This Chocolate Pumpkin Pudding is made with better-for-you ingredients like banana, maple syrup, and yogurt, and the texture is spot-on. It can easily be made dairy free, and only requires 15 minutes of prep time!
Originally published: November 2014 // Updated: October 2019
You're going to LOVE this pumpkin pudding, even if you're not a "pudding person". Miguel claims he's not, but he 100% devoured this pudding so I'm thinking maybe he is?
I like pudding for a few reasons, one of them being that it's easy whip up, and since you store it in the refrigerator, you can eat some every night after dinner. ...unless you end up eating it all in one sitting, which is more than ok.
This pudding recipe uses nontraditional pudding ingredients, but the texture is exactly the way pudding should be. Read below for tips on how to make it perfectly each and every time!
WHY YOU NEED THIS PUMPKIN PUDDING
- It's made with better-for-you ingredients like banana, maple syrup and yogurt
- It combines the two BEST flavors into one pudding recipe
- The texture is spot-on!
HOW TO MAKE CHOCOLATE PUMPKIN PUDDING
This pudding recipe is a little bit different than traditional pudding (i.e. it's healthier), so let me walk you through how to make it.
First, you'll make the pumpkin layer by whisking ALL of the pumpkin ingredients--pumpkin, milk, yogurt, syrup, and spices--together before transferring them to glasses or jars.
The chocolate layer begins with a mashed banana, then it's combined with cocoa, milk, syrup, yogurt, and cinnamon. While this may seem good enough, you can (and should!) take it a step further by melting chocolate and coconut oil together, then adding the melted chocolate to the bowl with the banana and mixing everything together really well.
Tip: You can melt the chocolate and coconut oil together on the stove or in the microwave. If you go the stovetop method, be sure to stir frequently so the chocolate doesn't burn. If you go the microwave route, use a microwave-safe bowl.
INGREDIENT SUBSTITUTIONS
Almond milk: Technically, any milk works in this recipe. If you want to keep the pudding dairy free, be sure to use dairy free milk. But, regular dairy milk does work if that's your preference.
Dairy free yogurt: Forager is my favorite brand of plant-based yogurt, but for this recipe, we want to use yogurt with a thicker consistency. So, I like Kite Hill or So Delicious (make sure to get plain-flavored yogurt). If you're ok eating dairy, regular Greek yogurt works well too.
OTHER HEALTHY DESSERT RECIPES
Skinny Chocolate Pumpkin Pudding
Ingredients
for the pumpkin:
- 2/3 cup pumpkin
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon dairy-free plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon all spice
- Pinch of nutmeg
for the chocolate:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon dairy-free plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips I used Enjoy Life
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil
- cool whip for topping
Instructions
- Place all of the pumpkin ingredients (pumpkin, milk, yogurt, syrup, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg) together in a bowl; mix with an electric mixer until everything is smoothie; distribute evenly in two cups/bowls.
- In a separate bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork, and then add milk, yogurt, syrup, cacao, cinnamon; mix with an electric mixer.
- In a microwave safe dish, place the chocolate chips and coconut oil and microwave until melted; add melted chocolate to the bowl with the banana and mix with the mixer until everything is smooth.
- Slowly pour the chocolate lower overtop of the pumpkin layer.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours (or overnight).
- Top with cool whip and enjoy!
Notes
Q: Did you start eating/drinking pumpkin too early this year? Have you ever tried TruWhip? <<that’s the whipped cream I used for these
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says
LOOK AT THAT NOISE REDUCTION
Erin says
HAHA thank you!!
Breeta Garland says
This looks so good! Both my kids are dairy free so this is just perfect!! Can't wait to try it!! Thanks for sharing!
Kimberly says
It's such a great idea but something didn't go right for me 🙁 my canned pumpkin was organic so maybe it changed the consistency? My pumpkin was too runny and the chocolate was really thick 🙁 (i exchanged the banana for a ripe avocado as my son doesn't like banana) Also it could have been a little sweeter. Any tips on the pumpkin consistency? Thx.
Erin says
Hi Kimberly--hmmm that's so strange about the pumpkin! Maybe place the can of pumpkin in the refrigerator ahead of time so it firms up (I assume it would). I've never had that problem before. As for the sweetener, you could add a little more cinnamon if the taste wasn't as sweet as you'd like it.
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
I need this in my life now! It looks so amazing - I was immediately drawn in by your stellar photos!
Masala Girl says
haha girl i eat pumpkin year round! i love making stuff with it 🙂 my fav combo is pumpkin and yogurt, with: fruit, nuts, and /or oats or something!
Alexa says
Ooh delicious! I needed a gluten free dessert for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow and this will do nicely! ! Thanks so much!
Erin says
Wonderful--I hope you enjoy it!
dianna says
My 2 year old just got diagnosed with all of the main food allergies except for nuts. Desserts have been SO hard to find recipes for. This was super easy to whip up as I had all of the ingredients already. Can't wait to dig into it tonight 😀
Erin says
I'm sorry to hear about your 2 year old but I hope he/she AND you enjoyed this dessert 😀
Jacqueline in Atlanta says
That looks amazing and I adore pumpkin anything. Can't wait to make it. Thanks for sharing!