To start, gather your ingredients. For the chocolate pudding, you will need 2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. For the strawberries, you will need 2 cups of sliced strawberries and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
To make the chocolate pudding, start by whisking together the sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium saucepan. Add the milk and whisk until fully combined. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles form on the surface.
Remove from heat and pour into individual serving dishes. Place in the refrigerator to cool for at least an hour.
While the pudding is cooling, prepare the strawberries. In a small bowl, mix together the sliced strawberries and sugar. Let sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices and become a bit sweeter.
When ready to serve, spoon the strawberry mixture over the chocolate pudding. Garnish with whipped cream or more sliced strawberries, if desired.
One of the best things about this dessert is its versatility. If you want to mix things up, try adding different toppings or flavors to the chocolate pudding. Some great options include chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or even a dollop of peanut butter.
You can also experiment with the texture of the pudding. For a thicker, creamier pudding, use whole milk instead of 2%. For a thinner pudding that is more pourable, use a mix of milk and heavy cream.
If you want to make this dessert ahead of time, simply prepare the chocolate pudding and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. The strawberries can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator separately.
Whether you are entertaining guests or just looking for a sweet treat to enjoy after dinner, chocolate pudding with strawberries is the perfect choice. With its rich and satisfying flavor, it is sure to please even the most discerning palate.