Dessert/ Puddings & Custards/ Recipes

vegan chocolate pudding

So, I kinda figured you all would need another chocolate recipe the day after Halloween. Because, you know, you might not have gotten enough. I’m always conscious of these things and personally, in my mind, there’s no such thing as too much chocolate.

Enter chocolate pudding. It’s creamy, it’s rich and it has enough dark chocolate to completely knock your socks off.

And, oh wait, it’s also low fat and vegan! It really is. I never thought I’d see the day.

I found this recipe on 101 cookbooks about four years ago and have made it a few times since. The first time I made it, I was home on Christmas break from college and served it to my dad and brother, both of who which gobbled it up in about three seconds flat.

After they cleaned their bowls I smiled, cleared the table and asked them if they liked it.

“This is sooooo good, Jen! Usually your desserts are so healthy and stuff but this one’s really delicious,” said my brother as he licked his spoon clean.

“I agree. Is there more?” my dad asked.

Again, I just smiled sweetly and served them seconds, relishing in the fact that I had secretly just served them silken tofu for dessert and no one knew the better. It vaguely reminded me of the time when I innocently asked my brother if he could grab me a glass of water and he gave me water from the dog’s bowl to drink.

Naturally, I never told them the truth.

That just goes to show what kind of person I am, I guess. It also goes to show you, though, that even though your initial reaction to tofu in pudding might be one of shock, I promise you really can’t tell it’s in there.

But fine, don’t believe me. Try it for yourself. This pudding only takes about ten minutes to prepare and an hour to chill. Plus, you only need four ingredients. It’s kinda the best thing ever.

Vegan Chocolate Pudding

adapted from 101 cookbooks

1/2 cup chocolate soymilk (I used trader joe’s brand)

1 12-oz bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

12 oz silken tofu, drained

Melt the chocolate chips using a double boiler or in a large metal bowl placed over a pot of simmering water. Once they’ve melted, add the chocolate soymilk, the vanilla extract and the tofu. Whisk well. Place mixture in a blender or vita-mix and process for about thirty seconds, or until completely smooth. Chill in the fridge for an hour and a half or so before serving.

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  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
    November 1, 2010 at 12:41 pm

    I’ve never even tried tofu, yet tried to make a dessert with it! But it does look super creamy and delicious. I can never, ever have enough chocolate.

    • Cara Craves...
      November 1, 2010 at 6:48 pm

      How have you never eaten tofu?!
      Go and give it a try 🙂

  • Evan Thomas
    November 1, 2010 at 12:41 pm

    This reminds me of a Mark Bittman recipe I’ve been wanting to try, but something about tofu and chocolate just seems so… off. I need to get past that and give it a try; you make it seem so simple!

    • Carrie H
      November 1, 2010 at 2:55 pm

      Is your recipe the one with chili powder (or some kind of spicy spice) in it? My brother makes one with tofu, chocolate and some spicy-ness from Mark Bittman and it is GREAT. I promise! 🙂

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
    November 1, 2010 at 12:42 pm

    i’ve seen a few recipes for tofu-based chocolate puddings but haven’t tried one yet. funnily enough, i bought a packet of tofu this weekend… i think some may need to be dedicated to this!

  • Michele @ Healthy Cultivations
    November 1, 2010 at 12:48 pm

    I’ve often considered making some sort of dessert with tofu in it but always feared it just wouldn’t be very good. I’ll take your word for it on this one and give it a shot some time. Thanks…

  • valen
    November 1, 2010 at 12:49 pm

    Now a days I enjoy pretty much anything with silken tofu in it, but it wasn’t so when I was 14. I invited my friends (so called friends) over to my house and I was going to make this pudding for them (cooking class style). These girls thought I was weird to begin with and I had low self esteem, so when the recipe tasted AWFUL I felt AWFUL and extremely EMBARRASSED. There I was trying to turn them on to health food, and they were running screaming in the other direction! To this day though I have not tried it again. I will stick with avocado chocolate pudding.
    Although your pudding looks mighty delicious and has me thinking about giving it a go.

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite
    November 1, 2010 at 12:49 pm

    This looks so divine and creamy! I wish tofu agreed with my body…

    I think I’ll try this with avocado 🙂

    Thanks for the inspiration!

  • Kelsey Geist
    November 1, 2010 at 12:50 pm

    Aren’t chocolate chips NOT vegan?
    Confused!?

    • jenna
      November 1, 2010 at 12:51 pm

      you can buy vegan chocolate chips at trader joes, whole foods or pretty much any grocery store.

