These desserts with chocolate pudding turn a box of pudding mix into rich cakes, no-bake treats and layered sweets pretty enough for entertaining.
There’s nothing fancy about chocolate pudding, but that’s part of its appeal and charm. It’s a reliable, sweet, creamy treat that always hits the spot, and comes together even faster when you start with a box of pudding mix. You can enjoy it with nothing more than a spoon, but once you unlock its potential to make desserts with chocolate pudding, there are endless treats in store.
Use it as the base for a shortcut mousse, bake it into tender cakes, make candy-studded trifles or freeze it until it tastes like ice cream. If you need chocolate recipes, these creative chocolate pudding desserts bring rich taste and velvety texture in a few easy steps. In warm rocky road cake, pudding bakes into a fudgy middle under a layer of toasted marshmallows. One bite of a glazed chocolate cream cupcake reveals a surprise, soft pudding center.
Many of these recipes can be made in advance and benefit from refrigeration so that the layers can fully set for defined slices, like these pies that start with pudding mix. For a seasonal spin, add a dash of peppermint extract in winter or a topping of fresh berries in summer. Easy no-bake desserts and shortcut treats are a little more special when you start with a box of chocolate pudding mix.
1/22
Chocolate Delight
From the Recipe Creator:
Out of all the easy chocolate desserts I make, these nutty, chocolaty layered treats have become my family's favorite. I make sure to whip up my mom her very own batch, since she loves this chocolate delight so much! —Kristen Stecklein, Waukesha, Wisconsin
2/22
No-Bake Cappuccino Dessert
From the Recipe Creator:
Summer gatherings call for cool desserts like this one. Lots of the party invites I receive come with a request for this delicious treat. You can make it even more chocolaty by adding cocoa powder to the dry pudding mixes. —Mary Beth Desens, Fredonia, Wisconsin
3/22
Peanut Butter Cup Trifle
From the Recipe Creator:
Using just five ingredients makes this recipe so simple. You can add a little extra decoration with chocolate jimmies, too. —Chris Nelson, Decatur, Arkansas
4/22
Creme de Menthe Squares
From the Recipe Creator:
This layered bar hits all the sweet spots: It’s airy, creamy, crunchy and the perfect mix of cool mint and rich chocolate. It has a vintage dessert appeal that no one in our family can resist. —Marilyn Blankschien, Clintonville, Wisconsin
5/22
Warm Rocky Road Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
When it's warm, this reminds me of super moist lava cake. And until I made this, I didn't think a slow-cooker cake could be so attractive. It's a real winner. —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
6/22
Butterfinger Cookie Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
My boys went through a phase where they loved Butterfingers. We made Butterfinger shakes, muffins, cookies and experimented with different bars; this one was voted the best of the bunch. Make sure you have an extra candy bar on hand because it’s hard to resist a nibble or two while you’re chopping. —Barbara Leighty, Simi Valley, California
7/22
Chocolate Cream Cupcakes
From the Recipe Creator:
My favorite hockey team the Boston Bruins inspired these cupcakes. Add a love note on top using a little white icing. —Alisa Christensen, Rancho Santa Margarita, California
8/22
Mocha Java Pie with Kahlua Cream
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a big coffee drinker and love the iced and frozen versions, too. This pie was my way of incorporating those flavors into a dessert. —Becky McClaflin, Blanchard, Oklahoma
9/22
Hazelnut Chocolate Mousse
From the Recipe Creator:
I love chocolate and this is so quick and easy to make that I can surprise my family anytime of the year. Feel free to add toppings of your choice. —Karla Krohn, Madison, Wisconsin
10/22
Crock-Pot Lava Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone who tries this dessert falls in love with it. Using a slow cooker liner makes cleanup a breeze. —Latona Dwyer, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
11/22
Chocolate Delight Dessert
From the Recipe Creator:
My three children loved this dessert so much that they begged me to get the recipe. It's so easy to make and tastes so good. And making it ahead of time frees your hands and your time for other to-do's! —Ruth Dyck, Forest, Ontario
12/22
Chocolate Chip Cookie Delight
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a simple chocolate dessert recipe for any type of potluck occasion, and the pan always comes home empty. —Diane Windley, Grace, Idaho
13/22
Easy Grasshopper Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This pie has become a Christmas classic in our family. Although now, I make it throughout the year! —Melissa Sokasits, Warrenville, Illinois
14/22
Caramel Chocolate Trifle
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve this family favorite for all occasions: a quick dinner, brown-bag lunch, hearty snack or even a fun appetizer. —Marie Macy, Fort Collins, Colorado
15/22
Rocky Road Fudge Pops
From the Recipe Creator:
These sweet frozen treats are simple to prepare and guaranteed to bring out the kid in anyone. The creamy pops feature a special chocolate and peanut topping.—Karen Grant, Tulare, California
16/22
Chocolate Pudding Pizza
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister Brenda and I made up this recipe while talking on the phone! My family loved the classic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter presented in a whole new way. —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma. Learn how to make chocolate pudding pie.
