This simple gluten free chocolate pudding recipe is easy to make and has infinitely more flavor than instant pudding. It’s rich, silky smooth, and satisfies that chocolate craving! Serve with a dollop of homemade whipped cream and chocolate shavings for the ultimate no bake dessert.

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Gluten Free Chocolate Pudding Recipe

This quick and easy chocolate pudding is a delicous homemade dessert that outshines the store-bought pudding mix any dya. Bonus – it only calls for a handful of ingredients.

The gloriously thick and creamy texture is everything you’d hope for and more in a homemade pudding recipe. But what makes this chocolate pudding really stand out is the deep, rich chocolate flavor that can only be achieved with the combination of the proper cocoa powder and chocolate.

I’ve tested multiple pudding recipes over and have been able to simplifiy the process. I skip the tedious step of tempering the egg yolks with warm milk by whisking them into the cold milk and letting the mixture heat slowly together.

And instead of having to melt the chocolate over a double boiler, I whisk the finely chopped chocolate into the hot pudding. If your chocolate is chopped finely enough, the heat from the pudding is all you need to melt it.

These shortcuts mean making homemade chocolate pudding is easy and attainable for a cook with any level of experience. The hardest part of this recipe is having to wait for the pudding to chill before eating it!

Not only is this chocolate pudding a delicous no-bake dessert, but it makes an excellent cake filling too!

I make a half batch to fill this Brooklyn Blackout Cake and it’s the perfect amount. You can also make this full batch to have some leftovers to eat!

a cooked Gluten Free Chocolate Pudding Recipe in small clear glass cups topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings

Chocolate Pudding Ingredients and Notes

Granulated Sugar
Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder – while not a true dark cocoa, Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder produces a pudding with richer chocolate flavor and slightly darker color. It’s less acidic than natural cocoa powder and dissolves well in liquid.
Cornstarch – tapioca starch/flour can be subbed for a corn-free option.
Fine Sea Salt
Egg Yolk – adds richness
Whole Milk – or half + half room temperature.
Unsalted Butter – cubed and room temperature
Espresso Powder – optional but highly recommended. It brings out the flavor of the chocolate without making it taste like coffee.
Pure Vanilla Extract
Semi-sweet or Dark Chocolate – finely chopped. Use what you prefer here. My preference after testing different types of chocolate is Guittard Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bars, which are 64% cocoa. I don’t recommend using chocolate chips in this recipe because they won’t melt as well as finely chopped chocolate.

ingredients in individual bowls and measuring spoons to make an Easy Gluten Free Chocolate Pudding Recipe

Ingredient Substitutions

Dairy Free Option – to make a dairy free chocolate pudding, use your favorite non-dairy milk, full fat coconut milk, or a dairy free heavy cream alternative in place of the whole milk. I find that Silk Heavy Whipping Cream Alternative is a great option and doesn’t give the pudding a coconut flavor. Use plant based butter in place of the unsalted butter and use dairy free chocolate.

Egg Free Option – you can simply omit the egg yolks. For a fully vegan chocolate pudding recipe, use dairy free milk. I’ve tested this recipe with Silk Heavy Cream Alternative and it’s a great dairy free option because it provides the richness you’d get from the egg yolk and the creaminess you’d get from whole milk.

homemade chocolate pudding in a small clear glass cup topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. The cup is on a small round white pottery plate with a spoonful of chocolate pudding resting on the plate.

Equipment You’ll Need

Medium Saucepan (non-stick)
Glass Bowl
Basic Kitchen Tools – measuring cups, measuring spoons, whisk
Fine Mesh Strainer
Plastic Wrap

How to Make Pudding from Scratch (Visual Instructions)

dry ingredients ready to be whisked together in a white and red Dutch oven to make gluten free chocolate pudding — **Add the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt to a medium-sized non-stick pot**.

dry ingredients whisked together in a white and red Dutch oven to make gluten free chocolate pudding — **Add the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt to a medium-sized non-stick pot**.

Tips for Making Homemade Chocolate Pudding

Use the best quality chocolate you can afford. Since this is such a simple recipe with few ingredients, high-quality chocolate makes a difference in taste and texture. It will give the pudding a richer, deeper chocolate flavor and a better, smoother mouthfeel.
It’s important to press the plastic wrap directly onto the pudding immediately after cooking. Be sure to press out any air bubbles! This will prevent condensation from forming and keep a skin from forming on top of the pudding.

a spoonful of gluten free chocolate pudding with whipped cream and chocolate shavings held over a small clear glass cup filled with more chocolate pudding

More Chocolate Gluten Free Dessert Recipes You’ll Love

If you’ve made this recipe, I’d love it if you could leave a star rating and comment below!

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