Best Chocolate Pudding Americas Test Kitchens Recipes

Steps:

• Mix vanilla and espresso powder in a very small bowl.
• In a large saucepan, whisk sugar, cocoa, cornstarch and salt until combined.
• Whisk in heavy cream, egg yolks and whole milk over medium to medium-high heat. Bring to a strong SIMMER (should take five minutes) and let simmer for 30 seconds.
• Add in butter, one tablespoon at a time, and finely chopped chocolate.
• Stir in vanilla/espresso and incorporate.
• Strain through a mesh strainer, into individual ramekins or bowls, or into a large bowl.
• Cover surface with wax paper or parchment sprayed with Pam to prevent a skin from forming on the top of the pudding.
• Chill for at least four hours.
• Whisk pudding before serving.

Steps:

• Whisk the milk, granulated sugar, cocoa and cornstarch constantly in a nonreactive medium saucepan over medium-high heat until the cocoa has fully dissolved and the mixture starts to simmer, about 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium, and continue to cook, whisking, until the mixture thickens to the consistency of a light gravy, 6 to 7 minutes more. Stir in the chopped chocolate, vanilla and a pinch of salt and continue to cook, whisking, until the chocolate has melted and the pudding is thick and creamy, about 2 minutes more. Remove the pudding from the heat, add the butter and stir until the butter has melted.
• Divide the pudding evenly into six 6- to 8-ounce ramekins or glasses. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight until cold and fully set.
• Before serving, pour the cream and confectioners' sugar into a chilled medium bowl. Whip the cream with a whisk or an electric mixer until soft peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes. Top each pudding with a dollop of whipped cream and chopped-chocolate garnish if using.

Steps:

• In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa, cornstarch and salt. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat; boil and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in butter and vanilla. Spoon into individual serving dishes. Chill until serving. If desired, garnish with whipped cream and M&M's.