      • Kelsey Geist
        November 1, 2010 at 3:50 pm

        Awesome! Thanks so much.

        • Kelsey Geist
          November 1, 2010 at 3:50 pm

          Will it still taste the same with vegan chocolate chips.

          • jenna
            November 1, 2010 at 4:06 pm

            yep

  • TAbitha (From Single to Married)
    November 1, 2010 at 12:50 pm

    this looks amazing! I love that it’s vegan too. 🙂

  • Heather (Heather's Dish)
    November 1, 2010 at 12:54 pm

    um, yes i WILL be making this ASAP! i love silken tofu…the perfect secret ingredient!

  • Alina @ Duty Free Foodie
    November 1, 2010 at 12:56 pm

    I like the story that went with this recipe 🙂
    But seriously, it looks easy enough that I want to try it, except I am feeling a mad urge to de-soyify it. Do you think avocado would work instead of tofu?

    • jenna
      November 1, 2010 at 1:06 pm

      I’m not sure because I’ve never tried it…I can only promise it will be delicious with tofu!

      • Heather
        November 1, 2010 at 2:25 pm

        Avocado works beautifully in the place of tofu 🙂

  • monicanelsonfitness
    November 1, 2010 at 12:57 pm

    Yes, I have made a recipe very similiar to this before and got the same reaction you did. That tofu is sneaky (in a good way!). No one reallty knew. hehe.
    I like this one as it seems very simple-what 4 ingredients, love that!

    Thanks Jenna and yes I still want more chocolate. 🙂

  • Amanda (Eating Up)
    November 1, 2010 at 1:00 pm

    Mmm this looks like good (healthy) comfort food!

  • erin
    November 1, 2010 at 1:00 pm

    Um, HI. I’m going to need to make this immediately. I’m currently in the process of vegan-izing my life and let’s just say it’s not going well. I blame halloween candy and feta cheese.
    Moral of the story: recipes like this are much appreciated (not that I don’t drool over all of your recipes!). Thanks Jenna!

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
    November 1, 2010 at 1:02 pm

    This does look good–though I’m still skeptical. Is it gritty at all?

    • jenna
      November 1, 2010 at 1:05 pm

      nope..not at all. just creamy!

  • Krystina
    November 1, 2010 at 1:03 pm

    This is also really good made with cashew creme in place of the tofu. However, that kind of defeats the “low fat” thing.

  • Amanda
    November 1, 2010 at 1:08 pm

    That sounds like something I would give to my boyfriend….. like when I gave him chocolate soy milk and he was none the wiser. I think I’ll test this out on him too.

  • R @ Learning As I Chop
    November 1, 2010 at 1:12 pm

    I’m normally wary of this kind of thing, but I might have to try it. Thank you!

  • Hope
    November 1, 2010 at 1:15 pm

    Don’t tell them its healthy and they’ll eat it by the barrelfull! Thats what I tend to do with hubbys family!
    This looks so super easy! Thanks!

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write
    November 1, 2010 at 1:15 pm

    I was actually asked to write about vegan chocolate pudding once for a freelance assignment, so this type of recipe isn’t new to me. However, I’ve never actually tried it. It looks really good, and what an easy way to have quick chocolate pudding.

    Clearly, that’s exactly what we all need right after halloween. :p

  • Jill
    November 1, 2010 at 1:16 pm

    I know that this must be a winner cuzz when I made Mama Pea’s Monkey pie with silkin tofu–it was the best thing ever.

  • hippierunner
    November 1, 2010 at 1:19 pm

    Ooh, I am going to put this at the top of my mental to- make-soon list!

  • Lisa
    November 1, 2010 at 1:29 pm

    I’ve been burned so badly by YUCKY vegan desserts. The vegan chocolate chip cookies, vegan cake…so gross. Granted this was years ago when I was a vegetarian…I hope it’s gotten better since then. I’d be will to try a new recipe and see if my tastes have changed!

  • Katy @ A Healthy Shot
    November 1, 2010 at 1:46 pm

    Um, this looks delicious! I’ve done the same thing with my family/friends & making a ‘secretly’ healthy meal or dessert. I just smile and say thanks 🙂 No need for them to know…

  • Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary)
    November 1, 2010 at 1:48 pm

    Love those kinds of desserts!! Tastes every bit as good as one with much more sinful ingredients 😉

  • Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf
    November 1, 2010 at 1:49 pm

    This has me kicking myself for not picking up some tofu at the store when it was on sale a few days ago. Looks so good!

  • Lisa
    November 1, 2010 at 1:50 pm

    oh my – what a wonderful idea!!!

