• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Grain Free Table logo
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Let’s Connect
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • Let's Connect
  • Work With Me
  • About
×

Home » Recipes » Desserts

Easy Gluten-free Chocolate Pudding

Published: Apr 20, 2020 · Modified: Aug 26, 2022 by Sara Vaughn · Leave a Comment

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Print
Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Click for complete disclosures. 

This gluten-free chocolate pudding has a rich and creamy texture that only a homemade pudding has, and it's so simple to make.

Don't overpay for expensive store-bought gluten-free pudding packs. This gluten-free chocolate pudding recipe is what homemade chocolate pudding dreams are made of. It is simple to make with only a handful of ingredients and has a luscious, rich, and creamy texture that will make you fall in love with pudding all over again.

A jar of gluten-free chocolate pudding, topped with whipped cream and shaved chocolate on a small wooden board.
Jump to:
  • Ingredients.
  • Ingredient substitutions.
  • How to make gluten-free chocolate pudding.
  • Tips and tricks.
  • Storing and make ahead.
  • Freezing pudding.
  • More gluten-free desserts.
  • 📖 Recipe

Ingredients.

Don't think you need any fancy ingredients to make this gluten-free chocolate pudding; it comes together with just a few simple kitchen staples.

  • Cocoa Powder
  • Sugar
  • Arrowroot Starch
  • Milk of Choice
  • Butter
  • Vanilla 
  • Salt
Overhead view of the ingredients to make gluten-free chocolate pudding.

REMEMBER TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER FOR FREE AND RECEIVE WEEKLY RECIPE NOTIFICATIONS AND SUBSCRIBER ONLY BONUSES.

YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW GRAIN FREE TABLE ON PINTEREST TO MAKE IT EASY TO SAVE YOUR FAVORITE RECIPES!

Ingredient substitutions.

This recipe is gluten and grain-free and doesn't use any crazy unknown ingredients. As written, this gluten-free chocolate pudding recipe does call for milk, but it can be made entirely dairy-free with a few simple swaps.

  • Sugar-free pudding - To make this homemade chocolate pudding into a sugar-free pudding, you can swap the sugar in the recipe for equivalent amounts of your favorite sugar-free sweetener.
  • Corn-free pudding - This is already a chocolate pudding without cornstarch since it uses arrowroot starch as a thickener. However, if you don't need a pudding without cornstarch, you can use it in equal parts to the arrowroot starch in this recipe.
  • Dairy-free pudding - Switch the milk for your favorite dairy-free alternative. I've used coconut milk as well as almond milk in this recipe with success. I am sure your favorite will work just as well. Sub the little amount of butter in this gluten-free pudding recipe for ghee or a dairy-free alternative.
  • Nut-free pudding - As written, this gluten-free chocolate pudding is nut-free. If you can't have dairy or nuts, sub in your favorite milk of choice that doesn't involve nuts. A friend of mine makes this recipe with pea milk for her daughter, who can't have dairy or nuts.
  • Egg-free pudding - You are in luck, this gluten-free puddpe is totally egg-free already!

How to make gluten-free chocolate pudding.

Most people know how to make a pudding using a mix following the instructions on the back of the box. I promise this gluten-free chocolate pudding recipe is just as simple to make.

  1. Whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, starch, and salt into a small saucepan.
  2. Over medium heat, slowly whisk in the milk of choice.
  3. Stirring occasionally, let the mixture thicken.
  4. Once the chocolate pudding has thickened, stir in the butter and vanilla.
  5. Transfer the warm pudding into smaller containers.
  6. Cover the top of the pudding with plastic wrap and chill until fully set.
Overhead view of the steps to make chocolate pudding.

Tips and tricks.

  • Always double-check your ingredients to make sure they are gluten-free.
  • Don't overmix your pudding. - If you mix your chocolate pudding too much, it can become watery. However, if you don't mix it enough, the ingredients won't come together the way they should. Mix this homemade chocolate pudding just enough to make sure there are no lumps of dry ingredients, and then let it thicken.
  • Cover the pudding. - Covering the top of this gluten-free chocolate pudding is important to keep it from creating a layer of film on the top. I find that using simple plastic wrap and making sure the plastic comes in contact with the top of the pudding is the easiest way to do this.
  • Keep your pudding cold. - Once you've made your chocolate pudding, be sure to store it covered in the fridge until you are ready to eat it. Pudding can become watery if it becomes warm.

Storing and make ahead.

This gluten-free chocolate pudding usually lasts about five days in the fridge if it's sealed properly, which is perfect for having it on hand.

Freezing pudding.

While freezing, this gluten-free pudding makes it no longer really a pudding; it is actually possible to freeze it. My kids love it when I pour the pudding into a popsicle mold and turn it into some chocolate pudding pops.

More gluten-free desserts.

If you love gluten-free chocolate desserts as much as I do, then you'll love my gluten-free fudgesicles recipe and my gluten-free brownies, or try my gluten-free chocolate chip cookies; they are next-level delicious. Want more dessert goodies? Check out the recipes below.

