Indulge in the creamiest, most decadent vegan chocolate pudding you’ve ever tasted! This exquisite dessert is a symphony of rich flavor, velvety texture, and pure bliss, promising an unforgettable culinary experience for every chocolate enthusiast.
Hello, fellow food lovers! I’m incredibly excited to finally share this recipe with you. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind week, but the joy of bringing you this truly remarkable vegan chocolate pudding recipe has brightened everything. Get ready to embark on a delightful journey into the world of plant-based indulgence that will redefine your expectations of dessert.
Experience the Silky-Smooth Perfection of Vegan Chocolate Pudding
If you’re new to the world of vegan desserts, or even if you’re a seasoned plant-based connoisseur, prepare to be utterly amazed. This isn’t just *any* vegan chocolate pudding; it is, without exaggeration, one of the finest puddings I have ever crafted. Inspired by the genius of Alanna’s The Bojon Gourmet blog (whose recipes I simply adore, as evidenced by this delightful citrus crepes recipe), this creation elevates the simple chocolate pudding to an art form.
This dessert is the epitome of rich decadence and unparalleled smoothness. It boasts a texture so silky and velvety that it glides effortlessly across your palate, delivering a profound chocolatey flavor. For an extra layer of complexity and sophistication, an optional hint of coffee liqueur is added, which, in my opinion, magnificently complements and amplifies the chocolate. This pairing doesn’t just add another note; it “lifts” the entire flavor profile, taking it to an exquisitely delicious next level.
Why Choose Vegan Chocolate Pudding?
Beyond being a fantastic dairy-free alternative, this vegan chocolate pudding offers numerous advantages. It’s perfect for those with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or anyone embracing a plant-based lifestyle. But more importantly, it proves that “vegan” doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or texture. In fact, this recipe demonstrates how plant-based ingredients can create a dessert that rivals, and often surpasses, its traditional counterparts in richness and smoothness. It’s a treat that aligns with ethical eating choices while delivering maximum taste satisfaction.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Vegan Chocolate Pudding
The journey to the perfect vegan chocolate pudding begins with a selection of high-quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving its signature flavor and texture. Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless vegan chocolate pudding recipes, but none have ever come close to the sheer delight this one offers. It’s a bold claim, but one I stand firmly by—this recipe truly delivers an unparalleled experience for your taste buds. Let’s dive into what makes this particular pudding so exceptional:
First and foremost, **dark chocolate** (at least 70% cocoa solids) is non-negotiable. The higher cocoa content ensures a deep, intense chocolate flavor that isn’t overly sweet, creating a sophisticated base for our pudding. I personally recommend using organic dark chocolate, such as Green & Black’s, for its quality and robust taste. The quality of your chocolate will significantly impact the final flavor, so choose wisely.
Next up is the game-changer: **condensed coconut milk**. This ingredient is nothing short of incredible! I confess, I felt like I was living under a culinary rock for years, only discovering condensed coconut milk recently. But oh, my, it’s so divinely rich and sweet that I could happily eat it straight from the jar! It brings an unmatched creaminess and subtle tropical note to the pudding, making it incredibly luxurious. Nature’s Charm condensed coconut milk is my top recommendation for its superior texture and flavor.
The remaining ingredients are quite straightforward, yet equally vital. We’ll need **almond milk** (or any other plant-based milk of your choice; oat or soy milk also work wonderfully, but almond milk provides a neutral canvas). **Organic cocoa powder** deepens the chocolate flavor even further, while **cornflour** (cornstarch) acts as the essential thickener, ensuring that silky-smooth consistency without any gelatin or animal products. A touch of **vanilla essence or paste** enhances the overall aroma and taste. For that extraordinary twist, **coffee liqueur** (Kahlua is my preference) is an optional but highly recommended addition, as its subtle bitterness and coffee notes perfectly complement the chocolate. Finally, a pinch of **sea salt** balances the sweetness, and for serving, **whipped coconut cream** provides a delightful airy contrast.
It’s important to note that while the coffee liqueur and whipped coconut cream are optional, they are truly fantastic additions that elevate the dessert’s flavor and texture profile significantly. If you prefer to skip the alcohol, a teaspoon of instant espresso powder dissolved in a tiny bit of hot water can offer a similar depth. Beyond the cream, feel free to customize your pudding with a variety of your favorite toppings. Think crushed nuts (hazelnuts or pecans are divine!), delicate chocolate shavings, or even fun sprinkles for a pop of color and crunch. My personal favorite combination includes puffed quinoa for an interesting texture and chocolate shavings with crushed hazelnuts.
Crafting Your Dream Vegan Chocolate Pudding: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this magnificent vegan chocolate pudding is a straightforward process, but a few key steps ensure that perfect, lump-free, silky finish. Follow these instructions carefully to achieve dessert perfection:
- **Preparation is Key**: Begin by preparing 6 to 8 small serving glasses or ramekins. Remember, this pudding is incredibly rich and decadent, so a little truly goes a long way. You don’t need to fill them to the brim, but feel free to do so if you desire a more generous portion!
- **Dissolve the Thickener**: In a small bowl or cup, combine the cornflour with a small portion of the almond milk. Whisk thoroughly until the cornflour is completely dissolved and no lumps remain. This crucial step prevents a lumpy pudding later on.
- **Combine Wet Ingredients**: In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the organic cocoa powder, sea salt, the remaining almond milk, and the luscious condensed coconut milk. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously using a wooden spoon or a silicone whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture begins to warm.
