If you want to enjoy a chocolate dessert but don’t want to feel guilty about the sugar or heavy cream, you should try a sugar free chocolate pudding with almond milk recipe.
Trust me, it will be better than you would have thought.
It is creamy, rich, and will give you a kinda classic pudding feel, even though there won’t be any sugar or dairy in it.
You will only need a few ingredients, and using them, you can make fresh pudding at home. Even for kids or guests, it works well.
I’ve made it just one or two times when I was experimenting, and it’s one of my hobbies to try different recipes.
However, it was yummy.
So, in this post, I will give you a smooth, velvety, easy, sugar-free chocolate pudding recipe with almond milk recipe.
Plus, I will also give you some of my top substitutes, tips to make it extra thick, and some serving ideas.
What Makes This Sugar-Free Chocolate Pudding Special?
The first thing that separates this sugar-free chocolate pudding recipe is that it is made using almond milk, so it is already dairy-free.
Secondly, it has zero added sugar, which makes it a healthy choice, especially when you have some dietary restrictions or when you want to avoid sugar, but still want to enjoy a chocolate dessert.
Instead of using refined sugar, condensed milk, or corn syrup, you have to use their alternatives. They won’t spike your sugar level; you’ll have to use sugar alternatives such as stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol.
Despite using these ingredients, the texture and flavor will still be rich and delicious.
One more thing, this recipe has a customizable base, so you can add different flavors, toppings, fruits, or even use it as a layer in parfaits or trifles.
Also read: Best Homemade Chocolate Pudding without Cornstarch or Flour Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need for Sugar-Free Chocolate Pudding
Here are the exact ingredients that I have used to make this pudding. You have to use the same, but I am also giving you some alternative options, so you can also choose from them:
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk: This will be used for the base of your pudding. I would recommend you go for plain, unsweetened almond milk like Silk or Califia Farms. Besides this, you can also use vanilla almond milk if you want a little extra flavor.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: It will give chocolatey richness. You can go with Dutch-processed if you want a deep, dark pudding. I also like Hershey’s Special Dark or Ghirardelli 100% Cocoa.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: This will be used to thicken the pudding. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can also use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a tiny pinch will help you balance flavor and bring out the chocolate’s depth.
- 2–3 tablespoons sugar-free sweetener: You can use stevia, monk fruit, erythritol, or even a mix. First, you wanna taste and then adjust. I use Lakanto Classic Monk Fruit sweetener because it doesn’t leave any aftertaste.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: It will add warmth and enhance flavor. I recommend going with a pure vanilla like Simply Organic or Nielsen-Massey.
Optional Ingredients
These aren’t required to make this sugar-free chocolate pudding with almond milk recipe. But if you want a gourmet touch or more richness, I recommend you use them:
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter or coconut oil: This will give a silky finish to your pudding.
- 1 oz melted sugar-free dark chocolate: It is optional, but it will deepen the chocolate flavor even more.
How to Make Sugar-Free Chocolate Pudding with Almond Milk
This process to make this sugar-free chocolate pudding with almond milk is very simple and easy.
But you still need to be careful when heating and stirring. That’s what will make the texture silky, not lumpy.
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Firstly, you wanna take a small saucepan and then add the following ingredients:
- Cocoa powder
- Cornstarch
- Sugar-free sweetener
- Salt.
Once added! Then whisk them together until combined, and there shouldn’t be any lumps left.
This dry mix step is important because it will prevent clumping once you add the milk.
Step 2: Add Almond Milk Gradually
Now, you wanna slowly pour almond milk into the pan — do this in batches while whisking constantly.
- First, you have to pour about half a cup and whisk well to create a smooth paste.
- Then add the rest of the almond milk and mix everything together again.
This method will help you avoid lumps and give a smoother texture to your pudding later.
Step 3: Cook Over Medium Heat
Place your saucepan over medium heat and start cooking the mixture.
You want to stir it constantly with a silicone spatula or a whisk. It will take around 5 to 8 minutes to start thickening.
Tip: You want to make sure you don’t walk away during this step, because pudding can clump fast if left alone.
Once you see it start bubbling, you’ve to reduce the heat to low and cook for another 1 or 2 minutes until it thickens properly.
Step 4: Add Vanilla + Optional Add-ins
Once the pudding is thick, you can remove the pan from the heat.
And then you can stir in vanilla extract, if you’re using melted sugar-free chocolate or vegan butter, add that too.
Again, stir it until everything is fully incorporated.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Finally, you can transfer this sugar free pudding into small jars, cups, or bowls. Btw, last time I poured mine into little glass cups and ramekins.
However, once poured, you want to cover that with plastic wrap.
Then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. The longer you chill, the thicker and creamier it will become.
Also read: Simple Custard Pudding Recipe with Custard Powder without Egg
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
If you want to modify this sugar-free chocolate pudding with almond milk, there are many ways.
Here are some ingredient alternatives that you can use based on your preference or availability at home.
- Use Coconut Milk Instead of Almond Milk: If you want a richer pudding, you can swap almond milk with full-fat coconut milk. It will add a tropical, creamy twist.
- Add Coffee for Mocha Flavor: You can add 1 to 2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the cocoa mix if you want a chocolate-coffee version.
- Flavor Boosters: You can stir in a pinch of cinnamon, peppermint extract, orange zest, or almond extract for unique flavor layers.
