A rich and comforting winter dessert that turns classic hot chocolate flavors into a warm, spoonable pudding made for cold nights and cozy moments.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 5 min
Cook: 15 min
Total: 20 min
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch until fully combined and smooth, creating a rich chocolate base.
Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, then place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly as the mixture begins to warm and thicken.
In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolk and temper it with a few spoonfuls of the hot mixture, then return it to the saucepan.
Continue cooking gently until the pudding becomes thick, glossy, and coats the back of a spoon with a comforting winter richness.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract, mixing until silky and smooth.
Nutrition Facts (approx)
Calories: 330 | Protein: 8g | Carbs: 36g | Fat: 18g
Quick Facts
• stovetop dessert
• cold weather comfort
• family approved
• budget friendly
• refrigerator friendly
Tips
Stir constantly while cooking to avoid scorching and ensure a smooth, creamy winter texture.
Serve the pudding warm for a cozy dessert, or chill it slightly for a thicker, spoonable consistency.
Use whole milk for the best balance between richness and softness in cold-season desserts.
Variations
Classic Winter Chocolate Pudding Cups
Serve the pudding warm in small cups and let it set slightly. This creates a nostalgic winter dessert that feels straight from a family kitchen. For a timeless twist, explore the Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pudding which brings classic comfort in every spoonful.
Dark Chocolate Comfort Pudding
Increase the cocoa slightly and reduce the sugar just a bit to create a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor suited for cold evenings. If you enjoy rich, slow-sipping chocolate, the Thick European-Style Hot Chocolate is another satisfying winter treat.
Creamy Mocha Pudding Cups
Add a small amount of strong brewed coffee during cooking to create a gentle mocha note that enhances the chocolate warmth. If you’re craving something sweet and cozy, the Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows brings the same kind of joyful comfort.