Chocolate Coconut Pudding

Name: Chocolate Coconut Pudding
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 can (400ml) full-fat coconut milk; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; A pinch of sea salt

Highlighted under: Artisan Dessert Bakes

I absolutely love how easy and satisfying it is to whip up a rich Chocolate Coconut Pudding. This dessert marries the intense flavor of chocolate with silky coconut cream, creating an indulgence that feels both luxurious and comforting. Every time I make this pudding, I'm excited to share it with others, as it never fails to impress. Plus, it's a great way to enjoy a dessert that's both dairy-free and gluten-free, making it accessible for many dietary preferences. Let's dive into how to make this delightful treat!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-29T23:21:27.610Z

When I first experimented with this Chocolate Coconut Pudding, I was amazed by how quickly everything came together. The key is in using full-fat coconut milk, which lends a creamy texture that rivals traditional puddings. I love to let it chill in the fridge for a bit, allowing flavors to deepen, making each spoonful even more delicious.

What I enjoy most about this recipe is its versatility. Depending on my mood, I might add a pinch of sea salt or a splash of vanilla extract. These small adjustments can elevate the flavor profile, ensuring that every time I make it, it's a little different yet always delightful!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy coconut essence
Silky, smooth texture that's simply irresistible
Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion

Perfecting Your Chocolate Coconut Pudding

The key to a luxuriously smooth chocolate coconut pudding lies in the preparation of the pudding base. As you whisk together the coconut milk and cocoa powder, take care to break up any lumps of cocoa to ensure a uniform and glossy finish. If your cocoa is particularly clumpy, sifting it into the mixture can help achieve a silky texture from the start.

It's crucial to cook the pudding mixture gently over medium heat. Stir continuously until you see the mixture begin to bubble slightly, which indicates the cornstarch is activating. This will happen in about 5 minutes, but watch closely to prevent it from scorching. If you notice any sticking, slightly lower the heat and continue stirring to achieve that perfect creamy consistency.

Ingredient Insights and Substitutions

Using full-fat coconut milk creates that rich, creamy base essential for this dessert. If you're looking for a lighter variant, you could substitute with light coconut milk; however, your pudding may not be as thick or indulgent. For those avoiding maple syrup, honey can be used as a substitute, but be mindful of the slightly different flavor profile it brings, which can enhance the overall sweetness.

Another noteworthy aspect is the choice of cocoa powder. For a deeper flavor, opt for Dutch-processed cocoa, which offers a smoother taste compared to natural cocoa. This slight adjustment can elevate the chocolate experience, providing a more sophisticated complexity to your pudding. Moreover, feel free to experiment with flavored extracts like almond or coconut in place of vanilla for a unique twist.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a rich and delightful pudding:

Main Ingredients

1 can (400ml) full-fat coconut milk
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of sea salt

Combine these ingredients for the perfect pudding consistency and flavor!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your Chocolate Coconut Pudding:

Mix the Ingredients

In a saucepan, whisk together the coconut milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth.

Cook the Mixture

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.

Chill the Pudding

Remove from heat and pour the pudding into serving dishes. Let it cool for a few minutes, then cover with plastic wrap (touching the surface to prevent a skin) and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, serve your chocolate coconut pudding with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for an extra touch!

Your delicious Chocolate Coconut Pudding is ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a hint of coffee or espresso powder to the chocolate mixture. It enhances the chocolate taste beautifully!

Serving Suggestions

Once your chocolate coconut pudding is chilled, consider garnishing it with seasonal fruit such as fresh berries or slices of banana for a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavor. Adding a sprinkle of toasted coconut not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a delightful crunch that complements the smooth pudding beautifully.

For an even more indulgent experience, serve the pudding with dairy-free whipped cream on top, or drizzle with a vegan chocolate sauce. If you adore textures, consider layering the pudding with crushed gluten-free cookies for a more decadent dessert that combines soft and crunchy elements.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Chocolate coconut pudding is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it up to two days in advance. Simply store the covered pudding in the refrigerator, where it can continue to thicken as it cools. When you're ready to serve, just give it a quick stir to reintegrate any slight separation that might have occurred during chilling.

If you have leftovers, store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Unfortunately, freezing isn't ideal for this pudding due to the high-fat content of the coconut milk, which might alter its creamy texture upon thawing. For best results, plan to enjoy it fresh!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other sweeteners instead of maple syrup?

Absolutely! You can use agave nectar, honey, or even stevia to sweeten your pudding.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

You can store the pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this pudding dairy-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free because it uses coconut milk instead of traditional dairy.

→ Is there a way to make this pudding thicker?

If you'd like a thicker pudding, simply increase the amount of cornstarch to 1/3 cup and follow the same cooking instructions.