17/22
Chocolate Cream Cheese Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
We sometimes send our Washington salmon all the way to Michigan for my sister to use in this family-favorite dish! The tasty topping can be used on other types of fish as well. Fresh thyme from your garden really sparks the flavor. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington
18/22
Fudge Pops
From the Recipe Creator:
This chocolate frozen dessert is the perfect summer treat! Invite your kids into the kitchen to help you stir the pudding. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta
19/22
Chocolate Trifle
From the Recipe Creator:
For a fabulous finale when entertaining, this lovely layered chocolate trifle is a winner! Chocolate trifle recipes are a do-ahead dessert that serves a group, and it even tastes great the next day. —Pam Botine, Goldsboro, North Carolina
20/22
Frozen S’mores
From the Recipe Creator:
Frozen s'mores are refreshing and creamy treats on hot summer days. Plus, if you don't have a fire pit at home, these treats enable you to still enjoy s'mores this summer! —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
21/22
Pudding Poke Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Have your cake and pudding too! This dessert gets creative by taking an ordinary boxed cake mix and turning it into a pudding-filled, frosting-topped delight. Try mixing it with different cake or pudding flavors for endless options. —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
22/22
Gob Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This gob cake recipe has been passed down in our family for generations. We always eat it at our gatherings. —Kristina Hershey, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Desserts with Chocolate Pudding FAQ
How do I make homemade chocolate pudding from scratch?
It’s surprisingly easy to make pudding the old-fashioned way, with a few basics. Start by whisking milk into a combination of sugar, cornstarch and salt and cooking until it thickens. Whisk some of the hot milk into egg yolks, pour the eggs back into the pot and continue to cook until thick. Stir in chopped chocolate and vanilla extract until smooth, then cool slightly. Cover the surface of the pudding and refrigerate until cold and set.
Variations on this classic recipe could include unsweetened cocoa powder to enrich the chocolate flavor or a pat of butter whisked in at the end for a richer taste and glossy finish. Serve it as-is or layer it into parfaits, pies or icebox cakes. Add a flavor boost with espresso powder or a dash of almond or peppermint extract.
What toppings pair well with chocolate pudding desserts?
Fresh berries, whipped cream, crushed cookies and toasted nuts are just a few examples of toppings that pair well with chocolate pudding desserts. A scattering of broken Oreos, graham crackers or shortbread adds crunch, while spiced pecans or toasted almonds bring a nutty contrast. A pinch of flaky sea salt and a drizzle of fruity olive oil are unexpectedly delicious with easy chocolate pudding recipes.
How do I layer pudding in parfaits for the best presentation?
For the best presentation and parfaits with even layers, use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to add the pudding to serving cups. A clean cotton swab or the corner of a kitchen towel can wipe away smears inside the glass as you build the parfaits. Put the heaviest ingredients on the bottom of the cup to keep them from pressing against the lighter elements and distorting the layers. Tap the glass on the counter occasionally to release air bubbles and keep everything even.