Looking into a jar of half eaten gluten-free chocolate pudding.

📖 Recipe

Close up of a small jar if homemade chocolate pudding with a spoon showing it's been eaten on.

Easy Gluten-free Chocolate Pudding

Sara Vaughn
This gluten-free chocolate pudding has a rich and creamy texture that only a homemade pudding has, and it's so simple to make.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Cool Time 30 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 97 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ⅓ Cup Cocoa Powder
  • ½ Cup Sugar Coconut Sugar or Sweetner of Choice
  • ¼ Cup Arrowroot Starch
  • 2 ½ Cups Milk of Choice
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter Ghee, or Dairy-free Alternative
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
  • ¼ Teaspoon Salt

Instructions
 

  • Combine the dry ingredients into a saucepan and whisk them together.
    ⅓ Cup Cocoa Powder, ½ Cup Sugar, ¼ Cup Arrowroot Starch, ¼ Teaspoon Salt
  • With the pan over medium, whisk and slowly add the milk to the dry ingredients until no dry ingredients remain.
    2 ½ Cups Milk of Choice
  • Once the pudding has thickened, remove the pan from the heat.
  • Stir in the butter (or dairy-free sub) and the vanilla until combined.
    2 Tablespoons Butter, 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
  • Transfer the pudding to a container. Carefully place a piece of plastic wrap on the pudding, making sure it has contact on the surface of the pudding to help prevent a film from forming as it cools.
  • Place the pudding into the fridge for about an hour to finish cooling.
  • Store in the refrigerator in a sealed container for about a week.

Notes

Tips and tricks.
  • Always double-check your ingredients to make sure they are gluten-free.
  • Don't overmix your pudding. - If you mix your chocolate pudding too much, it can become watery. However, if you don't mix it enough, the ingredients won't come together the way they should. Mix this homemade chocolate pudding just enough to make sure there are no lumps of dry ingredients, and then let it thicken.
  • Cover the pudding. - Covering the top of this gluten-free chocolate pudding is important to keep it from creating a layer of film on the top. I find that using simple plastic wrap and making sure the plastic comes in contact with the top of the pudding is the easiest way to do this.
  • Keep your pudding cold. - Once you've made your chocolate pudding, be sure to store it covered in the fridge until you are
Ingredient substitutions.
  • Sugar-free pudding - To make this homemade chocolate pudding into a sugar-free pudding, you can swap the sugar in the recipe for equivalent amounts of your favorite sugar-free sweetener.
  • Corn-free pudding - This is already a chocolate pudding without cornstarch since it uses arrowroot starch as a thickener. However, if you don't need a pudding without cornstarch, you can use it in equal parts to the arrowroot starch in this recipe.
  • Dairy-free pudding - Switch the milk for your favorite dairy-free alternative. I've used both coconut milk as well as almond milk in this with success. I am sure your favorite will work just as well. Sub the little amount of butter in this gluten-free pudding recipe for ghee or a dairy-free alternative.
  • Nut-free pudding - As written, this gluten-free chocolate pudding is nut-free. If you can't have dairy or nuts, sub in your favorite milk of choice that doesn't involve nuts. A friend of mine makes this recipe with pea milk for her daughter, who can't have dairy or nuts.
  • Egg-free pudding - You're in luck this gluten-free pudding recipe is totally egg-free already!
Keyword chocolate pudding without corn starch, gluten free chocolate pudding, gluten free pudding, homemade pudding

If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag a photo #grainfreetable or @grainfreetable on Instagram. I'd love to see what you come up with!

Check these out next!

  • Gluten-free Vanilla Cake
  • Easy Gluten-free Shortbread Cookies
  • Gluten-free Pumpkin Pie
  • Chewy Gluten-free Peanut Butter Cookies

Reader Interactions

Leave a comment. Cancel reply

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

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Grain Free Table Author Sara in her kitchen

Welcome to Grain Free Table! I’m Sara- a busy wife, mom of two girls, and lover of food. Here you’ll find lots of easy and delicious gluten & allergy-friendly recipes, info about my favorite food & products, as well as little snippets of my health journey as I navigate my gluten-free way of life!

More about me →

WANT TO STAY CONNECTED?

SIGN UP FOR EMAILS AND UPDATES!

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

WHAT'S NEW ON INSTAGRAM

If you want an easy but fancy-ish dinner for this If you want an easy but fancy-ish dinner for this weekend, you must make my gluten-free chicken parm!

You get all the juicy chicken coated in a gluten-free breading, all topped with marinara and gooey cheese. It's the ultimate gluten-free chicken dinner.

Just be warned, you should make extras for those wanting seconds. 🙃

Find the full recipe at https://grainfreetable.com/crispy-gluten-free-chicken-parmesan/ or click the site link in my bio. 

