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Crave-Worthy Chocolate Pudding Without Cornstarch: Your Ultimate Guide!

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This homemade chocolate pudding is an incredibly simple recipe. Some links in this post are affiliate links that earn me a commission if you purchase through them.

Ever have a craving for something and decide you just can’t wait and have to have it right then?

That’s me with chocolate pudding. Every once in awhile, I just absolutely have to have it.

And yes, when I make it, I always enjoy some still warm. I don’t have the patience to wait for it to cool.

That lack of patience tells you something when it takes just fifteen minutes to make this chocolate pudding from scratch.

It makes a delicious and decadent pudding that’s both kid-friendly (hello after school snack) and perfect to serve for a fancy dinner party, too.

In fact, this is one of my go to recipes when I plan a romantic dinner. Who doesn’t love a creamy, decadent dessert that’s surprisingly not super high in calories?

Hey there, sweet tooths! If you’re hankerin’ for a bowl of creamy, dreamy chocolate pudding but ain’t got no cornstarch in the pantry—or just wanna skip it for whatever reason—we’ve got your back at [Your Blog Name]. Today, I’m spillin’ all my secrets on how to whip up chocolate pudding without cornstarch that’s so darn good, you’ll be lickin’ the spoon clean. No fancy stuff, just simple ingredients and a whole lotta love. Let’s dive right in and get that chocolate fix goin’!

Why Make Chocolate Pudding Without Cornstarch?

Before we get to the good stuff, lemme tell ya why you might wanna ditch cornstarch Maybe you’re out of it (been there, done that), or you’ve got a sensitivity to corn products Heck, some folks just prefer the old-school vibe of recipes that don’t rely on it. Whatever your reason, makin’ chocolate pudding without cornstarch is totally doable, and I’m gonna show ya how to get that silky texture using stuff you prob’ly already got at home.

The big secret? You can use eggs flour or even gelatin to thicken your pudding. Each got its own quirks, but they all deliver that lush, chocolatey goodness we’re after. Let’s start with the easiest and most classic way—usin’ eggs—and then I’ll throw in some other options for ya to play with.

The Classic Egg-Based Chocolate Pudding Without Cornstarch

This is my go-to when I’m cravin’ chocolate pudding without cornstarch. Eggs give it that rich custardy feel that’s just outta this world. Here’s how I do it step by step, keepin’ it real simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2 cups whole milk (or any milk ya got, really)
  • 1/2 cup sugar (adjust if ya like it less sweet)
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder (the good stuff, unsweetened)
  • 2 large eggs (yolks only, save them whites for somethin’ else)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for that extra oomph)
  • A pinch of salt (trust me, it makes the chocolate pop)

Tools

  • A medium saucepan
  • A whisk (or a fork if you’re in a pinch)
  • A bowl for mixin’
  • Some patience (it’s worth it, I swear)

How to Make It

  1. Mix the Dry Stuff: Grab a bowl and whisk together your sugar, cocoa powder, and that pinch of salt. Get it nice and combined so there ain’t no lumps later.
  2. Warm the Milk: Pour your milk into the saucepan and heat it over medium. Don’t let it boil—just get it warm enough to steam a bit. Stir now and then so it don’t stick.
  3. Temper Them Eggs: While the milk’s warmin’, beat them egg yolks in a separate bowl. Once the milk’s steamy, slowly pour ‘bout half a cup of it into the yolks, whiskin’ like crazy. This is temperin’—keeps the eggs from scramblin’ when ya add ‘em to the hot pot.
  4. Combine It All: Pour that egg-milk mix back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk. Now dump in your dry mix (sugar, cocoa, salt) and whisk it good. Keep the heat on medium-low.
  5. Cook ‘Til Thick: Stir constantly for ‘bout 5-7 minutes. It’ll start thickenin’ up—ya know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon. Don’t rush this part or you’ll get a grainy mess.
  6. Finish with Vanilla: Take it off the heat and stir in that vanilla extract. Pour it into bowls or cups, whatever ya fancy.
  7. Chill Out: Let it cool a bit, then pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. It’ll set up nice and firm, perfect for diggin’ into.