- Protein Boost: You can mix 1 or 2 tbsp of unflavored or chocolate protein powder when you add the almond milk; this will make your pudding more filling.
- Thickener Alternative: Instead of using cornstarch, you can use arrowroot starch (same quantity). Besides this, you can use 2 tbsp chia seeds, but you’ve to blend them into powder first.
Tips for Getting the Best Pudding Texture
Here are a few things you need to follow for the best sugar-free chocolate pudding with almond milk recipe.
- Whisk Everything Before Heating: You shouldn’t ever skip that dry mix step; if you do so, your pudding will turn out gritty or lumpy.
- Don’t Overcook: Once it starts bubbling and thickens, you should remove it. Overcooking will change the texture, which isn’t good.
- Cover While Chilling: You should always put plastic wrap directly on the pudding surface. This will keep it silky and prevent top skin from forming.
- Let It Chill Fully: At least 2 hours for this pudding recipe. If you can wait, overnight is better. As the pudding will set more and eventually become like a classic store-bought pudding.
Also read: 3 Ingredient Avocado Chocolate Pudding with Cocoa Powder
What to Serve with Sugar-Free Chocolate Pudding
Although this sugar free chocolate pudding with almond milk is good on its own, you can also pair it with a little side or toppings to make it feel more like a dessert. Here are my recommendations:
Fruity Options
- Fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries on top will give the pudding a tart contrast.
- Banana slices will add natural sweetness and creaminess.
Crunchy Add-ins
- Crushed almonds, walnuts, or pecans if you want texture.
- Sugar-free chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
Creamy Toppings
- You can have coconut whipped cream.
- Greek yogurt swirl (if you’re not making dairy-free).
- A drizzle of almond butter or peanut butter.
Baked Treats
- Sugar-free cookies or almond flour biscotti on the side.
- You can have banana bread or zucchini bread with a cold pudding.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
Here’s a general breakdown based on ingredients used (I assumed 4 servings):
- Calories: 120–150
- Fat: 6–9g
- Carbs: 12–15g
- Sugar: 0g added sugar
- Protein: 2–4g
- Fiber: 3g (from cocoa + almond milk)
This real nutrition information might depend on what sweetener, milk, and cocoa brand you use.
Using stevia or monk fruit will keep carbs low.
Conclusion
This was my sugar free chocolate pudding with almond milk recipe. It’s not only healthy but also thick, creamy, and fully satisfying. You won’t need sugar or any dairy for that.
You can make this easy pudding quickly at home with a few ingredients. And you can also customize it in your own way.
Make it especially when you want to eat something chocolatey after dinner. Or when you want a light dessert that doesn’t ruin your diet due to sugar content.
After all, this pudding is perfect in most situations.
You can also make it rich or sweet, or make it protein-packed, or even turn it into a parfait. It’s totally up to you.
More importantly, you won’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment.
So now, grab the ingredients and try making this almond milk with chocolate pudding recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are a few questions and answers regarding this sugar-free chocolate pudding with almond milk recipe.
Can I use almond milk in chocolate pudding?
Of course, you can use almond milk in the chocolate pudding, especially if you are looking for a dairy-free or light option.
You just want to make sure that the milk you are using is unsweetened, so that it can pair well with the thickener, like the cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
However, using that milk will give you a smooth texture and make your pudding taste rich without heavy milk or whole milk.
How do I thicken sugar-free pudding made with almond milk?
That’s too simple. If you want to thicken your sugar-free almond milk pudding, you should use cornstarch, almond powder, or tapioca starch.
Usually, you can use 3 tablespoons of cornstarch per 2 cups of almond milk. It’s the best ratio that I recommend.
Besides this, you also need to stir it continuously over medium heat until you see that it has started bubbling and has started becoming thick.
And also don’t forget that chilling is very important.
When you chill it for a longer time, your pudding will get thicker. If you remember, that’s why I said to keep your pudding in the fridge overnight. Or, a minimum of 2 hours.
Is sugar-free chocolate pudding healthy?
Yet, this sugar-free chocolate pudding with almond milk is a healthy dessert option, especially because you will make it with almond milk and natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.
Besides this, it also has low calories, which is good if you are following a weight loss diet, plus it has no added sugar.
And you can also make it dairy-free or gluten-free.
So yes, this is a healthy sugar-free pudding that you can try at home.
Sugar Free Chocolate Pudding with Almond Milk
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder/tapioca starch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 –3 tablespoons sugar-free sweetener stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins (for extra flavor/richness):
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter or coconut oil
- 1 oz melted sugar-free dark chocolate
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan, whisk together cocoa powder, cornstarch, sweetener, and salt until fully combined with no lumps.
- Step 2: Gradually pour in almond milk — first ½ cup to form a paste, then the rest. Whisk well.
- Step 3: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. After 5–8 minutes, once it starts to bubble, reduce heat to low and cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
- Step 4: Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract. If using vegan butter or melted chocolate, add now and mix until smooth.
- Step 5: Transfer pudding into jars or ramekins. Cover with plastic wrap (touching the surface). Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill and thicken.
Notes
As a passionate home cook and food enthusiast, I’m specialize in recreating popular café and restaurant-style chocolate recipes at home. I have experience in testing and customizing various chocolate-based dishes, I focus on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to make preservative-free, delicious treats. My goal is to help chocolate lovers enjoy their favorite recipes with a homemade touch and personalized twists.
