Favorite Chocolate Pudding
A rich, chocolatey pudding with a fudgy topping, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and ideal for family gatherings or casual dessert indulgence.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar together.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and 2 tablespoons cocoa.
- Add dry ingredients alternately with milk to the creamed mixture.
- Stir in vanilla and nuts.
- Spread batter in an ungreased 9x9-inch pan.
- Mix brown sugar, 4 tablespoons cocoa, and hot water to make a sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the batter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer chocolate flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. You can substitute the shortening with unsalted butter for a creamier texture. If you don't have nuts on hand, try adding chocolate chips or omitting them altogether for a nut-free version. Remember to check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended bake time; ovens can vary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pudding warm or chilled, topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. It pairs beautifully with Phenomenal Fudge for a dessert spread. Consider adding fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra flair. This pudding also makes a delightful addition to a dessert buffet.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chocolate pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth texture. If the pudding thickens too much, add a splash of milk to loosen it up before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Chocolate Pudding contains roughly 466 calories, with 9g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), iron (41% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1221mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chocolate pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chocolate pudding a day in advance. Just follow the recipe and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together. When ready to serve, you can reheat it gently or serve it cold.
What can I use instead of margarine?
If you prefer not to use margarine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or a plant-based butter alternative for a vegan option. Both will work well in maintaining the richness of the pudding.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, especially the baking powder, are gluten-free as well.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).