And there ya have it—chocolate pudding without cornstarch that’s smooth as silk and full of flavor. I’ve burned a batch or two in my day by crankin’ the heat too high, so don’t be like me—keep it low and slow!

Why Eggs Work So Darn Well

Eggs are like magic in this recipe for chocolate pudding without cornstarch. The yolks got this natural thicken’ power when ya heat ‘em up gentle-like. They make the pudding creamy without needin’ any cornstarch at all. Plus, they add a richness that just screams comfort food. If you’ve never tried this method, you’re in for a real treat.

One thing, though—ya gotta temper them eggs right. If ya dump ‘em straight into hot milk, you’ll end up with chocolatey scrambled eggs, and ain’t nobody want that. Slow and steady wins the race here.

Alternative Thickeners for Chocolate Pudding Without Cornstarch

Now, if eggs ain’t your thing—maybe you’re vegan or just don’t got any—don’t worry. We’ve got other ways to make chocolate pudding without cornstarch. I’ve tinkered with these in my kitchen, and they work pretty dang good.

Usin’ All-Purpose Flour

Flour can step in as a thickener, though it’s a bit trickier than eggs. Here’s the lowdown:

  • How Much: Use ‘bout 2-3 tablespoons of flour for every 2 cups of milk.
  • How to Do It: Mix the flour with a bit of cold milk first to make a slurry—kinda like a paste. This keeps it from clumpin’ up. Then whisk it into your warm milk, sugar, and cocoa mix. Cook over medium heat, stirrin’ nonstop, ‘til it thickens (usually 5-8 minutes).
  • Pros: Super cheap and prob’ly in your cupboard right now.
  • Cons: Can get a lil’ grainy if ya don’t stir enough. Also, it don’t got that same lush feel as eggs.

I’ve made chocolate pudding without cornstarch usin’ flour when I was flat broke and outta eggs. It ain’t as fancy, but it gets the job done. Just don’t stop stirrin’, or you’ll be sorry!

Gelatin for a No-Cook Twist

If ya want somethin’ different, gelatin can make a chocolate pudding without cornstarch that don’t even need heatin’ for the thickenin’ part. It’s kinda weird at first, but hear me out.

  • How Much: ‘Bout 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin for 2 cups of liquid.
  • How to Do It: Bloom the gelatin in a bit of cold milk (let it sit for 5 minutes ‘til it’s spongy). Heat your milk with sugar and cocoa separate-like, then mix in the gelatin goo ‘til it dissolves. Pour into molds or bowls and chill for 4-6 hours.
  • Pros: No cookin’ needed after mixin’, great for hot days.
  • Cons: Texture’s more jiggly than creamy, not quite the classic pudding vibe.

I tried this once for a quick dessert, and it was a fun lil’ experiment. Not my fave way to make chocolate pudding without cornstarch, but if ya wanna impress with somethin’ unique, give it a whirl.

Gettin’ That Chocolate Flavor Just Right

No matter which thickener ya pick for your chocolate pudding without cornstarch, the chocolate itself is the star of the show. Here’s how I make sure it shines:

  • Cocoa Powder: Go for unsweetened, high-quality stuff. Cheap cocoa can taste flat or bitter in a bad way.
  • Chocolate Chips or Bars: Sometimes, I melt in a handful of dark chocolate chips along with the cocoa for extra depth. ‘Bout 2-3 ounces does the trick. Stir it in at the end, off the heat.
  • Sweetness Balance: Don’t overdo the sugar—chocolate got its own sweetness, ya know. Taste as ya go and tweak it.
  • A Pinch of Salt: I ain’t kiddin’—just a tiny bit makes the chocolate flavor pop like crazy.

I’ve messed this up before by usin’ some old, dusty cocoa I found in the back of my pantry. Big mistake. Fresh ingredients make all the diff’rence in chocolate pudding without cornstarch.

Variations to Spice Up Your Chocolate Pudding Without Cornstarch

Once ya got the basics down, why not get a lil’ wild with your chocolate pudding without cornstarch? Here’s some ideas I’ve played with over the years.

