Laura Mariano
A Better Way to Indulge
Chocolate pudding has long been a comfort food favorite—but what if you could enjoy its creamy richness without the guilt? This healthier twist on classic chocolate pudding delivers all the indulgence with none of the refined sugar, dairy, or artificial thickeners. Inspired by recipes from Chocolate Covered Katie, Family Food on the Table, Cosmopolitan Cornbread, and Just Cook Simple, this dessert is perfect for anyone seeking a cleaner, more nourishing treat.
Whether you’re whipping up a quick snack for the kids or satisfying a late-night craving, this pudding fits the bill. It’s smooth, decadent, and surprisingly simple to make. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you’ll have a dessert that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds. No avocado required—just pure chocolate bliss. Dive in and discover a better way to indulge, one spoonful at a time.
What Makes It “Healthy”?
This chocolate pudding earns its “healthy” badge by skipping the usual suspects—no refined sugar, no dairy, and no preservatives. Instead, it’s naturally sweetened with ingredients like ripe bananas, honey, or maple syrup, offering a gentle sweetness that doesn’t spike your blood sugar.
It’s also incredibly versatile: choose almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free base, and opt for gluten-free oats or starches to keep it allergy-friendly. Want it vegan? Skip the egg yolks and use plant-based milk and sweeteners. Paleo or Whole30? Stick with natural sweeteners and coconut milk.
There are no artificial thickeners here—cornstarch or tapioca starch do the job beautifully. And for those who crave bold chocolate flavor, here’s a tip: use unsweetened cocoa powder or Dutch-process cocoa for a deeper, more intense taste. This pudding proves that healthy doesn’t mean boring—it means better.
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll typically need to whip up a batch of healthy chocolate pudding:
Common Ingredients:
- Cocoa powder (Dutch-process for richness or natural for brightness)
- Milk of choice: almond, oat, coconut, or dairy
- Sweetener: honey, maple syrup, banana, or erythritol
- Cornstarch or tapioca starch (for stovetop thickening)
- Vanilla extract for warmth and depth
- Pinch of salt to enhance flavor
Optional Add-Ins:
- Peanut butter or almond butter for creaminess and protein
- Rolled oats (ideal for blender-style puddings)
- Egg yolks (used in custard-style versions for richness)
- Chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate for extra indulgence
These ingredients can be mixed and matched depending on your dietary needs and flavor preferences. For a no-cook version, Bold Tip: use ripe bananas or dates to naturally sweeten and thicken the pudding without heat. The result? A luscious, satisfying dessert that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Healthy Chocolate Pudding Recipe | Guilt-Free Dessert with Cocoa & Natural Ingredients
Equipment
- Saucepan (for stovetop or custard-style)
- Whisk
- Blender or food processor (for no-cook version)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Airtight containers or serving jars
Ingredients
Base Ingredients (choose depending on method):
- 2 cups milk of choice (almond, oat, coconut, or dairy)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process or natural)
- ¼–⅓ cup sweetener (honey, maple syrup, banana, or erythritol)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or tapioca starch (for stovetop/custard)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 ripe banana or 2–3 dates (for no-cook sweetness)
- 2 tbsp peanut butter or almond butter
- ¼ cup rolled oats (for blender version)
- 2 egg yolks (for custard-style)
- ¼ cup chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
Instructions
Method 1: Stovetop
- In a saucepan, heat 2 cups milk with cocoa powder, sweetener, and salt.In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch with ½ cup cold milk until smooth.Add cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.Cook for 2 minutes until thickened.Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and chocolate chips.Pour into containers, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and chill for 2–4 hours.
Method 2: No-Cook Blender
- Blend banana, cocoa powder, peanut butter, oats, honey, vanilla, and salt until smooth.Chill for 30 minutes to thicken.Serve with toppings like berries, coconut flakes, or cacao nibs.
Method 3: Custard-Style
- In a saucepan, whisk cocoa powder and tapioca starch.Add coconut milk, egg yolks, honey, and salt.Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.Stir in vanilla and ghee.Chill for 4+ hours with plastic wrap touching the surface.
Notes
- Use full-fat milk or coconut milk for a creamier texture.
- For deeper flavor, opt for Dutch-process cocoa.
- Cover pudding directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.
- Freeze leftovers in popsicle molds for fudgesicles.
- Stir before serving if separation occurs.
