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    Home » Desserts

    Homemade Chocolate Pudding (Vegan)

    The vegan recipe developer and author Connie Edwards McGaughy in her kitchen.
    Modified: Feb 20, 2026 · Published: Apr 14, 2025 by Connie Edwards McGaughy · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe

    Craving a cozy, chocolatey treat? This luscious homemade vegan chocolate pudding recipe is rich, smooth and so creamy, Best of all, you can whip up a batch with just a few basic ingredients (no tofu) in about 15 minutes!

    Bowls filled with homemade vegan chocolate pudding topped with non-daiiry whipped cream.

    There's something just so nice and nostalgic about classic chocolate pudding - like a Jello pudding cup in your lunchbox. This vegan version of homemade chocolate pudding brings all that comfort and flavor but with simple cruelty-free ingredients that contain no artificial flavors or additives. And unlike some plant-based pudding recipes, this one has no tofu or avocado, making it much more like traditional homemade chocolate pudding.

    If you want a delicious dairy-free chocolate pudding that is silky smooth, deeply chocolatey and easy to prepare - this is for you. In fact, if you love chocolate, you might like to check out some of our other irresistible vegan chocolate recipes on the blog, including this easy and luscious Chocolate Dream Pie, my Aunt Velma's decadent Devils's Food Cake, and our classic Old-Fashioned Homemade Fudge.

    Bowls filled with homemade vegan chocolate pudding topped with non-daiiry whipped cream.

    Why you'll love this pudding.

    If you like traditional chocolate pudding, I think you will love this easy homemade vegan version. It has a deep, rich, thick, sweet chocolate flavor, smooth texture, and lovely mouth-feel without dairy-products, artificial coloring, or other unnecessary ingredients. This pudding is a wonderfully satisfying afternoon snack or dessert that kids and adults love (you're never too old to enjoy chocolate pudding!). Plus it takes only about 15 minutes from start to finish to cook up a pot of pudding - how sweet is that?

    Table of Contents
    • Why you'll love this pudding.
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Instructions
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Chocolate Pudding FAQ's
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    Ingredient Notes

    Bowls filled with ingredients for vegan chocolate pudding including cocoa powder, non-dairy milk, vegan butter, granulated sugar, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla.

    See the printable recipe card below for quantities & details

    • Cocoa Powder
    • Sugar - granulated (we use organic granulated sugar)
    • Cornstarch
    • Salt
    • Non-dairy Milk - a creamy milk like cashew, oat, almond, or soy works well.
    • Vegan Butter - your choice
    • Vanilla Extract

    Instructions

    Ingredients for homemade vegan chocolate pudding in a saucepan.
    1. Combine sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, salt, and milk in saucepan

    2. Place saucepan over medium heat, stir frequently to prevent pudding from scorching on bottom of pan. Once bubbling and slightly thick, remove from heat.

    Butter and vanilla stirred into a pot of vegan chocolate pudding.

    3. Immediately add butter and vanilla.

    A saucepan with cooked vegan chocolate pudding.

    4. Stir until thoroughly combined.

    A Souper Cube food storage container filled with vegan vanilla and chocolate puddings.

    5. Allow the pudding to cool down in the pan or transfer into a heatproof container. You can enjoy it while warm or store refrigerated. Pudding will continue to thicken as it chills. (We also made a batch of vanilla pudding and stored it in the same Souper Cube silicone container).

    A bowl filled with homemade vegan chocolate pudding topped with non-daiiry whipped cream.

    6. Once the pudding has cooled down, enjoy it with your favorite vegan whipped topping or all on its own!

    Note: This recipe yields approximately 2 cups of pudding.

    Serving Suggestions

    Bowls filled with homemade vegan chocolate pudding topped with non-daiiry whipped cream.

    This easy recipe for making the best homemade vegan chocolate pudding is perfect for making parfait-style desserts. Imagine layers of chocolate pudding, whipped cream, vanilla wafers or cookie crumbs in a glass cup or bowl. Sounds nice doesn't it?

    Or how about a classic old-fashioned chocolate pie? Simply make a double batch of this yummy chocolate pudding and pour it into a pre-baked shortbread or graham cracker pie crust. Chill until ready to serve, then top with vegan whipped cream and a sprinkle of shaved chocolate.

