Oat Milk Chocolate Pudding Recipe – How to make an easy dark and decadent dairy free, gluten free and vegan friendly plant-based dessert – with the YouTube video tutorial.

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Oat Milk Chocolate Pudding

This oat milk chocolate pudding recipe makes a rich and creamy dairy free chocolate pudding that’s vegan friendly, easy to prepare and can be enjoyed as a warming dessert on chilly winter nights, or refrigerated and then enjoyed as a chilled custard like sweet treat.

The recipe is adapted from a New York Times Cooking pudding recipe, I’ve omitted a couple of ingredients and significantly reduced the sugar content. We prefer our desserts dark and indulgent rather than overly sweet.

If you’re a chocolate lover, like me, then this healthy dessert is perfect for special occasions or simply when you’re craving an extra special sweet treat.

If you enjoy easy dairy free desserts, you may also love this Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge.

Dairy Free Pudding Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients that you’ll need for the healthy chocolate oat pudding recipe:

Cocoa Powder – you can use unsweetened cocoa powder or raw cacao powder in the dessert for an intense chocolate flavor.

Sugar – you can use caster sugar, cane sugar, brown sugar, stevia, honey or maple syrup, just depends on what you usually enjoy in your diet. You can also use as little or as much as you like, depending on how sweet you usually like your sweet treats to be.

Salt – a pinch of fine sea salt enhances the sweetness and flavors of the pudding.

Cornstarch –  corn starch or corn flour is used to help create a thick pudding texture, while keeping the dessert gluten free.

Oat Milk – using oat milk in dairy free recipes creates a velvety texture, more so than other nondairy milk options, in my experience. Ideally use unsweetened oat milk, so that you can sweeten the dessert to your own personal tastes.

You can of course swap or include 50/50 of another plant-based milk such as almond milk, soy milk or canned coconut milk for a rich and creamy texture. 

Oat milk works especially well in pudding recipes because its naturally creamy texture creates a silky dessert without the need for heavy cream or dairy milk.

For a cozy dairy free drink, try this Oat Milk Hot Chocolate.

Chocolate – you can use chocolate chips, chocolate bars, bittersweet bar chocolate or any other chocolate you like. I went for dark chocolate chips for a dark, decadent dessert.

You’ll find that the higher percent cacao volume in chocolate results in less added sugars and less likelihood that regular milk will be added. 

If you have a dairy allergy, or serving to someone who does, and you’re wanting the recipe to be completely a dairy free, vegan pudding just make sure that the chocolate you use is completely free from dairy.

You may also enjoy these easy 2 Ingredient Chocolate Truffles.

Flavor –  you can flavor the dairy-free chocolate pudding by adding in a half a teaspoon vanilla extract, peppermint extract or even orange or lemon extract.

This healthy chocolate pudding recipe is perfect to satisfy those nighttime chocolate cravings. Infused with bittersweet chocolate, I just can’t get enough of this almost instant pudding delight.

Recipe Variations

Vanilla Chocolate Pudding

Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a sweeter classic enriched flavor in your homemade chocolate pudding.

Mocha Chocolate Pudding

Whisk in 1 teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Coconut Chocolate Pudding

Replace half of the oat milk with canned coconut milk for an ultra rich coconut milk pudding.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Pudding

Stir through 1 to 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter after cooking for a chocolate peanut butter treat.

Low Sugar Version

You can use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar.

Mexican Chocolate Pudding

Add in a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne pepper for a warming spiced dessert.

Why This Recipe Works

• Oat milk creates an extra creamy pudding texture without the need for any dairy.
• Cocoa powder and melted chocolate combine together to create a deep rich chocolate flavor.
• Cornstarch naturally thickens the pudding quickly for an easy no bake dessert, without the need for gelatin or any other thickening agent.
• The recipe uses easily accessible simple pantry ingredients and comes together in about 10 minutes.
• It can be enjoyed warm like a comforting pudding or chilled like a creamy chocolate custard.

This easy chocolate pudding is perfect for quick weeknight desserts or special occasions.

Oat Milk Chocolate Pudding Recipe

• 1/4 to 1/3 Cup Cocoa Powder
• 2-3 Tablespoons Sugar
• Pinch of Salt
• 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch or Cornflour
• 2 Cups Oat Milk or Dairy Free Milk
• 100g/3.5 ounces of Dairy Free Chocolate Chips or Chopped Chocolate Bar

1. Place the cocoa powder, sugar, salt and cornstarch or cornflour into a medium saucepan and, using a silicone spatula, wooden spoon or metal spoon, stir to combine.
2. Slowly pour over the oat milk, stirring as you pour to incorporate the milk into the dry ingredients.
3. Move the saucepan to the stove top over medium-low heat, slowly heat and bring up to boil, while stirring or whisking continuously so that nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.
4. Remove from the heat once the pudding has thickened and coats the back of the spoon.
5. Add the chocolate and stir until fully melted and incorporated in the pudding.
6. Enjoy the oat milk pudding immediately while warm or allow to cool completely to room temperature, pour into a serving bowl or individual cups, then enjoy thickened and chilled from the fridge, served as is or topped with dairy free whipped cream and fresh berries. 

Recipe Tips

• Whisk continuously while heating to prevent lumps from forming in the pudding.
• Heat the pudding gently over medium to low heat for the smoothest texture.
• For a richer dessert, you can use dark chocolate with 70% cocoa solids.
• Chill for at least 2 hours if you’re serving the dessert cold, so the pudding has time to thicken fully.
• If the pudding becomes too thick, then simply whisk through a splash of oat milk before serving to help loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the homemade chocolate pudding topped with:

• dairy free whipped cream
• chocolate shavings
• fresh berries
• chopped nuts
• crushed cookies
• coconut flakes

Or layer into parfait glasses for an easy dinner party dessert.

Storage

Store leftover chocolate pudding with oat milk covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pudding will thicken further as it chills. Stir well before serving and add a splash of oat milk if needed to loosen the texture to your desired consistency.

This easy vegan dessert is perfect for holidays, dinner parties or healthy chocolate cravings.

Dessert Recipe Video Tutorial

Here’s the video where you can watch the homemade chocolate pudding being prepared, step by step. Hit play below or click here to watch on YouTube.

More Easy Chocolate Dessert Recipes

2 Ingredient Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate Mousse With Cream Cheese

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Oat Milk Hot Chocolate

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make chocolate pudding with oat milk?

Yes, oat milk works really well in homemade chocolate pudding recipes because it creates a creamy texture similar to what you can expect with dairy milk.

Why is my chocolate pudding not thickening?

The pudding usually needs a few minutes of gentle simmering for the cornstarch to activate fully. Continuous whisking also helps to prevent lumps. The pudding usually thickens while cooking, then sets further after 2 hours in the fridge.

Can oat milk chocolate pudding be made ahead?

Yes, the pudding can be made 2 to 3 days ahead and stored covered in an airtight container in the fridge.

Is oat milk chocolate pudding vegan?

Yes, as long as dairy free chocolate is used then the dessert is vegan friendly.

Can I freeze chocolate pudding?

You can freeze it, although the texture may change slightly after thawing.

What is the best oat milk for pudding?

Unsweetened full-fat oat milk usually gives the creamiest texture and allows you to control the sweetness.

Updated in May 2026 with new recipe tips, variations, FAQs and serving suggestions.

Disclaimer – this post is meant for informational post only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your health professional before making any dietary changes.

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