If you’re anything like me, you love a sweet win that doesn’t require turning on the oven — or chasing down fancy ingredients. This easy chocolate pudding no gelatin recipe is one of those magical mom tricks that checks every box: it’s quick, creamy, made with just 3 simple ingredients, and totally kid-approved.
What I love most? No weird thickeners, no stovetop, and no gelatin — just a smooth, satisfying treat that comes together in minutes. It’s the perfect dairy-free no bake dessert for busy days, lunchboxes, or those “what’s for snack?” moments.
Table of Contents
Recipe Card
3-Ingredient No-Bake Chocolate Pudding Cups (No Gelatin)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups
- 4 small jars or cups
Ingredients
- 1 can 13.5 oz full-fat coconut milk (chilled for best texture)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup or agave or honey, to taste
- Optional: a splash of vanilla extract
- Optional: a pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the coconut milk, cocoa powder, and maple syrup. Stir until smooth and fully blended.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or chocolate intensity if needed.
- Pour the mixture into serving cups or jars.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) until set.
- Serve chilled. Optionally, top with berries or dairy-free whipped cream.
Notes
- Storage: Store pudding cups in the fridge in sealed jars or containers. Best enjoyed within 3–4 days.
- Make ahead: Perfect for prepping the night before — they firm up beautifully overnight.
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Customizations:
- Add a tablespoon of chia seeds before chilling for extra fiber and texture.
- Swap maple syrup with agave or honey based on your preference.
- For an extra indulgent twist, top with shaved chocolate or coconut whipped cream.
- Tip: Use full-fat canned coconut milk for the creamiest texture — light versions won’t set as well.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chocolate Pudding (No Gelatin)
There’s a reason this one’s on repeat in our house — actually, a few reasons:
- Just 3 ingredients – No complicated steps or hidden fillers, just pantry staples that come together in minutes.
- No gelatin, no baking – Perfect if you’re avoiding animal-based thickeners or just don’t want to fuss with heat.
- Naturally dairy-free – Coconut milk keeps it creamy and comforting, without any dairy.
- Kid-approved – It tastes like chocolate pudding should — rich, smooth, and just sweet enough.
- Quick clean-up – One bowl, one spoon, and no mess. That’s a win in my book!
- Chocolate that loves you back – Cocoa isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with antioxidants and may support heart health and brain function, according to Harvard researchers. A creamy dessert that’s indulgent and smart? Yes, please! [source]
It’s the kind of healthy chocolate pudding for kids that even picky eaters love, and it makes a great quick no-cook chocolate snack for moms too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how easy this easy chocolate pudding no gelatin is to make — and you probably already have everything in your kitchen. It’s a simple 3-ingredient dessert recipe that delivers all the cozy vibes without the extra work.
- Canned full-fat coconut milk: This gives the pudding its rich, creamy base while keeping it totally dairy-free.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that deep chocolate flavor that makes this healthy chocolate pudding for kids taste like a treat.
- Maple syrup (or agave/honey): Adds natural sweetness and blends beautifully for that classic pudding texture.
Optional: add a pinch of salt or a splash of vanilla for a little flavor boost. But honestly, this quick no-cook chocolate snack is dreamy just as-is.
How to Make Easy Chocolate Pudding No Gelatin
This recipe is so simple, it almost makes itself. No stove, no whisking over heat — just stir, chill, and enjoy. Here’s how this easy chocolate pudding no gelatin comes together:
- Mix it all up – In a bowl, combine your coconut milk, cocoa powder, and maple syrup until smooth and lump-free.
- Taste and tweak – Want it a little sweeter or more chocolatey? Adjust the cocoa or syrup to your liking.
- Chill time – Pour into cups or jars and let them set in the fridge for a couple of hours (or overnight if prepping ahead).
- Serve and smile – Top with berries, dairy-free whipped cream, or enjoy it just as it is.
This easy chocolate pudding no gelatin recipe is as fuss-free as it gets — no cooking, no stress, just chocolate happiness in a cup.up.
Mom Tips from Olivia
You know I’m all about shortcuts that still feel like a win — and this recipe is full of them. Here’s how to make this easy chocolate pudding no gelatin even better for your busy week:
- Use a blender for silky smooth texture – If your cocoa is a little clumpy, toss everything in the blender for a pudding that’s extra creamy.
- Chill in snack-size jars – I like using small mason jars or baby food containers. Makes portioning (and storing) a breeze!
- Sneak in a boost – Add a spoonful of chia seeds or ground flax if you want to up the fiber without changing the flavor.
- Dress it up – A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or a spoon of nut butter on top turns this into a legit dessert, even for grown-ups.
Seriously, this quick no-cook chocolate snack has saved me on more than one “what can I give them that’s fast and not candy?” afternoon.
How to Serve & Store
How to Serve It
This easy chocolate pudding no gelatin is super versatile:
- Spoon it into little jars or ramekins for single-serve snacks
- Add fresh berries, coconut whipped cream, or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips
- Layer with crushed graham crackers or granola for a fun parfait twist
- Freeze in silicone molds for a mini pudding pop treat!
How to Store It
Keep leftovers in an airtight container or jars with lids. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days — just give it a stir before serving if it’s been sitting a while.
If you want to store it longer, pop it in the freezer! Let thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
This make-ahead wonder is perfect for busy weeks, and honestly, it’s one of the few healthy chocolate pudding for kids recipes that actually disappears from my fridge fast!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this easy chocolate pudding no gelatin ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pudding actually gets better after a few hours in the fridge. It thickens up nicely and holds its texture for 2–3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or after-school snacks.
Is this chocolate pudding recipe really dairy-free?
Yep! As long as you use a plant-based milk like full-fat coconut milk or oat milk, this is a dairy-free no bake dessert that’s super creamy and satisfying — no dairy, no gelatin, and no stress.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Totally. Maple syrup works great, but you can swap in agave, honey (if not vegan), or even a few soaked dates blended in for a more natural option.
Will kids like the taste of coconut?
Honestly, it depends on the kiddo — but the cocoa flavor is strong enough that most don’t even notice. If coconut is a dealbreaker, try oat milk or another thick dairy-free alternative to keep it creamy.
Can I freeze these pudding cups?
You can! Freeze them in small jars, then thaw overnight in the fridge. It’s a great way to make extra servings of this healthy chocolate pudding for kids with zero last-minute work.
Final Thoughts
This easy chocolate pudding no gelatin has become one of my favorite no-fuss desserts — simple enough for a weekday snack, yet sweet enough to serve to guests (especially with a little whipped topping!). It’s creamy, chocolatey, and made with ingredients I feel good about giving my kids.
If you liked this recipe, you’ll love No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Jars (Mason Jar Dessert Idea) — and don’t miss Easy Chocolate Covered Rice Krispie Treats too!
