Indulge in Decadence: The Pioneer Woman’s Irresistible Chocolate Pudding Recipe

Ree Drummond, the celebrated Pioneer Woman and beloved Food Network personality, has gifted home cooks with countless approachable and delicious recipes. Among these culinary gems is her classic Chocolate Pudding from The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime. This isn’t just any pudding; it’s a rich, velvety, and intensely chocolatey dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings any night of the week. If you’re a chocolate aficionado seeking a comforting and straightforward dessert, look no further than this Pioneer Woman Chocolate Pudding recipe.

Pioneer Woman Chocolate Pudding

This recipe, featured in her cookbook The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime, perfectly embodies Ree’s signature style: simple, hearty, and utterly satisfying. It transforms basic pantry staples into a luscious chocolate pudding that will impress your family and friends without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert after a weeknight meal or a comforting treat to brighten a chilly day, this Pioneer Woman chocolate pudding is guaranteed to become a new household favorite. You can find this recipe and many more in her fantastic cookbook, a must-have for anyone who loves easy, family-friendly meals.

Pioneer Woman Chocolate Pudding Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

This recipe yields 6 to 8 servings of pure chocolate bliss. Get ready to experience homemade chocolate pudding at its finest!

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups granulated sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness to balance the bittersweet chocolate.
• ¼ cup cornstarch: The key to achieving that thick, creamy pudding texture.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 3 cups whole milk: Creates a rich and creamy base for the pudding.
• 4 large egg yolks: Adds richness, color, and helps thicken the pudding.
• 2 vanilla beans (or 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract): Infuses a delicate vanilla aroma that complements the chocolate. Vanilla extract is a convenient alternative if vanilla beans aren’t available.
• 2 tablespoons salted butter: Contributes to the pudding’s velvety texture and rich flavor.
• 6½ ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped: The star of the show, delivering intense chocolate flavor. Use good quality bittersweet chocolate for the best results.
• Unsweetened whipped cream, for serving (optional): Adds a light and airy contrast to the rich pudding.

Instructions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, gently whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisking gently prevents the cornstarch from creating a powdery cloud.
2. Whisk in Wet Ingredients: Pour in the whole milk and egg yolks. Whisk until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth.
3. Infuse with Vanilla Bean (or Extract): If using vanilla beans, split them lengthwise with a small knife. Scrape out the seeds using the back of the knife. Add both the seeds and the scraped pods to the saucepan. The pods add an extra layer of vanilla flavor as they steep in the milk mixture. If using vanilla extract, simply set it aside to add later.
4. Cook and Thicken: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently and continuously as the mixture heats up. Initially, it may seem like nothing is happening for the first few minutes. However, be patient and keep stirring. After about 3 to 4 minutes, the mixture will begin to bubble.
5. Bubble and Thicken Further: Once bubbling, allow it to bubble gently for approximately 1 minute. This crucial step ensures the cornstarch is activated, properly thickening the pudding to the perfect consistency.
6. Remove from Heat and Stir in Butter and Vanilla Extract (if using): Take the pan off the heat. If you used vanilla bean pods, remove and discard them at this stage. Stir in the salted butter until it is completely melted and incorporated into the pudding. If using vanilla extract, stir it in now.
7. Melt in Chocolate: Add the finely chopped bittersweet chocolate to the warm pudding. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted, and the pudding becomes smooth, glossy, and utterly irresistible. At this point, you might be tempted to eat it straight from the pan!
8. Chill and Serve: Transfer the warm chocolate pudding to individual serving jars or glasses. You can serve it immediately while warm for a comforting dessert, or chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow it to set and become even more decadent.
9. Serve with Whipped Cream (Optional): Before serving, top each portion with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream for a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. Enjoy your homemade Pioneer Woman chocolate pudding!

This Pioneer Woman chocolate pudding recipe is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients and straightforward techniques can create truly exceptional desserts. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Be sure to check out The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime for more delicious and easy recipes from Ree Drummond!