Author: Catherine McCord

Why I Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Satisfying: Made with protein-packed silken tofu and antioxidant-rich cocoa powder, this vegan chocolate pudding recipe lets you enjoy a sweet treat that’s low in fat and not laden with sugar like many desserts.
• Incredibly Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and a food processor, you can whip up this delightful dessert in minutes. It’s perfect for those sudden chocolate cravings!
• Creative Use for Tofu: Tofu is one of those amazingly versatile foods that you can use in so many different ways. It’s flavor is neutral, allowing it to take on and absorb the flavors of whatever you make. It’s delicious in this recipe or others like Sweet Gingery Tofu and Mapo Tofu! 
• Kid-Friendly: This Chocolate Tofu Pudding is so silky and tasty, I guarantee your kids will never notice that it’s not the Jell-O kind from the box.
• Dietary Preference Friendly: Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free or just looking for a delicious easy dessert, this recipe caters to all preferences!

The Ingredients

• Soft Silken Tofu: Silken tofu creates the creamy, luscious base for this pudding and is also high in protein. I like House Foods soft silken tofu or Mori-Nu firm silken tofu if you need ideas.
• Pure Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder gives this pudding its deep, intense chocolatey taste.
• Agave Nectar: Agave nectar naturally sweetens the pudding while keeping it vegan. You could use any of your favorite liquid sweeteners like maple syrup or honey if you wanted. 
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a lovely aroma.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this Chocolate Tofu Pudding is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas to customize it according to your preferences:

• Sweeteners: Swap agave nectar with maple syrup or honey (if not strictly vegan).
• Cocoa Powder: For a richer flavor, use dark cocoa powder or experiment with raw cacao powder for added health benefits.
• Tofu Type: If you prefer a thicker consistency, use firm silken tofu instead of soft. Avoid using regular firm tofu as it won’t blend as smoothly.
• Nut Butters: Add a tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter for a nutty twist and extra creaminess.
• Spices: Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for some warmth.
• Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like almond or peppermint to create new flavor profiles.
• Toppings: Top your chocolate tofu pudding with fresh fruits, nuts, dairy-free coconut whipped cream, dark chocolate shavings or chocolate chips to take it to the next level!

How to Make Healthy Chocolate Tofu Pudding

Step 1: Place all the ingredients in a food processor and blend to combine.

Step 2: Scrape down the sides of the food processor and blend again to make sure everything is incorporated.

Step 3: Enjoy it immediately for a softer texture or let it sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour to set and chill.

Tips and Tricks

• Choose the Right Tofu: We tested this recipe 6 times with different brands of tofus and decided that most brands of silken (or soft) tofu in your grocery store refrigerator section or “Mori-Nu silken firm un-refrigerated tofu” (sold at most health food stores) are the best options. Both tofus produced super smooth pudding results!
• Adjust Cocoa Powder: You can use more or less cocoa than the amount calls for in the recipe, but 1/3 cup seemed to produce a perfectly chocolatey pudding that wasn’t too light or too rich.
• Adjust Sweetness Gradually: Start with the recommended amount of sweetener and adjust gradually to suit your taste. Remember, you can always add more but can’t take it out once added.
• Blend Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well-blended to avoid any lumps. Scraping down the sides of the food processor helps in achieving a uniform consistency.
• Make Ahead: This pudding is perfect for making ahead of time, in fact, sometimes letting it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours allows the flavors to marry better!

FAQs