Keto Chocolate Pudding That Actually Tastes Amazing (And Keeps You in Ketosis)

If you’re on the keto diet, you know one thing’s for sure: cravings don’t just vanish. They lurk around every corner, especially when it comes to sweets. But here’s the good news—this keto chocolate pudding won’t ruin your carb count or make you feel like you’re missing out. It’s creamy, chocolatey, ridiculously simple to whip up, and most importantly, it’s legit keto-friendly.

We’ll walk you through each step, so whether you’re a kitchen whiz or someone who burns toast, you’ll end up with something you’ll want to eat straight out of the bowl. No weird ingredients, no complicated techniques—just smooth, satisfying chocolate pudding.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Keto Chocolate Pudding

Before we get started, gather your ingredients. It’s always easier when everything is ready to go.

  • 2 cups heavy cream
    (Make sure it’s full-fat, not half-and-half. We want the rich stuff!)
  • 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
    (Get the good cocoa for deeper flavor, but any unsweetened one will work.)
  • 1/4 cup powdered erythritol or any keto-friendly sweetener
    (Powdered blends better than granulated, so it’s worth using.)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    (Optional but adds that extra touch of warmth and sweetness.)
  • A pinch of salt
    (Trust me, it balances out the sweetness perfectly.)
  • 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
    (This is a thickener. You don’t need much—just a little gives it that smooth, pudding-like texture.)

Optional toppings: Whipped cream (keto-friendly, of course), shaved dark chocolate, or a handful of chopped nuts for some crunch.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Your Keto Chocolate Pudding

Step 1: Heat the Cream
Pour the heavy cream into a medium-sized saucepan. Heat it over medium-low heat, but don’t let it boil. You’re looking for it to get hot, with little bubbles forming around the edges. Stir it occasionally so it doesn’t scorch. This step is what gives your pudding that velvety texture.

Step 2: Mix in the Cocoa and Sweetener
Once the cream is heated, sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder and powdered erythritol. Why sift? It keeps you from getting clumps of cocoa, which nobody wants in their pudding. Stir continuously to dissolve the cocoa and sweetener completely. You’ll notice the mixture starting to turn a deep chocolate brown—this is when things start smelling amazing.

Step 3: Add the Vanilla and Salt
Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The salt might seem odd, but it’s a secret trick that enhances the chocolate flavor. Just a tiny pinch does the job.

Step 4: Thicken with Xanthan Gum
Now, this part’s important. Sprinkle the xanthan gum evenly over the surface while whisking non-stop. Xanthan gum can clump if added too quickly, so go slow and steady. Keep whisking for a few minutes as the mixture thickens. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Chill the Pudding
Transfer the pudding to a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap (press it right onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming), and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. The longer it chills, the thicker it gets. If you’re super impatient, you can speed things up by sticking it in the freezer for 30 minutes—just don’t forget about it!

Serving Tips and Variations

Now that your pudding is perfectly set, it’s time to eat! You can enjoy it as is, but here are a few fun ways to make it even better:

  • Whipped Cream Topping
    Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top. Not only does it look fancy, but the lightness pairs perfectly with the rich pudding.
  • Shaved Dark Chocolate
    If you want to add a bit of crunch and extra chocolate flavor, shave a piece of 85% or higher dark chocolate over your pudding.
  • Berry Boost
    Keto doesn’t mean no fruit—just low-carb ones! A few raspberries or sliced strawberries add a tart contrast that works beautifully with the chocolate.
  • Nut Crunch
    Sprinkle some chopped pecans, walnuts, or even toasted almonds on top. It adds texture and gives it a bit of a nutty twist.
  • Peanut Butter Swirl
    If you’re a chocolate-peanut butter fan, swirl in a spoonful of natural peanut butter before chilling the pudding. It creates ribbons of salty, nutty goodness.

Why This Recipe Works for Keto

The keto diet is all about keeping carbs low and fats high, right? This pudding hits those marks perfectly. With heavy cream providing healthy fats and no sugar to spike your blood sugar, it’s a dessert that feels indulgent without breaking the rules. The use of erythritol or another keto-friendly sweetener keeps it sweet while staying low-carb. And since chocolate cravings are real on keto, this pudding lets you satisfy them without guilt.

Some Quick Keto Chocolate Facts

  • Cocoa powder is low in carbs but rich in flavor. That’s why it’s a go-to for keto desserts.
  • Xanthan gum is a great keto-friendly thickener because it doesn’t add any carbs or weird aftertaste.
  • Erythritol is popular because it doesn’t spike blood sugar levels, making it perfect for keto baking and desserts.
  • A serving of this pudding has roughly 3-4 net carbs, depending on your exact ingredients and portion size.

Conclusion

Craving something sweet doesn’t have to mean falling off the keto wagon. With this simple, satisfying keto chocolate pudding, you can stay on track and still enjoy a rich, chocolatey dessert that hits the spot every time. Whether you’re treating yourself after dinner or sneaking a spoonful in the middle of the day, this pudding delivers big flavor without the carbs.

Now, go grab a spoon and dive into that creamy goodness! This is one recipe you’ll want to make on repeat. Oh, and don’t be surprised when the rest of the family starts asking for it too—even if they aren’t doing keto.

Print

Keto Chocolate Pudding Recipe

This rich and creamy keto chocolate pudding is the perfect low-carb dessert for anyone on the keto diet. It’s easy to make, requires just a handful of simple ingredients, and is packed with flavor. Great for when those chocolate cravings hit without spiking your carbs!

  • Author: Jane Summerfield
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Keto, Low-Carb

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup powdered erythritol (or keto-friendly sweetener)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Heat the heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until hot, but not boiling.
  • Sift in the cocoa powder and powdered erythritol, stirring continuously until fully dissolved.
  • Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, mixing well.
  • Slowly sprinkle in the xanthan gum while whisking constantly to prevent clumps. Continue whisking until the pudding thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  • Remove from heat and transfer the pudding to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to avoid a skin forming.
  • Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or until set.
  • Serve with keto-friendly whipped cream or your favorite toppings!

Notes

  • For a thicker pudding, add a bit more xanthan gum.
  • You can swap erythritol for monk fruit sweetener or allulose if preferred.
  • Top with dark chocolate shavings, berries, or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.

Please note: The recipe or ingredients shown in the video might vary slightly from what’s listed here. Use the video as an illustration, but for the best results, you might want to stick to the recipe provided in this article.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 300 Sugar: 1g Sodium: 50mg Fat: 30g Saturated Fat: 18g Unsaturated Fat: 10g Trans Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 4g Fiber: 1g Protein: 3g Cholesterol: 100mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!