Chocolate Pudding

One afternoon this week, I served warm chocolate pudding as an afternoon snack. This recipe is a great alternative to boxed cook 'n serving pudding that you can buy at the grocery store. It is so simple, and tastes decadent, especially when it is served warm. Sometimes, we will even add some peanut butter to it for a peanut butter cup taste. What I like about this recipe is that it can be made in large quantities and stored in the pantry for months for an instant chocolate fix whenever I please!


Make Ahead Chocolate Pudding
For 1 cup mix:
½ cup raw sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
3 tbsp. flour
Dash salt

Stir with all ingredients together with a wire whisk. Use immediately, or pour into container and seal. Store in a cool, dry place for 3-4 months.

To prepare one batch (4 servings):
1 cup mix
2 cups milk
2 tsp. vanilla
2 tbsp. butter

To Prepare in Microwave - Place one cup of mix in a large microwave safe bowl. Measure two cups of milk. Add small amount of milk to mix. Whisk until incorporated. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Whisk. Return to microwave and cook on high at 1 minute intervals until shiny and thick. Add vanilla and butter. Whisk until butter is melted. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the pudding to avoid forming a skin. Serve warm or refrigerate and serve cold.

To Prepare on top of the Stove – Place one cup of mix in a saucepan. Add 2 cups of milk and whisk until incorporated. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture thickens. Remove from heat and add vanilla and butter. Whisk until butter is melted. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the pudding to avoid forming a skin. Serve warm or refrigerate and serve cold.

To Use as a Pie Filling – Prepare pudding using either of the above methods. Before covering with plastic wrap, pour pudding into prepared pie shell (baked and cooled pastry shell or graham cracker crust). Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the pudding to avoid forming a skin. Refrigerate until chilled. Top with whipped cream and garnish with grated chocolate.

Variation: Add ¼ cup peanut butter with butter and vanilla.

Note: The dry ingredients for this recipe can be made up in large quantities and stored in a cool, dry place for 3-4 months.

Frugal Tip: This Chocolate Pudding Mix makes a great gift! Package it in a jar and add a bow and the cooking instructions. Simple and inexpensive!