  • Cathy B. @ Bright Bakes
    November 1, 2010 at 1:58 pm

    i really need to try this…i have a box of tofu languishing in the fridge anyway… must be fate. 🙂
    love,
    cathy b. @ brightbakes

  • Amy Leclerc
    November 1, 2010 at 2:25 pm

    You definitely can make this with avocado. Check out abbys-table.com, she makes an amazing Nude Pudding that is next level.

  • grocery goddess jen
    November 1, 2010 at 2:27 pm

    Wow, that looks amazingly easy and delicious. I have used tofu in desserts before, but it’s been a while.

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
    November 1, 2010 at 2:37 pm

    I made raw vegan chocolate mousse/pudding with avocado. Yes, I know, it sounds awful. But….trust me, I fool even the staunchest critics…carnivores and 3 yr olds at bday parties…no one ever knows.

    It’s amazing what avocado, and enough cocoa powder and agave to make you forget it’s raw/vegan can do for a dessert!

    I have seen the pudding you made before, but I have never put tofu in pudding or frosting…I just use cashews or avocados 🙂 As long as it’s raw vegan, I figure I’ll make it high fat 🙂

  • Natalia - a side of simple
    November 1, 2010 at 2:38 pm

    oh YUM. because there is no such thing as too much chocolate. ever. 😉

  • Lauren at KeepItSweet
    November 1, 2010 at 2:43 pm

    i’ve always wanted to try baking with tofu, this looks like a great delicious way to do that

  • katie
    November 1, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    could you turn this into a chocolate pudding pie with whole wheat crust? then it would for sure be very guiltless holidays!

  • Camille
    November 1, 2010 at 2:51 pm

    Haha, I love sneaky healthy foods! I always feel like a master of disguise when I serve them and no one notices 🙂

  • Dana @ my little celebration
    November 1, 2010 at 3:03 pm

    Yum, that pudding looks incredible. You could make it with so many other flavor variations, too. I’m sure pumpkin or peppermint would be really good for the holidays : )

  • karen t
    November 1, 2010 at 3:24 pm

    given any thoughts on what desserts you’ll be mastering for the holidays, can’t wait to see…Loved your posts lately and all the yummy desserts…..Btw, you have to frame that previous coffee picture for your kitchen.

  • Cathy
    November 1, 2010 at 3:27 pm

    I thought of you the other day when I saw a saying, “I don’t have a problem with chocolate. I have a problem without chocolate!”

  • veganlisa
    November 1, 2010 at 3:56 pm

    What a perfect post for World Vegan Day!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
    November 1, 2010 at 3:57 pm

    That’s it. I’m making this.

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
    November 1, 2010 at 4:09 pm

    Totally the best thing ever.

    I always make people food and don’t tell them what’s in it. It makes me feel good about myself.

  • Mom
    November 1, 2010 at 4:41 pm

    Do you remember how sneaky you were with your brother when it came to food??? His friends still talk about how you made them eat “certain things” to this day…

  • Jackie
    November 1, 2010 at 4:51 pm

    I will definitely be making this! I’ve made something similar – “Moo-less chocolate pie” from Alton Brown (I think?) and it was wonderful this looks just as delicious! Thanks for sharing:)

    • Jenny D.
      November 2, 2010 at 8:23 am

      So true! This is very similar! I absolutely LOVE sharing the chocolate pie with others and then telling them it’s primarily made of tofu… doesn’t hurt that you add kahlua:)

      Can’t wait to give it a go with this pudding!!

  • KBG
    November 1, 2010 at 5:08 pm

    I’m just curious as to what your serving size is to make this low-fat-and I guess what is your definition of low-fat? By my admittedly quick calculations the chocolate chips alone contribute approximately 96 grams of fat to the recipe-there’s a huge difference if this recipe is 4 servings versus 12. I know you are all about balance and being able to eat chocolate if you want to eat chocolate-which is awesome, but if you put out a recipe that you describe as low-fat, maybe give some indication as to how many servings it makes. Here endeth the cranky lady rant. Thanks.

    • alison
      November 3, 2010 at 3:28 am

      I was wondering the exact same thing… doesn’t seem low fat

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss
    November 1, 2010 at 5:58 pm

    I really need to try tofu in pudding, it’s such a simple concept..and it ups the protein! Win-win!

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In
    November 1, 2010 at 6:01 pm

    I’ve never made a dessert with tofu, but heard it makes things creamy and delicious! I am a chocoholic so this one is on the list…!

