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To make chocolate pudding with cocoa powder, whisk ½ cup of sugar, ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and a pinch of salt, then whisk in 2 cups of milk and cook, stirring, for 6 to 8 minutes until thick. Off the heat, stir in a tablespoon of butter and a teaspoon of vanilla, and chill. It needs no eggs and no boxed mix, and takes about 15 minutes before chilling.
The result is a smooth, spoonable pudding with a clean cocoa flavor. It is also the base of our dirt cake with cocoa powder.
What do you need for chocolate pudding with cocoa powder?
Makes: 4 servings · Prep: 5 minutes · Cook: 8 to 10 minutes · Chill: 2 hours
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (21 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp (24 g) cornstarch
- ¼ tsp fine salt
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- 1 tbsp (14 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How do you make chocolate pudding with cocoa powder?
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a saucepan, whisk the sugar, cocoa, cornstarch and salt until no lumps remain.
- Add the milk slowly. Pour in a splash of milk and whisk to a smooth paste, then whisk in the rest.
- Cook. Set over medium heat and whisk constantly until the pudding bubbles and thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, 6 to 8 minutes. Let it bubble gently for 1 minute more so the cornstarch fully thickens.
- Finish. Off the heat, whisk in the butter and vanilla until glossy.
- Chill. Pour into bowls or a container and press plastic wrap onto the surface to stop a skin forming. Chill for at least 2 hours.
How do you fix pudding that is thin, lumpy or has a skin?
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Too thin after chilling | It did not boil long enough; next time let it bubble a full minute after it thickens |
| Lumpy | Whisk the dry ingredients well and add the milk gradually; strain through a sieve if needed |
| Skin on top | Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface while warm |
| Grainy or gritty | Sift the cocoa and keep the heat at medium so the milk does not scorch |
Which cocoa powder is best for chocolate pudding?
Either works, because pudding is thickened with cornstarch, not leavened. Natural cocoa makes a lighter, brighter-tasting pudding; Dutch-process makes a darker, smoother one. For a deeper chocolate flavor, add 1 to 2 extra tablespoons of cocoa and a splash more milk. Read more in natural vs Dutch-process cocoa powder.
Grevista is a one-ingredient natural cocoa powder from Vietnamese Trinitario cacao; this pudding uses about 21 g. Compare sizes on the Grevista cocoa powder page.
How can you change it?
- Dairy-free: use oat or soy milk and a plant-based butter; the pudding sets a little softer.
- Richer: replace ½ cup of the milk with heavy cream.
- Mocha: dissolve 1 tsp instant espresso in the milk.
- Layered dessert: layer it with crushed cookies for a quick dirt cake, or spoon it over a slice of cocoa powder brownies. A spoonful of chocolate whipped cream on top makes it a double-chocolate cup.
- Lighter: for a lighter, airy dessert with no cooking, try chocolate mousse with cocoa powder.
How long does homemade chocolate pudding keep?
Covered in the fridge, it keeps for up to 4 days. Stir it before serving if it has firmed up. Pudding thickened with cornstarch does not freeze well.
If you are deciding which tin to buy for recipes like this one, see our guide to the best cacao powder, which compares options by flavor, processing and published lab testing.
For a no-cook, make-ahead version, chocolate chia pudding sets overnight in the fridge with chia seeds, milk and cocoa powder.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make chocolate pudding without cornstarch?
Yes. Use 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour instead and cook a minute or two longer so the flour taste cooks out. The pudding is a little less glossy.
Can you make it with water instead of milk?
Not well. Milk gives pudding its creamy body; with water the result is thin and tastes flat. A plant-based milk is the better swap.
Can I use hot cocoa mix to make pudding?
It is not a good swap: the mix is mostly sugar and milk powder, so the pudding turns very sweet and pale. Use unsweetened cocoa powder and sugar separately.
Written by the Grevista Editorial Team. Last updated October 23, 2026. How we check facts: Editorial Policy.