    Chocolate Pudding FAQ's

    How do I make the pudding thick and creamy?

    The key is gently cooking the mixture while whisking or stirring until it thickens, then letting it cool and set. Cornstarch or arrowroot powder are the most common vegan thickeners for pudding.

    Can I make it without cornstarch?

    Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch are good substitutes. Use slightly less arrowroot (about â…” the amount of cornstarch) for similar results.

    How long does homemade chocolate pudding take to set?

    After cooking, let the pudding cool slightly, then transfer it to the fridge. It usually takes about 2-3 hours to fully set and chill, though it can be eaten warm if you like.

    Can I make it ahead of time?

    Yes! This pudding keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Store it covered in individual cups or inside a container to keep it fresh.

    I do hope you enjoy this recipe! Please let me know by leaving a ★★★★★ rating & comment below. Thanks a bunch!🥕

    Recipe

    Bowls filled with homemade vegan chocolate pudding topped with non-daiiry whipped cream.

    Homemade Chocolate Pudding (Vegan)

    5 from 1 vote
    by Connie Edwards McGaughy
    Craving a cozy, nostalgic treat? This homemade vegan chocolate pudding recipe is rich, creamy, and completely plant-based. Best of all, you can whip up a batch with just a few basic ingredients in about 15 minutes!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American, Plant Based, Vegan
    Servings 4
    Calories 249 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 4 quart saucepan
    • 1 Measuring cup
    • 1 Measuring spoons
    • 1 whisk or silicone spatula

    Ingredients
      

    • ¼ cup cocoa powder
    • â…” cup sugar - granulated we use organic granulated sugar
    • 3 tablespoon cornstarch
    • â…› teaspoon salt about a pinch
    • 2 cups non-dairy milk creamy milks like cashew, oat, almond, or soy works well
    • 1-½ tablespoon vegan butter your choice
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    • Combine sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, salt, and milk in a saucepan.
    • Place saucepan over medium heat, stir frequently to prevent pudding from scorching on the bottom of the pan. Once bubbling and slightly thick, remove from heat.
    • Immediately add butter and vanilla.
    • Stir until thoroughly combined.
    • Allow the pudding to cool down in the pan or transfer into a heatproof container. You can enjoy it while warm or store refrigerated. Pudding will continue to thicken as it chills. 
    • Once the pudding has cooled down, enjoy it with your favorite vegan whipped topping or all on its own!

    Notes

    Serving Suggestions

    This easy recipe for making the best homemade chocolate pudding is perfect for making parfait-style desserts. Imagine layers of chocolate pudding, whipped cream, vanilla wafers or cookie crumbs in a glass cup or bowl. Sounds nice doesn't it?
    Or how about a classic old-fashioned chocolate pie? Simply make a double batch of this yummy chocolate pudding and pour it into a pre-baked shortbread or graham cracker pie crust. Chill until ready to serve, then top with vegan whipped cream and a sprinkle of shaved chocolate.

    Storage

    This pudding keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Store it refrigerated in covered in individual cups or a food-safe container to keep it fresh.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 249kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 5gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.02gSodium: 168mgPotassium: 251mgFiber: 3gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 664IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 173mgIron: 1mg

    These are estimated values generated from a nutritional database using unbranded products. Please do your own research with the products you're using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.

    Tried this recipe?Rate it below & tell us how it was!

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    About Connie Edwards McGaughy

    Connie Edwards McGaughy is a San Diego-based vegan recipe developer, cookbook author, and founder of The Carrot Underground. She began her journey toward plant-based living in 1977 and has spent nearly five decades creating plant-based recipes and inspiring compassionate living.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Connie says

      April 14, 2025 at 9:36 pm

      5 stars
      Being vegan doesn't mean you have to give up the treats you used to love - like chocolate pudding. In fact, you can enjoy the best pudding ever with this easy and irresistibly yummy recipe. Once you try it, chances are, this recipe will be a new go-to whenever you're in the mood for a little something sweet.

      Reply
    The vegan author Connie Edwards McGaughy inside her kitchen.

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