Pioneer Woman Chocolate Pudding

Indulge in the rich, creamy delight of homemade chocolate pudding with this recipe inspired by Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman. This dessert offers a luscious texture and deep chocolate flavor, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Utilizes pantry staples for a fuss-free dessert.​
• Quick Preparation: Ready in just about 20 minutes, excluding chilling time.​The Pioneer Woman
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm or chilled, on its own or as a filling for pies and parfaits.​The Pioneer Woman

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Large egg yolks​The Pioneer Woman+5The Pioneer Woman+5Pinterest+5
• Cornstarch​Reddit+8The Pioneer Woman+8The Pioneer Woman+8
• Whole milk​Pinterest+4foodnetwork.com+4foodnetwork.com+4
• Sugar​The Pioneer Woman+5Pinterest+5The Secret Ingredient+5
• Unsweetened cocoa powder​The Pioneer Woman
• Salt​Reddit+7The Secret Ingredient+7foodnetwork.com+7
• Chocolate or vanilla extract​Reddit+1The Pioneer Woman+1

Directions

1. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks until light yellow and increased in volume. Add cornstarch and a portion of the milk, whisking until smooth.​The Pioneer Woman
2. Heat the Milk Mixture: In a saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and the remaining milk. Heat over medium-high until the mixture reaches a scalding temperature (small bubbles forming at the edges).​The Pioneer Woman
3. Combine and Cook: Gradually whisk the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture to temper. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-high heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for a couple of minutes.​
4. Add Flavoring and Chill: Remove from heat, stir in the extract, and pour the pudding into serving dishes. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until chilled.​The Pioneer Woman

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4​
• Prep Time: 10 minutes​foodnetwork.com+1The Pioneer Woman+1
• Cook Time: 10 minutes​The Secret Ingredient
• Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)​

Variations

• Chocolate Pie: Use this pudding as a filling for a pre-baked pie crust to create a classic chocolate pie.​
• Layered Dessert: Incorporate layers of crushed cookies, pudding, and whipped cream for a trifle-like treat.​The Pioneer Woman

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.​
• Reheating: Enjoy chilled or gently warmed over low heat, stirring constantly.​

FAQs

What type of chocolate is best for this pudding?

Unsweetened cocoa powder is used in this recipe to achieve a deep, rich chocolate flavor.​

Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

Whole milk is recommended for a creamy texture, but low-fat milk can be used with a slight change in richness.​The Pioneer Woman

How can I prevent lumps in my pudding?

Whisking constantly while cooking and ensuring gradual tempering of the egg mixture helps prevent lumps.​

Is it necessary to chill the pudding before serving?

Chilling allows the pudding to set properly, but it can also be enjoyed warm if preferred.​

Can I make this pudding ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.​

How do I prevent a skin from forming on top of the pudding?

Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding before refrigerating to prevent skin formation.​The Pioneer Woman

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, the recipe can be doubled; ensure even heating and stirring for consistent results.​

What toppings pair well with this chocolate pudding?

Whipped cream, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of shaved chocolate complement this pudding well.​

Is this pudding gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.​

Can I use this pudding as a cake filling?

Absolutely, this pudding works well as a filling for cakes and other desserts.​

Conclusion

This Pioneer Woman-inspired chocolate pudding offers a delightful homemade dessert that’s both simple and satisfying. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of another dessert, its rich flavor and creamy texture are sure to please any chocolate lover.

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