Vegan Chocolate Pudding Without Cornstarch

If ya don’t do dairy or eggs, you can still enjoy this treat. Use plant-based milk (almond or oat works great) and skip the eggs for somethin’ like agar-agar, a vegan gelatin kinda thing.

  • Swap milk for any non-dairy option, same amount.
  • Use 1 tsp agar-agar powder instead of gelatin or eggs. Mix it with cold liquid first, then heat with the rest ‘til it dissolves. Chill for a few hours.
  • Sweeten with maple syrup if ya wanna keep it natural.

I made this for a vegan pal once, and they couldn’t believe it was chocolate pudding without cornstarch and without animal stuff. Pretty cool, right?

Gluten-Free Option

If flour ain’t your friend, stick to the egg-based recipe or use gelatin. Both are naturally gluten-free, so no worries there. Just double-check your cocoa and other stuff for sneaky gluten additives if you’re super sensitive.

Add-Ins for Extra Fun

  • Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or hazelnuts for crunch.
  • Spices: A dash of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne for a lil’ kick. Sounds weird, but it’s amazin’ in chocolate pudding without cornstarch.
  • Fruit: Top with fresh raspberries or banana slices right before servin’. The combo is straight-up heavenly.

I’m a sucker for addin’ a bit of spice to my pudding—makes it feel all gourmet without extra work.

Servin’ Up Your Chocolate Pudding Without Cornstarch

Now that ya got your pudding ready, how ya gonna serve it? Here’s a few ideas to make it look as good as it tastes:

  • Classic Bowl: Just scoop it into small bowls or ramekins. Top with whipped cream if ya feelin’ fancy.
  • Layered Dessert: Layer it with crushed cookies or cake in a glass for a trifle vibe. Looks pro, tastes slapdash yummy.
  • Frozen Treat: Freeze it in popsicle molds for a cool twist on chocolate pudding without cornstarch. Kids go nuts for this.

I usually just eat mine straight from the bowl with a big ol’ spoon, but when I’ve got company, I’ll doll it up a bit. Presentation matters, ya know!

Troubleshootin’ Common Hiccups

Even with a solid recipe for chocolate pudding without cornstarch, things can go sideways. Here’s how to fix ‘em, based on my many, many kitchen fails.

  • Too Runny: If it don’t set, ya might not’ve cooked it long enough. Pop it back on the stove and heat ‘til it thickens. For egg-based, make sure ya tempered right.
  • Lumpy Mess: Forgot to stir? Whisk it hard or strain it through a sieve to smooth it out.
  • Too Thick: Add a splash more milk and heat gently to loosen it up.
  • Weird Taste: Old cocoa or burnt milk can ruin it. Start fresh and watch that heat.

I’ve had my share of runny disasters—once forgot to cook it long enough and ended up with chocolate soup. Live and learn, folks!

A Lil’ History on Pudding (Just for Kicks)

Wanna know somethin’ neat? Pudding goes way back, like medieval times back. It wasn’t always sweet—used to be more like a savory mush. Chocolate pudding without cornstarch woulda been the norm way before cornstarch was even a thing in kitchens. They used eggs or bread crumbs to thicken stuff up. Kinda wild to think we’re doin’ it old-school now, ain’t it?

I love readin’ up on food history—it makes cookin’ feel like connectin’ with the past. Makes my chocolate pudding without cornstarch feel extra special.

Why You’ll Keep Comin’ Back to This Recipe

There’s somethin’ ‘bout makin’ chocolate pudding without cornstarch that just feels right. It’s simple, it’s flexible, and it don’t need no fancy ingredients. Whether you’re usin’ eggs for that rich custard vibe, flour for a quick fix, or gelatin for a no-fuss option, you’re gonna end up with a dessert that hits all the right notes. Plus, you can tweak it to fit whatever ya got in the pantry or whatever dietary stuff ya dealin’ with.

