Chocolate Pudding: Complete and Irresistible Recipe
O chocolate pudding It is one of the most loved desserts around the world. With a creamy texture and an intense chocolate flavor, it conquers palates and brings back affectionate memories of special moments.
In this article, we will share a detailed recipe and essential tips for preparing the perfect chocolate pudding.
Required Ingredients
To begin with, it is essential to gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure uninterrupted preparation. Here are the ingredients you will need:
- 1 can of condensed milk
- 2 cans of milk (use the can of condensed milk as a measure)
- 1 cup of chocolate powder
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of water
Caramel Preparation
Step 1: Melting the Sugar
The first step in preparing chocolate pudding is to make the caramel. In a medium saucepan, add the sugar and heat over low heat.
Stir constantly until the sugar melts completely and reaches a golden color. Be careful not to burn it, as the caramel can become bitter.
Step 2: Adding the Water
With the sugar melted, add the water carefully, as the mixture may splash.
Continue stirring until the caramel is smooth. Pour the caramel into a pudding mold, covering the bottom and sides well. Reserve.
Pudding Preparation
Step 1: Mixing the Ingredients
In the blender, place the condensed milk, milk, chocolate powder and eggs. Beat well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture without lumps.
This step is crucial to ensure the pudding has a smooth, creamy texture.
Step 2: Pouring into the Mold
Pour the pudding mixture into the caramelized mold. Cover the pan with aluminum foil, sealing the edges well to prevent water from entering during cooking.
Cooking in a bain-marie
Step 1: Preparing the Water Bath
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pudding mold inside a larger baking dish and fill the baking dish with hot water to half the height of the pudding mold. This ensures that the pudding cooks evenly.
Step 2: Cooking Time
Place in the oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. To check if the pudding is ready, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the pudding is ready. If not, let it bake for a few more minutes and test again.
Finishing and Cooling
Step 1: Cooling the Pudding
After baking, remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This cooling time is essential for the pudding to reach the ideal consistency.
Step 2: Unmolding the Pudding
To unmold, run a knife around the edges of the mold to loosen the pudding. Place a plate over the pan and carefully turn it once. The caramel will flow over the pudding, creating an irresistible topping.
Extra Tips for a Perfect Pudding
Chocolate Choice
The secret to an unforgettable pudding lies in the quality of the chocolate. Choose semi-sweet chocolate from a good source, with at least 50% of cocoa, to obtain a deeper and more balanced flavor, without excessive sweetness. If you prefer, you can also mix different types of chocolate (semi-sweet and milk), creating a unique combination that suits your taste. For those looking for a gourmet touch, using dark chocolate with notes of dried fruits or caramel can further elevate the experience.
Creamy Texture
The perfect texture is what separates a regular pudding from a great pudding. To achieve this result, blend the ingredients for about 3 to 5 minutes in a blender, ensuring a completely homogeneous mixture free of lumps. Avoid blending excessively to avoid incorporating too much air, which can create unwanted bubbles. After blending, let the mixture rest for a few minutes before pouring it into the mold, allowing any bubbles to rise to the surface.
Caramel at the Right Point
Caramel is the base of a good pudding, and getting it just right makes all the difference. Use medium heat to slowly melt the sugar, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a uniform golden color. Avoid letting the caramel get too dark, as it can become bitter. Once it reaches the desired color, quickly spread it around the mold before it hardens. For a special touch, add a pinch of fleur de sel to the caramel, creating a subtle contrast of flavors.
Perfect Cooking
Make sure to bake the pudding in a bain-marie, which ensures even cooking and maintains its creaminess. Cover the pan with aluminum foil to prevent a crust from forming on the surface. The average baking time varies between 1 hour and 1 hour and 20 minutes at 180°C, but you can check the doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out slightly moist, with no liquid residue.
Unmold successfully
After baking, it is essential to let the pudding cool completely before unmolding it. Ideally, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or, preferably, overnight. To make the process easier, lightly heat the bottom of the pan over a stovetop flame or dip the base in hot water for a few seconds. Gently run a knife around the edges and carefully turn the pudding out onto a serving plate.
With these tips, your chocolate pudding will be even more irresistible, ready to delight and impress your guests on any occasion!
Pudding Variants
For those looking to innovate and surprise, chocolate pudding can be the perfect base for irresistible creations. Try adding orange zest for a citrus touch that balances the intensity of the chocolate, enhancing the flavor with a light refreshing touch. Another elegant option is to include a touch of almond liqueur, which brings a sophisticated aroma and extra depth to the flavor.
If you prefer something a little more daring, add a dash of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a warm, enveloping contrast that will awaken the senses. For those who love crunch, bits of caramelized hazelnuts or almonds can add an interesting texture, while a berry sauce adds a pleasant acidity that’s perfect for balancing out the sweetness.
With these variations, you can transform a classic dessert into something new every time you prepare it, surprising your guests and making each meal a unique experience. Be creative, try different combinations and discover new flavors that win over the palate and the heart.
Now is the time to put what you have learned into practice, allow yourself to savor every bite and share this sweet moment with those you love. After all, cooking has the power to create memories and unite hearts around the table, awakening smiles and emotions with every bite. When you serve this chocolate pudding, you will be offering more than just a dessert – you will be providing an experience full of affection and pleasure, where the flavor becomes a comforting hug. Allow yourself to live this experience, be inspired by the magic of encounters and transform each meal into a special moment that will be etched in the memory of those around you. It is the power of chocolate, simplicity and affection in its sweetest form.