I have never been one to buy the boys pudding cups much at all. There is something about the extra additives, expense and excess packaging that turns me off. But the fact remains that they do like pudding, and frankly I kind of like it now and then too. So I figured why not make it from scratch and create exactly what I want!

What better flavor combination than chocolate and peanut butter?! It is certainly one of my favorites and the boys love it too. I also have another motive, I have plans for another recipe using this pudding! So off I was in the kitchen to experiment.

We were all quite pleased with the results. I like using the dark chocolate cocoa as it gives the pudding a more intense chocolate flavor. Natural peanut butter works best too, both for the texture and no added preservatives. I put them in canning jars and we packed them for a night at the drive-in movies to see Turbo with the boys. I hope you enjoy them as much as we all did. I foresee making pudding for Jack’s lunch treats when he starts Kindergarten in just a month!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. dark chocolate cocoa powder
2 Tbs. cornstarch
Pinch of sea salt
1 3/4 c. 2% milk
1/2 c. heavy whipping cream
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips
1/2 c. natural peanut butter ( peanuts and salt as only ingredients)
1 tsp. vanilla
Optional garnish ideas include whipped cream, chopped peanut butter cups, peanut butter chips, mini chocolate chips, shaved chocolate….

Whisk together the sugar, cocoa, cornstarch and salt together in a heavy bottomed medium saucepan. Add the milk and cream and whisk well. Over a medium heat whisk often and just bring to a boil.

Remove from heat and whisk in the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Return pan to heat and just barely bring to a boil again, it should take less than a minute. Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla. Pour into 6 bowls, jars, or glasses. Place plastic wrap directly over the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Chill well before serving. Garnish as desired.

Yields 6 servings