort in a dessert that whisks you straight to childhood memories. Silky smooth chocolate melts on your palate, bringing delightful sweetness that makes any moment feel special.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • ½ cup unsweetened chocolate, chopped or chocolate chips
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup half and half milk
  • 3 ounces (85 grams) raspberry jello

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 2 packets unflavored gelatin
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 2 cups cold water
  • ½ cup cold water

Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups whipped cream or cool whip

Instructions

  1. Prepare a muffin tin by positioning 6 wine glasses diagonally within the cups to provide stability during the chilling process.
  2. Dissolve the gelatin completely by pouring of boiling water over it, stirring until no granules remain.
  3. Incorporate of cold water into the gelatin mixture, allowing it to partially set at room temperature for approximately one hour or 5-10 minutes in the refrigerator.
  4. Once the gelatin mixture reaches a thick but not firm consistency, gently fold in the whipped cream until thoroughly integrated.
  5. Carefully transfer the raspberry layer into each wine glass, maintaining their position within the muffin tin tray, and refrigerate for a minimum of two hours to ensure complete setting.
  6. For the chocolate layer, sprinkle gelatin over half-and-half milk in a small saucepan and let it sit undisturbed for two minutes to bloom.
  7. Introduce cold water to the gelatin mixture, then thoroughly blend in chocolate and sugar until smooth and uniform.
  8. Simmer the mixture on medium-low heat for 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
  9. Extract the chilled glasses from the refrigerator and delicately pour the chocolate mixture over the raspberry layer, ensuring complete coverage.
  10. Return the glasses to the refrigerator and chill for an additional hour to facilitate proper setting.
  11. Just before serving, enhance the dessert with optional fresh raspberries and mint leaves as a decorative and flavorful garnish.

Notes

  • Carefully angle wine glasses in a muffin tin to create a stable, slanted presentation for your layered dessert.
  • Dissolve gelatin completely in boiling water, ensuring no lumps remain for a smooth texture.
  • Cool the raspberry gelatin mixture until it reaches a half-set consistency, which helps create distinct layers.
  • Fold whipped cream gently into the partially set raspberry layer for a light, airy texture.
  • Prepare the chocolate layer by blooming gelatin in half-and-half, creating a rich and creamy base.
  • Slowly heat chocolate mixture until it coats the back of a spoon, developing deep flavor and perfect consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 233
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 35 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: <1 g
  • Protein: 2.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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