#glutenfreerecipes #glutenfreefood #glutenfreedinner #glutenfreechicken #glutenfreechickenparm #chickenparmesan #chickenparm
With all the delicious soups going around this tim With all the delicious soups going around this time of year, I should remind you that it all goes well with some homemade gluten-free garlic bread. 🙃

Find out all my tips and tricks for the best garlic bread at https://grainfreetable.com/gluten-free-garlic-bread/ or use the site link in my bio.

#glutenfreebread #glutenfreegarlicbread #garlicbread #garlicbreadrecipe #glutenfreerecipe #glutenfreebreadrecipe #glutenfreefood
It's a SNOW day around here, and my kids are so ha It's a SNOW day around here, and my kids are so happy since it's the first snow day they've had all school year, haha. We've had snow, but this is the first time it's lasted long enough for my husband to need to shovel and the kids to get off school and go out and build a snowman.

All the cold has me inside, making more of this gluten-free vegetable soup with chorizo. It's the perfect way to warm up on a cold day.

Find the full recipe at https://grainfreetable.com/kale-and-chorizo-soup/, along with more of our favorite gluten-free soup recipes.

#glutenfree #glutenfreefood #glutenfreesoup #glutenfreesoups #glutenfreerecipe #kalesoup #souprecipe #vegetablesoup
Need to add a little red luck this weekend for the Need to add a little red luck this weekend for the Chinese New Year?

Don't worry there is still time to make my gluten-free Chinese BBQ pork, Char Siu.

With a bit of patience to let the pork marinate long enough, you'll be amazed at how much this gluten-free version tastes, just like your favorite Chinese restaurant.

Find the full recipe at https://grainfreetable.com/gluten-free-chinese-bbq-pork-char-siu/ or use the link in my bio to snag the recipe on the site. 

#glutenfreerecipes #glutenfreechinese #glutenfreepork #glutenfreefood #glutenfreerecipe #chinesenewyear
I don't know who needs to hear this, but this glut I don't know who needs to hear this, but this gluten-free pulled pork makes the perfect weeknight dinner.

Let it go low and slow; dinner will be ready when you need it to be. 

Trust me when I say no matter how you serve it on some gluten-free buns with a bit of coleslaw, or you make pulled pork stuffed potatoes, it's always a hit!

Find the full recipe at https://grainfreetable.com/gluten-free-dutch-oven-bbq-pulled-pork/ or use the link in my bio to head to the site.
This gluten-free beef stew is the perfect bowl of This gluten-free beef stew is the perfect bowl of comfort food to warm up with on these cold winter nights.

Find the full recipe at https://grainfreetable.com/slow-cooked-gluten-free-beef-stew/ or use the link in my bio.

#glutenfreesoup #glutenfreerecipes #glutenfreefood #glutenfreedairyfree #beefstew #dairyfreerecipes
It's the weekend, and this gluten-free vanilla cak It's the weekend, and this gluten-free vanilla cake will make it a celebration no matter what you've got going on!

It's light and fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness to make it extra special!

Find the full recipe along with my easy gluten-free frosting and get baking at 
https://grainfreetable.com/gluten-free-vanilla-cake/ or use the link in my bio to find it on the site.
Just like my gluten-free brioche recipe I shared w Just like my gluten-free brioche recipe I shared with you last week, this gluten-free French bread is NOT to be missed. Trust me when I say, you can’t mess this recipe up and you’ll be wanting it to dip into all the gluten-free soups this winter!

Find the full recipe at https://grainfreetable.com/easy-gluten-free-french-bread/ or use the link in bio and head to the site.

Whose ready for some garlic bread? 😁

#glutenfreerecipes #glutenfreefood #glutenfreebread #glutenfreefrenchbread #frenchbread #homemadebreads #glutenfreebaking
This gluten-free broccoli cheddar soup is even bet This gluten-free broccoli cheddar soup is even better than Panera's. It's ready in under 30 minutes making it the perfect easy weeknight dinner.

Find the full recipe at https://grainfreetable.com/better-than-panera-broccoli-and-cheese-soup/ or use the link in my bio.

#glutenfreesoup #glutenfreesouprecipe #souprecipe #broccolicheese #broccolicheddarsoup

Popular Recipes

gluten free swedish meatball being picked up with a black fork ready to be enjoyed.

Incredibly Easy Gluten-free Swedish Meatballs

Homemade gluten-free sweet and tangy bbq beef jerky sitting in a jar and spilled over the side.

Sweet and Tangy BBQ Beef Jerky

Louisiana style red beans and cauliflower rice in a white pan with a wooden handle sitting over a white table linen on a marble counter.

Louisiana Red Beans and Cauliflower Rice

  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • My Favorites
  • Let's Connect
  • About

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Portfolio
  • Client Inquiry Form

Disclaimers

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Nutrition Disclaimer
  • Photo/ Recipe Policy
  • Comment Policies

Contact

  • Contact
  • Subscribe

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2023 Grain Free Table