Rich Dark Chocolate Delight (Printable Format)
Smooth and creamy dark chocolate dessert with rich flavors ideal for satisfying chocolate cravings.
# What You Need:
→ Dairy
01 - 2 cups whole milk
02 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
→ Chocolate
03 - 5 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), chopped
→ Dry Ingredients
04 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
06 - 3 tbsp cornstarch
07 - 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
→ Flavorings
08 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until evenly incorporated.
02 - Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
03 - Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 6 to 8 minutes.
04 - Remove from heat and immediately add the chopped dark chocolate, stirring until fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
05 - Stir in the pure vanilla extract until evenly distributed.
06 - Pour the hot pudding into individual ramekins or serving dishes.
07 - Cover the surface of each pudding with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
08 - Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully chilled and set.
09 - Serve plain or topped with whipped cream or chocolate shavings, if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It uses ingredients you probably already have, and the whole thing comes together in one pot with minimal cleanup.
- The texture is impossibly silky, and the deep chocolate flavor tastes like something you'd order at a bistro, not make on a weeknight.
02 -
- Whisking constantly while the pudding cooks is non-negotiable. I stopped for thirty seconds once to answer the door, and I ended up with scorched bits on the bottom of the pan.
- Use the best chocolate you can find. Cheap chocolate with waxy fillers will give you a flat, chalky pudding instead of something rich and complex.
03 -
- Chill your serving dishes in the fridge before pouring in the hot pudding. It helps the pudding set faster and gives you a head start on that perfect creamy texture.
- If you want an ultra-smooth finish, strain the cooked pudding through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring it into ramekins. It catches any stray bits of unmelted chocolate or cocoa.