This Chocolate Kuzu Pudding is a luscious, creamy, and dairy-free dessert perfect for chocolate lovers looking for a healthy twist. Made with rich cocoa, nut milk, and kuzu starch—a natural thickener—it’s a silky, indulgent treat that satisfies your sweet cravings while offering a wholesome dessert option. Ideal for a snack or after-dinner treat, this pudding is both vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chocolate almond or hazelnut milk: Adds a nutty, rich base to the pudding.
- 3 tablespoons kuzu starch: A natural thickening agent known for its smooth, creamy texture.
- 3 tablespoons (32 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder: Use high-quality cocoa for the best flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with a hint of sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds a subtle caramel-like note.
- Small pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chocolate Base:
- Sift the unsweetened cocoa powder and a pinch of salt together into a medium saucepan to remove any lumps.
- Slowly add 1 cup of chocolate almond or hazelnut milk and 3 tablespoons of maple syrup to the dry mixture.
- Whisk vigorously until you have a smooth, lump-free consistency.
-
Dissolve the Kuzu Starch:
- In a small jug, crush the kuzu starch and mix it with 2 tablespoons of almond milk, stirring until fully dissolved.
- Add more almond milk to bring the liquid up to 1 cup.
-
Combine and Thicken the Mixture:
- Pour the kuzu mixture into the saucepan with the chocolate mixture.
- Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent sticking. The mixture will gradually thicken—this usually takes about 5 minutes, so be patient and keep stirring!
-
Add Vanilla for Flavor:
- Once the pudding has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor.
-
Set the Pudding:
- Pour the thickened pudding into 6 small serving pots or one large bowl.
- To prevent a skin from forming on top, place a piece of baking paper directly on the surface of the pudding before chilling it in the fridge.
- Allow the pudding to set for several hours (ideally 4-6 hours) for the best texture.
-
Fix Separation (if needed):
- If, after chilling, the pudding appears to have separated (with a solid chocolate layer and some clear liquid), don't worry. Simply stir the pudding vigorously until it becomes smooth and creamy once again.
Enjoying Your Chocolate Kuzu Pudding
Serve chilled and enjoy a velvety, rich pudding that's perfect as a snack, dessert, or even a light indulgence after dinner. You can garnish it with fresh berries, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or shaved dark chocolate for an extra treat.
