Easy Dairy-Free Chocolate Pudding (with a Surprising Ingredient)

There’s nothing like the creamy, sweet decadence of chocolate pudding. It’s a comforting classic both adults and kids can get behind—and going plant based doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Our Easy Dairy-Free Chocolate Pudding harnesses the power of avocados to capture the silky smooth texture you love without any dairy in just 10 minutes. And if you’re thinking that using avocados to make chocolate pudding sounds really weird, you wouldn’t be the first. But trust us, it works. The proof is in the pudding.

“The texture was great, and my chocolate-loving, picky omni husband thought it was perfect. (Shhh! Don’t tell! He has no idea it’s non-dairy!)”

Laura

“Yummm! Smooth and creamy. 😊”

Sarah

So, let’s get you making this super easy pudding to try for yourself! 

What’s inside 

Avocado: The first, and most important ingredient is ripe avocados. Their creamy, dreamy texture and relatively mild flavor make them perfect for this pudding. By adding just a few simple ingredients, their flavor is completely transformed and you’d never know they were there by taste alone. Be sure to use avocados that are ripe (soft and even in color), but not overly ripe (very soft and browning in spots). 

Unsweetened cocoa powder: This is where all of our chocolatey flavor comes from. We suggest using natural process cocoa powder rather than Dutch process. Alternatively, you can use unsweetened cacao powder, but it will have a stronger and possibly more bitter flavor.

Unsweetened non-dairy milk: This will thin out the avocado just enough to reach perfect pudding texture. You can use almost any kind of unsweetened non-dairy milk you like, but we’ve found that soy milk, oat milk, or almond milk all work well.

100% pure maple syrup: This is where your sweetness is coming from. 100% pure means the only ingredient is maple syrup. 

Vanilla extract: The subtle vanilla helps give this delightful concoction its complex flavor. Alternatively, you can substitute it with hazelnut extract for a chocolate hazelnut flavor. 

Let’s make Easy Dairy-Free Chocolate Pudding 

First, open up your avocados and scoop out the flesh. Add to your blender along with everything else. 

Blend until super creamy and silky smooth. Turn the blender off and use a clean spoon to do a quick taste test. Adjust any flavors if needed. Like it rich? Add more cocao powder. Need it a little sweeter? Add a bit of maple syrup. 

Scrape everything out of the blender and into a container. You can eat the pudding immediately, but for best results, pop a lid on the container and place it in the fridge for at least an hour to chill thoroughly. 

When you’re ready to serve, scoop your Easy Dairy-Free Chocolate Pudding into individual dishes, top with any extras you like, and dig in. This recipe makes about 2 cups of pudding. Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge, but should be eaten within 24 hours.

Topping ideas 

This is where you can get really creative, and the only limit is your imagination. Here are a few toppings we like:

• Coconut Whipped Topping
• Toasted nuts or seeds
• Fresh berries
• Sliced bananas
• Chopped cherries
• Toasted coconut shreds
• Toasted buckwheat
• Toasted quinoa
• Drizzle of nut butter

Can I freeze Dairy-Free Chocolate Pudding?

We haven’t tested it, but we have a feeling it might make a great non-dairy fudgesicle! 

Can I use frozen avocado to make Dairy-Free Chocolate Pudding?

Having a perfectly ripe avocado isn’t always possible when we’re craving chocolate. Frozen avocado should work, just let it thaw a bit first. 

Changing it up

This recipe is versatile and can be fun to mix and match flavors. Try mint or almond extract instead of vanilla, or add a bit of nut butter or fruit while blending. Get wild and add cinnamon. Start with small additions and taste along the way.

Have you tried our Easy Dairy-Free Chocolate Pudding? Did it blow your mind? Let us know in the comments below.

Here’s to surprising ingredients and trying new things.

Xo 
Team Dirty

Other dairy-free puddings

In our premium membership, Clean Food Dirty Girl, we have thousands of whole-food plant-based recipes. Here are more pudding recipes that are calling your name.

• Almond Butter Chocolate Chia Pudding
• Sweet Potato Chocolate Pudding with Nut Crumble Topping
• Cinnamon Blueberry Almond Farro Pudding