Easy, Low-Cal Creamy Chocolate Pudding
It's not easy to say no to chocolate pudding — and you don't have to! This recipe satisfies your creamy craving without the calorie and sugar overload, and it comes together in just a few minutes. Skip the mix and make this simple homemade version with just five everyday ingredients and a thorough stirring with a whisk.
Prefer vanilla pudding over chocolate? Just omit the cocoa powder and increase the amount of vanilla extract to 1 1/2 teaspoons and you're in business.
Creamy Chocolate Pudding
INGREDIENTS
3 cups fat-free milk, divided
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
PREPARATION
Heat 2 1/2 cups of milk to a simmer in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, sugar, and cocoa powder. Add the remaining 1/2 cup cold milk to the cornstarch mixture and whisk to combine, forming a slurry (make sure you break up any clumps of cocoa). Add slurry to simmering milk, whisking vigorously so the mixture does not scorch or clump. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until pudding is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into 4 dessert cups and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Serves 4
Serving size: 3/4 cup
NUTRITION
Calories: 148
Total fat: 0 g
Saturated fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 4 mg
Sodium: 78 mg
Carbohydrate: 30 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein 7 g