These desserts with chocolate pudding turn a box of pudding mix into rich cakes, no-bake treats and layered sweets pretty enough for entertaining.
There’s nothing fancy about chocolate pudding, but that’s part of its appeal and charm. It’s a reliable, sweet, creamy treat that always hits the spot, and comes together even faster when you start with a box of pudding mix. You can enjoy it with nothing more than a spoon, but once you unlock its potential to make desserts with chocolate pudding, there are endless treats in store.
Use it as the base for a shortcut mousse, bake it into tender cakes, make candy-studded trifles or freeze it until it tastes like ice cream. If you need chocolate recipes, these creative chocolate pudding desserts bring rich taste and velvety texture in a few easy steps. In warm rocky road cake, pudding bakes into a fudgy middle under a layer of toasted marshmallows. One bite of a glazed chocolate cream cupcake reveals a surprise, soft pudding center.
Many of these recipes can be made in advance and benefit from refrigeration so that the layers can fully set for defined slices, like these pies that start with pudding mix. For a seasonal spin, add a dash of peppermint extract in winter or a topping of fresh berries in summer. Easy no-bake desserts and shortcut treats are a little more special when you start with a box of chocolate pudding mix.
Chocolate Delight
No-Bake Cappuccino Dessert
Peanut Butter Cup Trifle
Creme de Menthe Squares
Warm Rocky Road Cake
Butterfinger Cookie Bars
Chocolate Cream Cupcakes
Mocha Java Pie with Kahlua Cream
Hazelnut Chocolate Mousse
Crock-Pot Lava Cake
Chocolate Delight Dessert
Chocolate Chip Cookie Delight
Easy Grasshopper Pie
Caramel Chocolate Trifle
Rocky Road Fudge Pops
Chocolate Pudding Pizza
Chocolate Cream Cheese Pie
Fudge Pops
Chocolate Trifle
Frozen S’mores
Pudding Poke Cake
Gob Cake
Desserts with Chocolate Pudding FAQ
How do I make homemade chocolate pudding from scratch?
It’s surprisingly easy to make pudding the old-fashioned way, with a few basics. Start by whisking milk into a combination of sugar, cornstarch and salt and cooking until it thickens. Whisk some of the hot milk into egg yolks, pour the eggs back into the pot and continue to cook until thick. Stir in chopped chocolate and vanilla extract until smooth, then cool slightly. Cover the surface of the pudding and refrigerate until cold and set.
Variations on this classic recipe could include unsweetened cocoa powder to enrich the chocolate flavor or a pat of butter whisked in at the end for a richer taste and glossy finish. Serve it as-is or layer it into parfaits, pies or icebox cakes. Add a flavor boost with espresso powder or a dash of almond or peppermint extract.
What toppings pair well with chocolate pudding desserts?
Fresh berries, whipped cream, crushed cookies and toasted nuts are just a few examples of toppings that pair well with chocolate pudding desserts. A scattering of broken Oreos, graham crackers or shortbread adds crunch, while spiced pecans or toasted almonds bring a nutty contrast. A pinch of flaky sea salt and a drizzle of fruity olive oil are unexpectedly delicious with easy chocolate pudding recipes.
How do I layer pudding in parfaits for the best presentation?
For the best presentation and parfaits with even layers, use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to add the pudding to serving cups. A clean cotton swab or the corner of a kitchen towel can wipe away smears inside the glass as you build the parfaits. Put the heaviest ingredients on the bottom of the cup to keep them from pressing against the lighter elements and distorting the layers. Tap the glass on the counter occasionally to release air bubbles and keep everything even.