- **Thicken to Perfection**: Pour in your dissolved cornflour and milk mixture. Continue stirring constantly. This consistent motion is vital to prevent sticking and ensure even thickening. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, maintaining a steady stir. This process will take approximately 10 minutes, during which you’ll notice the pudding beginning to thicken beautifully.
- **Infuse the Flavors**: Once the mixture has reached a gentle boil and thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Stir in the chopped dark chocolate, coffee liqueur (if using), and vanilla essence. Continue stirring diligently until all the chocolate has completely melted and is fully incorporated into the pudding, creating a smooth, glossy consistency.
- **Cooling for Optimum Texture**: After the chocolate has melted, keep stirring the mixture for several minutes until it cools down a bit. This initial cooling helps prevent a “skin” from forming too quickly and ensures a smoother pour.
Once your rich, chocolatey mixture has cooled down to room temperature, carefully pour it into your prepared glasses or ramekins. To prevent the dreaded “skin” from forming on the surface during chilling, gently press a piece of cling film or kitchen foil directly onto the surface of each pudding. Then, transfer them to the fridge to chill for a minimum of a couple of hours. This chilling time is essential, as it allows the puddings to firm up and their flavors to fully develop. When you’re ready to indulge, simply remove the cling film, top with a dollop of whipped coconut cream, and garnish with your favorite toppings. Prepare for an utterly delightful, “YUMMO!” moment.
Tips for Ultimate Silkiness and Troubleshooting
For those seeking the absolute silkiest, most luxurious texture, here’s an extra tip: Alanna, the inspiration behind this recipe, suggests transferring the warm pudding mixture into the mixing bowl of a stand mixer. Beat it on a low speed until it cools down to room temperature. This aeration process will result in an even more incredibly smooth and velvety texture. However, don’t fret if you don’t have a stand mixer! You can absolutely achieve fantastic results by simply stirring your pudding by hand until it has cooled down a bit before transferring it into your serving vessels.
What if My Pudding Gets Lumpy?
Despite this being a very straightforward recipe, sometimes lumps can appear in the pudding mixture. There’s no need to panic if you notice any before transferring your delicious creation into individual glasses! It’s happened to me a couple of times, and I’ve discovered a simple, foolproof method to rectify it. Simply pour the entire mixture through a fine-mesh sieve set over a large bowl. The sieve will efficiently catch and remove any lumps, ensuring your pudding remains perfectly smooth and delightful.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
Once your vegan chocolate puddings are perfectly chilled, the fun part begins! While they are exquisite on their own, a dollop of whipped coconut cream and your chosen toppings truly elevate the experience. Consider a sprinkle of sea salt flakes to enhance the chocolate’s depth, a handful of fresh berries for a burst of tartness, or a drizzle of raspberry coulis for a touch of elegance. These puddings are fantastic for entertaining, as they can be prepared ahead of time, minimizing stress on event day. For storage, keep the covered puddings in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They are best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge.
I genuinely hope you enjoyed today’s post and feel inspired to create this incredible vegan chocolate pudding. Thank you so much for reading! As always, you can connect with me and find more delicious inspiration on my Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I would absolutely love to hear from you, so please feel free to leave a comment below and share your pudding adventures!
📖 Recipe
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Vegan Chocolate Pudding
5 mins
15 mins
2 hrs
2 hrs 20 mins
Ingredients
- 45 g cornflour
- 50 g organic cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 l almond milk (or any plant-based milk of choice)
- 640 ml condensed coconut milk
- 200 g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa solids), chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence or vanilla paste (or seeds from one vanilla pod)
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional, such as Kahlua)
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped coconut cream
- Chocolate shavings
- Crushed nuts (hazelnuts, pecans, almonds)
- Puffed quinoa
- Sprinkles
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Prepare 6-8 small glasses or ramekins and set them aside. In a small mixing bowl or a cup, combine the cornflour with a small amount of the almond milk and mix well until completely dissolved.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, sea salt, the remaining almond milk, and the condensed coconut milk. Stir well using a wooden spoon or a silicone whisk over medium heat until all ingredients are combined.
- Pour in the cornflour mixture and continue stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. This process should take approximately 10 minutes, as the pudding begins to thicken.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the coffee liqueur (if using), chopped dark chocolate, and vanilla essence. Stir continuously until all the ingredients are well mixed and the chocolate has completely melted, creating a smooth, rich consistency.
- Continue stirring the mixture until it has cooled down to room temperature. This step is important for achieving an optimal texture and preventing a skin from forming.
- Carefully pour the cooled pudding mixture into your prepared glasses or ramekins. Cover the surface of each glass directly with cling film or kitchen foil to prevent a “skin” from forming. Transfer to the fridge and chill for at least a couple of hours, or until thoroughly set.
- When ready to serve, top the chilled puddings with whipped coconut cream and your favorite selection of toppings. Enjoy this decadent treat!
Please note that all my recipes are developed and tested using metric grams. I highly recommend using digital scales for the most accurate results. While a conversion to US customary units is often provided, I have not personally tested this method, so results may vary.
Notes
* The number of servings may vary depending on the size of your chosen glasses or ramekins.
* For an even silkier and smoother texture, you can transfer the mixture into the bowl of a standing mixer and beat it on low speed until it cools down to room temperature. This aeration enhances the pudding’s luxurious feel!
* If any lumps appear in your mixture during the cooking process, simply run the pudding through a fine-mesh sieve over a large bowl. The sieve will effectively catch and remove all lumps, ensuring a perfectly smooth dessert.
Did you make this?
Tell me how you liked it! Leave a comment below or take a picture and tag @anna_wierzbinska on Instagram. I absolutely love seeing your delicious creations!