Gluten Free Chocolate Pudding (Dairy Free) Recipe

Gluten Free Chocolate Pudding is a scrumptious dessert that can be made in a matter of minutes. If you are craving a rich dairy-free chocolate pudding that is creamy in texture and suitable for vegans, then this is the dessert for you.

You may be used to making your puddings from a convenient boxed pudding, but once you eat homemade pudding from scratch, your chocolate cravings will only be satisfied from the rich chocolate flavor of homemade pudding!

This recipe only requires simple ingredients which can help you keep your food costs low and still enjoy a healthy, rich chocolatey treat. You may even already have most of these ingredients on hand in your pantry which can save you a trip to the grocery store.

For a traditional recipe with eggs, cocoa powder and whole milk, you also might like this homemade chocolate pudding made from scratch recipe

Gluten free chocolate pudding in a clear glass dessert dish ready to eat.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This easy recipe for gluten-free chocolate pudding does not require many ingredients, which saves you time and money. You may already have most of these ingredients in your pantry or can purchase them at a reasonable price from a local grocery store.

Healthier than store purchased pudding mix – no preservatives or artificial colors. Cacao provides more natural nutrients than cocoa powder.

Vegan – made without dairy or eggs. This chocolate pudding is a satisfying and delicious dish that everyone in your family will enjoy.

Great for parties – If you are hosting a party or get-together, this allergy-friendly dessert would make the ideal addition to any menu. Serve in mini trifle dessert cups with layers of whipped cream between the chocolate pudding.

Customizable – You can easily add flavored extracts like almond extract or coconut extract to create new flavors.

Ingredients to make gluten free chocolate pudding.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Heavy-bottom saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Small jars or bowl

INGREDIENTS

  • dark brown sugar – add a depth of flavor to the pudding with warm overtones.
  • unsweetened cacao powder – is the healthiest option. However unsweetened cocoa powder can be used without modifying the rest of the recipe.
  • cornstarch – used as a thickener. A different gluten free thickener like arrowroot can be used as well.
  • non-dairy milk – I use unsweetened oat milk or almond milk
  • dark chocolate, chopped or chocolate chips
  • pure vanilla extract
  • sea salt 
Top view of chocolate pudding topped with whipped cream.

HOW TO MAKE THIS GLUTEN FREE CHOCOLATE PUDDING

STEP 1: COOK THE PUDDING

In a medium size pot, combine the brown sugar, cacao powder, cornstarch, and salt.

STEP 2: SIMMER THE PUDDING

While whisking, pour in the oat milk. Turn the heat to medium low and bring to a slow simmer. 

Adding oat milk to chocolate pudding mix.

STEP 3: WHISK TO PREVENT BURNING

Continue to whisk frequently until the mixture is thickened enough to pull away from the sides of the pot, this will take between 10-15 minutes. 

STEP 4: ADD IN THE CHOCOLATE

Once thickened, add in the chopped chocolate and mix into the melted chocolate mixture until the chocolate is smooth. 

Chocolate added to pudding adding extra chocolate flavor.

STEP 5: ADD IN THE VANILLA EXTRACT AND CHILL

Stir in the vanilla extract and transfer to small jars or serving dishes to enjoy warm. To serve cold, place the creamy chocolate pudding in heatproof bowl.

Press a lightly greased piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap against the surface of the pudding and put in the refrigerator to cool for at least 2 hours. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Whisk again before placing in individual serving bowls.

Cooked chocolate pudding in clear dessert dishes before adding whipped cream.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH HOMEMADE PUDDING

With this delicious dish, there are many options of what you can serve. Serve it by itself for a quick snack or treat. Add a dairy free whipped cream, top with a sprinkle of brown sugar, shaved chocolate, cacao nibs or mini chocolate chips.

You can also pair this gluten-free chocolate pudding with fresh berries, sliced bananas or toasted coconut flakes.

SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS

  • Brown sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar or organic cane sugar this will change the flavor of the pudding slightly, but it still is delicious.
  • If you want to try a different flavor of vegan chocolate pudding, consider adding in some natural fruit such as raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries.
  • Not a fan of dark chocolate? Use your favorite semi-sweet or milk chocolate.
  • If you want to try different plant-based milk, you can swap it out for almond, coconut or cashew milk would work well too.
  • For a mocha flavor, mix in espresso powder or instant coffee (1 Tablespoon) with the dry ingredients.
Multiple dessert dishes of chocolate pudding topped with whipped cream.

HOW TO STORE THIS EASY CHOCOLATE PUDDING

This vegan chocolate pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

You can also freeze this delicious dish to enjoy later. Just be sure to put it in an airtight container or freezer-friendly ziplock bag and store it for up to three months.

FAQS 

Can I use cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cacao powder? If so, how much should I use?

Yes. You can use unsweetened cocoa powder for cacao powder. The two ingredients are interchangeable.

Can I make this vegan chocolate pudding ahead of time?

Yes, this pudding stores great in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I freeze pudding?

Yes, I recommend placing small containers of chocolate pudding in the freezer and thawing on the counter when ready to eat.

Can I make this pudding without sugar?

Yes. You can use a sugar alternative to sweeten pudding. I recommend allulose, which will not leave the pudding grainy.

OTHER DELICIOUS DESSERT RECIPES YOU MAY ENJOY

This homemade gluten-free chocolate pudding recipe is easy to make and budget-friendly. This is the perfect dessert to throw together for your next party or get-together! Let me know if you added any additional flavors to make this pudding uniquely yours!

Pudding in clear dessert dishes ready to enjoy.
Chocolate pudding made from scratch in a clear dessert dish topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of brown sugar.

Gluten Free Chocolate Pudding (Dairy Free) Recipe

Creamy and silky chocolate pudding made without dairy or gluten. Easy dessert or snack. Add your favorite topping for an extra special treat.
5 from 5 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chocolate Pudding, Gluten Free Chocolate Pudding, gluten free pudding recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Additional Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 279kcal
Author: Sandra Shaffer

Ingredients

  • cup packed dark brown sugar
  • cup unsweetened cacao powder
  • 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 ¼ cups unsweetened oat milk
  • 3 ounces dark chocolate chopped
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch sea salt

Instructions

  • In a medium size saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cacao powder, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk ingredients together.
  • While whisking, pour in the oat milk.
  • Turn the heat to medium low and bring to a slow simmer.
  • Continue to whisk frequently until the mixture is thickened enough to pull away from the sides of the pot, this will take between 10-15 minutes.
  • Once thickened, add in the chopped chocolate and mix until melted and the pudding is smooth.
  • Stir in the vanilla extract and transfer to small jars or one serving bowl.
  • Serve with whipped cream, coconut cream (dairy free), a sprinkle of brown sugar, cacao nibs, shaved chocolate, mini chocolate chips, or fresh fruit.

Notes

This pudding can be served warm or cold. The pudding with thicken when refrigerated. To serve cold place plastic wrap directly on the pudding and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. Before serving, remove plastic wrap and whisk pudding again. Add a topping if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 279kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 48mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 36g

Disclaimer

Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.

PIN TO YOUR RECIPE BOARDS

Creamy and decadent homemade chocolate pudding. This delicious homemade recipe is gluten free and dairy free. Enjoy for a decadent dessert or snack. #Pudding #Chocolate #GlutenFree #DairyFree #Dessert #HealthyDessert
Sandra The Foodie Affair Post Signature

Similar Posts

5 from 5 votes (5 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




2 Comments

  1. Bet this would be great with maple syrup. I have a pretty bad inflammatory reaction to refined sugar… I’m looking forward to making this one day with a little added cardamom for that something extra . Topped with crushed pistachios, raspberry and a mint sprig