  • Kelsey
    November 1, 2010 at 6:11 pm

    I have never cooked with silken tofu! I am really curious now, that pudding looks fantastic.

  • Cara Craves...
    November 1, 2010 at 6:48 pm

    I love how easy and delicious this looks!

  • Candice @ ChiaSeedMe
    November 1, 2010 at 6:49 pm

    I’ve heard of things like this, but never actually tried it! If you loved it, it must be good though! Definitely going to try it out:) Thanks, Jenna!

  • Lacey @ Lake Life
    November 1, 2010 at 7:21 pm

    This post just got a star in my Google Reader which, of course, means I will be making it soon 🙂

  • Ashley
    November 1, 2010 at 7:41 pm

    darn soy allergy! that looks really good. I guess I’ll just have to whip up a batch of the real stuff. hehehe

    • jenna
      November 1, 2010 at 7:42 pm

      apparently you can make it with avocado! lemme know how that goes 😉

  • Noelle @Opera Singer in the Kitchen
    November 1, 2010 at 7:41 pm

    Dang this looks good.

  • Lizlivingvegan
    November 1, 2010 at 8:04 pm

    Yum!! Seems like a great way to get in some protein too! 🙂

  • Alyssa
    November 1, 2010 at 8:05 pm

    So easy! I have to give it a try 🙂

  • Camille @ La Bella Vita
    November 1, 2010 at 8:23 pm

    I have to say that you are my cooking guru and your photography is stunning…just saying:) I have been enjoying your blog for months.

  • Kamila
    November 1, 2010 at 9:20 pm

    omg. i love you. thanks!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca)e
    November 1, 2010 at 10:35 pm

    I have never baked with tofu yet, but I have been meaning to (then I am going to trick my in-laws and coworkers into eating tofu, which they are soooo afraid of)!

  • Paige is Running Around Normal
    November 2, 2010 at 4:51 am

    LOVE using silken tofu is dips and pudding dishes:) LOL at the trick your brother played on you. Sounds like something my brother would have done.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
    November 2, 2010 at 5:47 am

    Haha I love it when I can secretly force my family to eat healthy foods. I wonder if I could slip some broccoli in here too… my dad has been skimping on his greens lately. 😛

    • Amelia
      October 10, 2012 at 6:19 am

      You could probably hide some spinach in there if you have a great blender!

  • jenna
    November 2, 2010 at 5:53 am

    lol! I love your moms comment! I’ve only had tofu once in my life and swore it off like the plague. but this does look amazingly creamy and if you served it to me I would probably love it!

  • Seglare
    November 2, 2010 at 7:05 am

    Oh, this is one of my all-time favorite desserts! 🙂 I hope your post encourages some non-vegans to give it a try (it’s really worth it).

  • Amber K
    November 2, 2010 at 7:21 am

    It definitely looks delish, but unfermented soy freaks me out.

  • Heather @ Get Healthy With Heather
    November 2, 2010 at 7:25 am

    I actually just picked up some silken tofu for a pudding and look here up posted a recipe. Perfect timing!

  • Rebecca
    November 2, 2010 at 8:50 am

    I’ve made a similar recipe with these ingredients save the soymilk: silken tofu chocolate pie. I make it for dessert on Easter; so easy and delicious! I’ll give this pudding a try for sure.

  • amy leclerc
    November 2, 2010 at 8:05 pm

    I made this! AWESOME. I used Vanilla Almond Milk (unsweetened) and added cinnamon and sea salt. Do it!

  • Mage
    November 2, 2010 at 11:45 pm

    Its so easy might try to make your version of chocolate pudding. Thanks for the post!

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  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat
    November 5, 2010 at 9:03 am

    I love that recipe! When I make it, I only use 1 cup of chocolate chips (melted on stove with 1 tbsp water) and it’s still plenty chocolatey 🙂

  • Emilee
    December 7, 2010 at 10:17 am

    Jenna- I know this you posted this recipe a while ago but I have silken tofu I’d like to use and this sounds great! Question- can I just whisk the mixture by hand instead of the blender for 30 seconds?

    • jenna
      December 7, 2010 at 10:50 am

      You really need an electronic mixer or blender because the tofu will separate into about a million little pieces if you don’t puree it!

      • Emilee
        December 8, 2010 at 7:58 pm

        okay thank you 🙂 I’m gonna make this for my fam also, but plan on telling them the secret ingredient afterrrr they’re done eating haha

  • Snickers Pie
    October 31, 2012 at 2:55 am

    […] to the vegan chocolate pudding for sec. It was almost two years to the day that I posted the original recipe and it’s still my […]