Silky, chocolatey, and irresistibly creamy, Almond Milk Pudding is the plant-based dessert you’ll want to make again and again. This simple treat captures everything you love about pudding—smooth texture, deep cocoa flavor, and a touch of nostalgia—while keeping things dairy-free and delightfully light. Whether you’re craving something sweet after dinner or looking for a cozy afternoon snack, the pudding’s easy preparation and crowd-pleasing taste make it a true kitchen staple.

Almond Milk Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Almond Milk Pudding relies on just a handful of pantry staples that come together for pure dessert magic. Every ingredient brings something special, from rich cocoa to that hint of real vanilla, so be sure to choose quality products for the best flavor.

Almond Milk: The creamy, nutty base that keeps this pudding dairy-free and lusciously smooth. Use unsweetened or vanilla for control over sugar and flavor.
Sugar: Sweetens the mixture just enough to let the chocolate shine; organic white or classic granulated both work beautifully.
Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich, chocolatey depth and that tempting dark color. Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a layer of warm, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate and almond notes.
Cornstarch: The secret to that perfectly thick, silky pudding consistency; don’t skip it!
Water: Simply used to dissolve cornstarch, it prevents lumps and keeps the finished dessert smooth as can be.

How to Make Almond Milk Pudding

Step 1: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Begin by gathering your saucepan and a small mixing bowl. Pour the almond milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract into the saucepan. In a separate bowl, whisk the cornstarch together with the water until you have a perfectly smooth slurry—this little step is your guarantee for zero lumps in your finished pudding.

Step 2: Cook and Thicken

Whisk the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan with the other ingredients. Place the pan over medium heat and stir frequently as the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and continue stirring for 5 to 6 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture thickening; keep going until it coats the back of your spoon and looks irresistibly glossy.

Step 3: Cool and Chill

Take the saucepan off the heat and let your pudding cool down to room temperature. Don’t rush this step—letting it cool ensures the texture sets just right. Once it’s cooled, transfer the Almond Milk Pudding to serving dishes and pop them into the fridge for at least an hour, or until perfectly chilled and ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Almond Milk Pudding

Garnishes

Take your Almond Milk Pudding to the next level by getting creative with toppings. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, a swirl of non-dairy whipped cream, or a dusting of cinnamon. Toasted almonds add a lovely crunch and echo the subtle almond flavor in every spoonful.

Side Dishes

For a truly satisfying dessert experience, serve your pudding alongside biscotti, a crisp almond cookie, or a light fruit salad. The creamy texture of the pudding pairs beautifully with something crisp or tangy, offering a balanced finish to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your presentation skills by serving Almond Milk Pudding in elegant wine glasses, tiny mason jars, or vintage tea cups. Layer it with berries or granola for a parfait, or pipe it into edible chocolate cups for a show-stopping sweet treat at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Almond Milk Pudding refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavor actually deepens after a day or so, making leftovers an extra tempting treat to look forward to!

Freezing

If you’d like to extend the life of your pudding, freezing is an option. Freeze portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Thaw them gently in the refrigerator overnight, and give a good stir before serving.

Reheating

While Almond Milk Pudding is typically enjoyed cold, you can gently reheat leftover pudding on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly. Just be sure to heat until barely warmed—overheating can change the texture and thickness.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened almond milk instead of unsweetened?

Yes, you can use sweetened almond milk, but you may want to slightly reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to balance the sweetness. Taste the mixture before chilling to adjust as needed.

How can I make this Almond Milk Pudding gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses cornstarch instead of flour for thickening. Just double-check your cocoa powder and vanilla extract to ensure there are no added gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I substitute a different plant milk?

Absolutely! Oat, soy, or cashew milk can all replace almond milk in this recipe. Each will give the pudding a slightly different flavor and texture, so use your favorite or experiment for fun variations.

Is there a way to reduce the sugar?

If you prefer a less-sweet dessert, you can reduce the sugar by a tablespoon or two, or swap in a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Just adjust to taste and remember that less sugar may make the pudding set slightly softer.

How do I know when Almond Milk Pudding is thickened enough?

Your pudding is ready to chill when it thickly coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear line if you draw your finger through it. It will thicken even more as it cools in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

This Almond Milk Pudding is more than just a recipe—it’s an invitation to treat yourself and your loved ones to a little moment of sweetness, anytime. If you haven’t tried making homemade pudding before, now’s the perfect chance. Give it a go, savor every spoonful, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new weeknight dessert standby!