Chocolate Chip Pudding with Sea Salt Recipe

If you’re searching for a dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that delivers both cozy comfort and a touch of sophistication, Chocolate Chip Pudding with Sea Salt is everything you crave—plus a little extra. Each spoonful lands you in pudding paradise: ultra-creamy chocolate meets melty chocolate chips, all laced with a final sprinkle of sea salt and a caramel crunch, taking this no-bake classic well beyond the ordinary. With easy, everyday ingredients and a foolproof process, this treat is destined to become your new favorite indulgence on busy weeknights or for impressing a crowd.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let me tell you, the magic of Chocolate Chip Pudding with Sea Salt lies in its simple ingredients—each one plays a starring role in creating an irresistibly silky, chocolatey, and slightly salty spoonful. No fancy gadgets or tricky steps here; just the essentials, combined for maximum flavor and pleasure.

• Milk of choice: Use dairy, almond, oat, or any unsweetened milk you love for a perfectly creamy base with a flavor uniquely your own.
• Cornstarch: This is your secret weapon for that luscious, silky pudding texture—no eggs needed!
• Cocoa powder: Go for unsweetened—this is what gives your pudding a deep, satisfying chocolate flavor.
• Sugar or unrefined sweetener: Just enough sweetness to balance the bitter cocoa, so you can tailor the recipe to your taste.
• Salt: A touch in the pudding itself amplifies all the chocolate notes and readies your palate for the sea salt finish.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: These melt into the warm base for pools of silky chocolate—pure decadence in every bite.
• Vanilla extract: A dash rounds out the chocolate for maximum flavor complexity.
• Flaky sea salt: The finale! Sprinkling this on before serving transforms each bite with pops of salty surprise.
• Optional: Caramel shards and mint leaves: For a crunch and freshness that take your Chocolate Chip Pudding with Sea Salt totally over the top.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Pudding with Sea Salt

Step 1: Whisk Together Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, pour in your favorite milk, then add the cornstarch, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk everything together until smooth and lump-free—this helps you achieve that gorgeous, creamy consistency right from the start.

Step 2: Cook Until Thick and Dreamy

Set the saucepan on medium heat and stir constantly, scraping the bottom and corners, so nothing sticks. In a few minutes, you’ll see the magic happen as the pudding thickens and starts bubbling gently—this is your sign to move to the next step!

Step 3: Melt in Chocolate Chips and Vanilla

Remove the pan from heat and immediately add your semisweet chocolate chips and a teaspoon of vanilla. Stir, stir, stir until all the chips melt completely and your pudding is gorgeously smooth and glossy. The aroma at this stage is out of this world!

Step 4: Pour and Chill

Quickly pour the hot pudding into little cups, bowls, or ramekins. Let them cool slightly on the counter so they’re not steamy-hot, then pop them into the fridge for at least two hours. Trust me, the wait is worth it—chilling turns the mixture into pure, spoonable silk.

Step 5: Finish with Sea Salt and Garnish

Just before serving, hit each pudding cup with a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt. For extra flair, add caramel shards and a fresh mint leaf—it’s like a sundae, a pudding, and a truffle all in one irresistible treat. Now, dive in!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Pudding with Sea Salt

Garnishes

This rich chocolate pudding absolutely shines with a simple scatter of flaky sea salt on top. If you want a showstopper, break up some caramel shards for an irresistible crunch and finish each cup with a perky sprig of mint—it’s amazing how these little touches turn something comforting into a dinner party-worthy dessert.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Chip Pudding with Sea Salt is a star on its own, but if you love variety, pair it with buttery shortbread cookies, fresh berries, or even a scoop of lightly whipped cream. Each brings a new dimension and turns this pudding into an unforgettable finale.

Creative Ways to Present

For something fun and unexpected, layer the pudding with crushed cookies or nuts in parfait glasses, pipe it into mini tart shells, or spoon it into tiny jars for a picnic-ready dessert. The salt and caramel add a gourmet touch no matter how you serve it, proving Chocolate Chip Pudding with Sea Salt is both laid-back and elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pudding stores perfectly! Just cover each cup tightly with plastic wrap (press it right against the surface to prevent a skin), then refrigerate. The Chocolate Chip Pudding with Sea Salt will keep its dreamy texture and flavor for up to four days—just grab a spoon and go whenever your chocolate craving hits.

Freezing

Want to prep way ahead? Pour the pudding into freezer-safe containers, cool completely, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. The texture will be just slightly thicker, but the flavor is every bit as delicious. Frozen pudding also makes a fun, icy treat almost like a frozen custard!

Reheating

If you love pudding warm (and who could blame you?), gently reheat servings in the microwave in short bursts, stirring every few seconds. If it thickens up too much, a splash of milk brings it right back to its creamy state. Just don’t forget the crucial finishing sprinkle of sea salt before digging in again!

FAQs

Can I make Chocolate Chip Pudding with Sea Salt vegan?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut, and make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. The pudding comes out just as creamy and chocolatey—if not even better!

Why add sea salt on top?

The sea salt on top does magic: it brings out the deep chocolate flavors, balances the sweetness, and adds bursts of texture in every bite. For true Chocolate Chip Pudding with Sea Salt lovers, it’s the secret ingredient you’ll never want to skip!

How can I make caramel shards for garnish?

Simply melt a few tablespoons of sugar over medium heat until it turns golden and amber, pour onto parchment, let harden, then break into shards. It’s easy, impressive, and pairs perfectly with the salty-chocolate theme.

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet?

Go for it! Dark chocolate chips will give a slightly bolder, less sweet dessert—the sea salt will still shine through, making your Chocolate Chip Pudding with Sea Salt incredibly sophisticated and grown-up.

Is there a way to make a low-sugar version?

Yes! Swap out regular sugar for coconut sugar, maple syrup, or a low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. Just taste your pudding as you go to achieve the perfect level of sweetness for your palate.

Final Thoughts

If you love the flavor of rich chocolate and the surprise of salty-sweet bites, you absolutely can’t miss Chocolate Chip Pudding with Sea Salt. It’s a foolproof, joy-sparking dessert that impresses every time. Try it once and it’ll earn a top spot in your recipe rotation—here’s to treating yourself, anytime!

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