Homemade pudding is a nostalgic childhood favorite for many of us. It's just as good served warm as it is cold, and makes the best pies ever! However, if you have celiac disease or need to avoid dairy, satisfying that pudding craving can be difficult. Fortunately, this vegan and gluten free pudding recipe makes it easy to enjoy rich, decadent chocolate pudding any time you'd like!

Chocolate pudding is one of my childhood favorites and if you've never had homemade pudding before, you're in for a treat! It's such an easy recipe and comes together in less than 20 minutes of active effort with very simple ingredients.
Plus, this easy gluten-free chocolate pudding uses two types of chocolate (cocoa powder and chips) for a rich chocolate flavor that's way better than store-bought pudding. You may never want the boxed stuff again!
Looking for more gluten-free chocolate desserts? Check out this simple microwave gluten-free fudge, gluten-free double chocolate chip cookies, or this melt-in-your-mouth chocolate pie!
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Gluten-Free Pudding Recipe at a Glance
Instead of making this recipe only for gluten-free readers, I've also made it vegan and dairy-free! Many of us struggle with different food allergies and lactose intolerance, so this is a perfect recipe to make for a wide range of dietary preferences. (Find more dairy substitute help here.)
It's also easy to adjust with different add-ins and flavorings to make it your own!
Serve it with fresh berries, whipped cream, and some gluten-free vanilla wafers for a decadently simple dessert!
Can Celiacs Have Pudding?
If you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, you're probably used to second guessing everything you eat! Pudding may be one of your favorite desserts, but is it gluten-free?
Yes and no. Although there are some gluten-free brands out there, you often need to pay more or go out of your way to find them.
It's much easier to make your own at home with everyday ingredients, like non-dairy milk, cocoa powder, and cornstarch. It tastes better, too!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: This adds one layer of chocolate flavor. Be sure to look for cocoa powder processed in a certified gluten-free facility.
- Cornstarch: To thicken the pudding mixture and give it that classic creaminess. Tapioca starch or potato starch can be used in place of the cornstarch.
- Granulated sugar: For just enough sweetness. This recipe isn't overly sweet.
- Canned coconut milk: This is one of the thickest, creamiest non-dairy milks and is a perfect option for this recipe. It will have a subtle coconut flavor, though.
- Unsweetened almond milk: The almond milk may be substituted with your favorite dairy-free milk. I recommend oat milk, coconut milk, or soy milk.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: I use and recommend the Nestle Allergy Free Chocolate Chips or Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Chips.
- Pure vanilla extract: Look for a gluten free vanilla extract.
- Vegan butter: To amp up the creamy texture and offer extra richness.
Measurements for each ingredient, along with instructions for making the gluten free pudding are in the recipe card below.
Note about the chocolate
Feel free to use whichever type of chocolate you prefer. For a deeper, darker flavor, use dark chocolate chips and cocoa powder.
How To Make Gluten Free Chocolate Pudding
Step One: In a heavy bottom medium saucepan, add the cocoa powder, cornstarch, and sugar. Warm over medium heat.
Step Two: Whisk in the coconut milk and almond milk and continue to stir until mixture is smooth.
Step Three: While whisking, bring mixture to a gentle boil and boil for 2 minutes, until thick.
Step Four: Remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips, vanilla, and vegan butter.
Step Five: Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
Step Six: When pudding is smooth, pour it into a bowl and place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the pudding. Pudding can be served at room temperature or chilled.
Storing Homemade Chocolate Pudding
Pudding can be served warm or at room temperature. The pudding will firm as it chills, so it's okay if it's not very thick right away. It generally needs about 2-3 hours to cool completely.
You can also freeze it in popsicle trays for homemade gluten-free pudding pops!
💭Pro Tips for Making This Homemade Pudding Recipe
- Measure ingredients by weight where weight is given.
- Use canned coconut milk for a creamy consistency.
- If you aren't vegan or dairy-free, you can use whole milk instead of the coconut and almond milk and regular butter.
Popular Questions about Gluten Free Pudding
To make sure your pudding is completely free from unwanted gluten, look for gluten-free brands, like:
Jello (except Jell-o instant cheesecake pudding)
Kozy Shack
Organics Pudding
Simply Delish
Snack Pack
Of course, you will always want to double check the packaging to make sure!
Curious about the difference between cook type pudding and instant? Instant pudding mixes contain a special modified type of cornstarch that thickens without heating the mixture at all, whereas cook versions need heat to thicken the cornstarch.
If you normally make pudding with the boxed mixes from the store, you'll be pleased to know that many of them are naturally free from gluten. They follow a simple recipe to the homemade pudding method, but generally contain more thickeners, flavors, and additives.
Any time you're mixing ingredients together, you're increasing the risk of cross contamination. According to the Kraft Foods website, Jell-o instant pudding mixes do not contain any known allergens, including gluten or dairy. However, the cheesecake flavor does contain gluten and is not suitable.
If you are sensitive to gluten or have a mild reaction, you may be able to tolerate it but if you have celiac disease, it may be better to look for a pudding mix that is certified gluten-free.
Rice pudding isn't exactly the same as regular pudding. Although we use the same term, it's slightly different. Fortunately, most recipes for rice pudding are gluten-free and rely on corn starch (or tapioca starch) to bring them together.
Like other pudding cups and mixes, you'll want to check the individual packaging.
Some options include:
Kozy Shack
Petit Pot
Goya
Senor Rico
Not all of the packages will expressly say that the product is gluten-free, but it will not contain wheat or gluten as an allergen. For example, Senor Rico lists milk and egg as allergens, but not wheat.
Many people can eat these products without any reactions, but they can be cross contaminated during production. If you are a celiac who must avoid all gluten ingredients, consider making your own at home.
More Gluten-Free Baking Recipes
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Recipe
Gluten-Free Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 23 grams unsweetened cocoa powder about ¼ cup
- 34 grams cornstarch about ¼ cup
- 100 grams granulated sugar about ½ cup
- 13.5 ounces canned coconut milk 1 can
- 1 cup almond milk unsweetened
- 150 grams semi-sweet chocolate chips about ⅔ cup, dairy-free
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon vegan butter
Instructions
- In a heavy bottom medium saucepan, add the cocoa powder, cornstarch, and sugar. Turn heat to medium.
- Whisk in the coconut milk and almond milk and continue to stir until mixture is smooth.
- While whisking, bring mixture to a gentle boil and boil for 2 minutes, until thick.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips, vanilla, and vegan butter.
- When pudding is smooth, pour it into a bowl and place plastic wrap directly on the pudding. Pudding can be served at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
- Measure ingredients by weight where weight is given.
- Tapioca starch or potato starch can be used in place of the cornstarch.
- Use canned coconut milk.
- The almond milk may be substituted with oat milk, coconut milk, or soy milk.
- I use and recommend the Nestle Allergy Free Chocolate Chips or Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Chips.
- Pudding can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Pudding will firm as it chills.
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