I’ve made this a zillion times, and every batch feels like a lil’ victory. There’s nothin’ better than sittin’ down with a bowl of homemade chocolate pudding without cornstarch after a long day. It’s comfort in a spoon, plain and simple.

Tips for Storin’ and Reheatin’

Don’t wanna eat it all at once? Here’s how to keep your chocolate pudding without cornstarch fresh:

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap touchin’ the surface if ya don’t want a skin formin’.
  • Freezer: Egg-based don’t freeze great—gets weird and grainy. But gelatin versions can freeze for a month or so. Thaw slow in the fridge.
  • Reheat: Warm it gentle on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen it. Stir lots to keep it smooth.

I usually make a big batch and stash some in the fridge for late-night snackin’. Ain’t no shame in that game!

Pairin’ Your Pudding with Other Treats

Chocolate pudding without cornstarch is awesome on its own, but pairin’ it with other goodies takes it to a whole ‘nother level. Try these:

  • Cookies: Dip some shortbread or graham crackers right in.
  • Cake: Use it as a fillin’ or frostin’ for a chocolate cake. Decadent as heck.
  • Fruit: Like I said before, fresh berries or bananas on top are a game-changer.

I’ve been known to smear this pudding on just ‘bout anything sweet. It’s like the ultimate dessert glue!

Final Thoughts from My Kitchen to Yours

Makin’ chocolate pudding without cornstarch ain’t just a workaround—it’s a legit way to enjoy a classic dessert with whatever ya got on hand. Whether you’re team egg, team flour, or team gelatin, there’s a method here that’ll work for ya. I’ve shared my fave recipes, some handy tips, and even a few of my kitchen blunders so ya don’t gotta make the same mistakes.

We at [Your Blog Name] are all ‘bout keepin’ things real and tasty in the kitchen. So grab a pot, some cocoa, and get to stirrin’. This chocolate pudding without cornstarch is gonna become your new obsession—I guarantee it! Drop a comment below if ya try it out or got any funky variations of your own. Can’t wait to hear how it goes!

chocolate pudding without cornstarch

What milk do I need to use?

The good news is that you can use whatever milk you have in the fridge to make this homemade chocolate pudding. Well, within reason – don’t use buttermilk!

This makes life easier for me. While whole milk makes the richest chocolate pudding, you can use skim milk, too. It all works, and you just change how rich the end result ends up.

Regardless, it tastes delicious, whether you use skim, 1% milk, 2% milk, or whole milk. My only recommendation is that if you use whole milk, leave out the butter at the end. It doesn’t need the added richness.

Is chocolate pudding gluten free?

Here’s your good news! Yes, this chocolate pudding is gluten free.

With just eight common ingredients, this is a clean chocolate pudding recipe that has no ingredients that contain gluten. It’s just milk, egg yolks, cornstarch, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, butter, and coffee.

Simple Chocolate Pudding Without Cornstarch | Healthy Dessert | Gluten Free Dessert

FAQ

What can you substitute for cornstarch in pudding?

Cornstarch Substitute for Pudding

While cornstarch is the key to making a nice, thick pudding, many old-fashioned pudding recipes actually used to call for flour. So, all-purpose flour is a good alternative to try. Use 2 tablespoons flour for every 1 tablespoon cornstarch in your pudding recipe.

Can I use flour instead of cornstarch in chocolate pudding?

My chocolate pudding recipe uses flour for thickening instead of cornstarch. Its better. It gives you that thickness you want but it imparts a deep, rich flavor that cornstarch just can’t give. Place all dry ingredients in a heavy saucepan.

How to get pudding to thicken without cornstarch?

What Ingredient Makes Pudding Thicken? In this recipe, the flour makes the pudding thicken. (Most recipes use cornstarch, which does give a smoother result. But white flour works well as a substitute.)

How to thicken chocolate milk without cornstarch?

Condensed Milk: A dollop of condensed milk can sweeten your beverage and add a creamy, thick texture. Rice Flour or Arrowroot Powder: These can act as thickening agents, similar to cornflour. Again, mix with a little cold liquid to create a paste and then stir into the hot chocolate.

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