This Maple Syrup–Spiked Chocolate Pudding Is the Perfect Treat for Kids and Parents Alike

Chocolate pudding is one of those timeless, comforting desserts that are surefire winners for anyone, whether they’re two or 92. And, like many others, I’ll admit that I used to reach for the box before realizing just how simple chocolate pudding is to make from scratch. But becoming a parent has also made me realize just how much added sugar and junk is in the packaged products we grew up with.

So I decided it was time to make my own. You know, for the kids.

I wanted to use as few ingredients as possible (no eggs or cream here), to dirty as few dishes as possible (one-pot recipes for the win), and I wanted it to be something I could feel good about feeding my kids (just because it’s dessert doesn’t mean it needs to make them bounce off the walls). Quick was also key, and I managed to get the time it takes to make this chocolate pudding down to just 20 minutes!

In this recipe, I swap refined sugar for maple syrup, which lends just a touch of sweetness without making the pudding cloying. Unsweetened cocoa powder is the chocolate flavor base for the pudding; chocolate chips (or any chocolate pieces you have) stirred in at the end make it a rich, decadent-tasting treat (“Oohhh, it tastes like hot chocolate,” my 4 1/2-year-old declared upon tasting it).

While chocolate may be the predominant flavor, real milk is really the star ingredient in chocolate pudding. Full of calcium, vitamin D, protein, and other vitamins and minerals, milk is what makes chocolate pudding so creamy and delicious. It’s also the ingredient that makes me feel good about feeding this sweet treat to my kids. It helps their bones grow strong and their muscles build. Whether they’re drinking milk straight or enjoying it in recipes like this, I love knowing that my kids are getting their fill of the good stuff.

It’s hard to go wrong with straight chocolate pudding, but if you’re looking to switch things up, try adding 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon or 1 to 2 tablespoons peanut butter to the mix! I even stirred in raspberry jam into one batch along with peanut butter, which my son happily devoured. (He said it tasted like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich...but better.) Serve the pudding warm or refrigerate it for an hour or overnight for a thicker dessert.

Kid- and Adult-Friendly Chocolate Pudding

Yield: Serves 4
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus optional chilling time)

Ingredients:

1 ounce (27g, about 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon) unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (3 oz, 90 mL) maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ounces (84g, about 1/2 cup) semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan whisk together cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until combined. Pour in whole milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract and whisk until thoroughly combined and no lumps remain.
2. Bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Once pudding has thickened to desired consistency (about 2-3 minutes after boiling), remove from heat and add chocolate chips.
3. Stir until chocolate is completely melted and combined. Serve warm, if desired, or cover with a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper pressed against the surface of the pudding, to prevent skin from forming, and refrigerate until ready to serve (it will thicken as it chills). Tastes great with a glass of real milk!