Description
This Valentine’s Day Chocolate Pudding is a rich, creamy, and indulgent dessert that features a silky texture and deep chocolate flavor. Perfect for a romantic dinner, family gathering, or treating yourself, it’s a simple-to-make dessert that will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk (or dairy-free milk for a vegan option)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or dairy-free butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream or fresh berries (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until combined.
- Add the milk: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to medium heat, whisking constantly.
- Heat the pudding mixture: Allow the mixture to simmer and whisk for 5-7 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Temper the egg yolks: In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to avoid curdling. Then, pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
- Combine the yolks and pudding: Continue whisking the pudding and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it thickens further.
- Finish the pudding: Remove from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
- Cool and set: Pour the pudding into serving cups, cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
- Serve: Top with whipped cream, fresh berries, or shaved chocolate before serving.
Notes
- To make it dairy-free, use non-dairy milk and replace butter with dairy-free alternatives.
- Infuse the milk with flavors like vanilla bean, coffee, or orange zest for a unique twist.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a spicy version.
- Top with chocolate curls or a drizzle of caramel for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
