Velvety Chocolate Coffee Pudding

Name: Velvety Chocolate Coffee Pudding
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules; 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore this Velvety Chocolate Coffee Pudding! The rich combination of chocolate and coffee creates a luxurious dessert that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and steps, I can whip this up in no time. Whether served at a dinner party or enjoyed alone after a long day, this pudding is my go-to for its creamy texture and the perfect balance of flavors. Trust me, once you taste it, you'll understand the obsession!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-18T15:34:27.697Z

When I first made this pudding, I wasn't expecting such a deep, satisfying flavor. The blend of chocolate and coffee gives it an incredible richness, and I love how the coffee elevates the chocolate notes without overpowering them. It truly makes each bite a delightful experience!

One of the best tips I can share is to let the pudding chill for a few hours before serving; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. I find it even more delicious after a night in the fridge, as the pudding thickens and the taste intensifies.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with a deep coffee essence
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for a stylish dessert or a cozy night in

      

Understanding the Role of Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Velvety Chocolate Coffee Pudding plays a vital role in achieving the desired texture and flavor. The whole milk is crucial for that rich creaminess, while the cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, providing the pudding with its silky consistency. It's important to whisk the cornstarch well with the dry ingredients to avoid clumping. The unsweetened cocoa powder brings an intense chocolate flavor, but be sure to choose a high-quality cocoa for the best results.

The addition of instant coffee elevates the chocolate, highlighting its depth without overwhelming it. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, you can increase the coffee granules, but start with small increments to avoid overpowering the pudding. Dark chocolate brings richness and complexity, so opt for at least 60% cacao for a balanced sweetness. If you need a dairy-free option, consider using almond or oat milk in combination with a cornstarch substitute like arrowroot.

Perfecting the Cooking Technique

When cooking the pudding mixture, it's essential to stay attentive and stir continuously. This not only prevents the pudding from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan but also ensures that it cooks evenly. You should aim for a gentle simmer; if the heat is too high, you risk scalding the milk and creating an undesirable burnt flavor. The mixture will start to thicken and coat the back of a spoon — that’s your cue to remove it from heat.

After removing the pudding from heat, be sure to stir in the dark chocolate and vanilla extract until completely smooth. The residual heat from the pudding will help melt the chocolate fully, incorporating it seamlessly into the mixture. If, for some reason, the chocolate doesn’t melt completely, you can return the saucepan to low heat briefly while stirring to ensure a glossy finish. This step is crucial because uneven melting could lead to a lumpy texture in your final pudding.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delightful dessert experience.

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to check the measurements carefully for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your velvety pudding.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.

Add Milk and Coffee

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Add the instant coffee granules and whisk until fully dissolved.

Cook the Mixture

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, continuing to stir constantly until it thickens, about 5-10 minutes.

Add Chocolate and Vanilla

Remove from heat and stir in the chopped dark chocolate and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Cool Down

Pour the pudding into serving dishes and let it cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve chilled, optionally topped with whipped cream or shaved chocolate.

Enjoy your delicious pudding and share with loved ones!

Pro Tips

Experiment with different types of chocolate to suit your preference
dark chocolate will give a richer flavor while milk chocolate will be sweeter.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Velvety Chocolate Coffee Pudding is an excellent make-ahead dessert, which can be prepared up to two days in advance. Once it's fully cooled and set in the refrigerator, it will develop even more flavor and can be served directly from the fridge. To prevent a skin from forming on the surface, cover the pudding with plastic wrap, ensuring that it touches the surface of the pudding. This will help maintain its creamy texture until you’re ready to serve.

If you're left with any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the pudding, though it’s best enjoyed fresh. For freezing, pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. When you're ready to eat, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight, then whisk it gently before serving to regain its creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this pudding is delightful on its own, consider dressing it up for special occasions. A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds an airy touch, while shaved chocolate or cocoa nibs sprinkled on top provide visual appeal and extra texture. For a more adventurous twist, incorporate flavored whipped cream, such as hazelnut or vanilla, to complement the chocolate and coffee notes beautifully.

For those looking to add a bit of flair to their presentation, serving the pudding in elegant glass cups can elevate its appeal. Consider layering it with crushed cookies, such as Biscotti or Oreos, to create a decadent parfait. If you're a fan of nuts, sprinkling some crushed hazelnuts or almonds on top will not only add a crunch but also enhance the overall flavor profile, making each bite satisfying.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely! It stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days.

→ What can I use instead of instant coffee?

You can use freshly brewed coffee, just make sure to adjust the amount to your taste.

→ Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes! Substitute whole milk with almond or coconut milk and use dairy-free chocolate.

→ Can I add flavors like vanilla or hazelnut?

Definitely! You can enhance the pudding by adding different extracts or flavored syrups.