Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding is an irresistible dessert that’s rich, indulgent, and guaranteed to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings with its luxurious, velvety texture and decadent flavor.
What Is Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding
Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding is a classic British dessert that elevates the art of comfort food to an elegant and indulgent treat. The recipe brings together the rich, deep flavor of high-quality chocolate with a soft, spongy texture that pairs perfectly with a luscious chocolate sauce.
Unlike many puddings that require hours of preparation, Jamie’s version is delightfully simple to make, giving you an incredibly rewarding dessert that feels both homemade and gourmet. The beauty of this pudding lies in its moist interior and gooey chocolate sauce that flows when you break through the surface. It’s ideal for those moments when you want a dessert that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your craving for something comforting.
Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding Recipe
Ingredients Needed

To make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Dark chocolate (70% cocoa) – 200g, broken into pieces
- Butter – 100g, softened
- Caster sugar – 150g
- Self-raising flour – 100g
- Cocoa powder – 2 tablespoons
- Eggs – 2 large
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Full-fat milk – 2 tablespoons (optional, for extra creaminess)
These ingredients combine to create a pudding that is rich and full of deep chocolate flavor, with just the right balance of sweetness and depth.
Equipment Needed
For this chocolate pudding recipe, you will need the following equipment:
- Mixing bowl – to combine the dry ingredients and the butter
- Electric whisk or hand whisk – for beating the eggs and butter together
- Baking dish – ideally one large enough to hold the pudding mixture (a 20cm round dish works well)
- Saucepan – for melting the chocolate and butter
- Spoon or spatula – to fold in the ingredients and stir the batter
- Oven – preheated to ensure even cooking
These tools will help you prepare the pudding with ease and ensure that it turns out perfectly each time.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease your baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Melt the Chocolate: Break the dark chocolate into pieces and place it in a saucepan with the butter. Melt them together over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat once melted.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and cocoa powder. Add in the caster sugar for sweetness.
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs and vanilla extract until frothy. Pour in the melted chocolate and butter mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently to avoid lumps. If the batter feels too thick, you can add a couple of tablespoons of milk to loosen it.
- Bake the Pudding: Pour the pudding batter into your greased baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the pudding has risen and the surface is firm, yet slightly wobbly in the center.
- Serve: Let the pudding cool for a couple of minutes before serving. You can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of extra melted chocolate for an added indulgence.
Expert Tips
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: The chocolate is the star ingredient, so make sure to use a good-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) for that deep, rich flavor. Avoid using cooking chocolate, which can be waxy and lack the complex flavors of premium chocolate.
- Avoid Overbaking: The key to a perfect chocolate pudding is ensuring that the inside remains gooey and molten. Overbaking it will make the pudding dry, so keep an eye on it as it bakes. If you want a slightly underdone pudding, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the pudding batter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve. This can make it an easy dessert for dinner parties.
- Customize the Flavor: While Jamie’s recipe is already incredibly delicious, you can personalize it by adding extras like chopped nuts, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even a touch of coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor.
Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding is an absolute must-try for anyone who enjoys rich, gooey, and decadent desserts. Whether you are an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe offers a simple, foolproof way to create a delicious, indulgent treat that will impress anyone.
With its velvety texture and deep chocolate flavor, it’s sure to become your go-to dessert for any special occasion, or even just a cozy night in. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite dessert accompaniments-like cream or ice cream-to elevate your chocolate experience!.
Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding

Jamie Oliver’s chocolate pudding is a decadent and delightful dessert that can be easily customized to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few easy variations that you can try to elevate this already delicious treat:
- Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt: For those who love the sophisticated balance between sweet and savory, try using high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) and sprinkle a small amount of flaky sea salt on top just before serving. The salt enhances the richness of the chocolate and creates a complex flavor profile.
- Raspberry Chocolate Pudding: Adding fresh raspberries (or even raspberry puree) can introduce a delightful tang to balance out the sweetness. Simply fold the raspberries into the pudding mixture before baking, or layer them on top for a beautiful burst of color and flavor.
- Orange Zest and Liqueur: Add a zesty twist to your pudding by incorporating some finely grated orange zest. For an extra indulgence, consider adding a splash of orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau to the mixture. The citrus pairs wonderfully with the richness of the chocolate.
- Nutty Chocolate Pudding: You can add chopped nuts like hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy texture that contrasts with the smoothness of the pudding. If you prefer, you can toast the nuts lightly to enhance their flavor before mixing them into the batter.
- Vegan Chocolate Pudding: For a plant-based version, swap the eggs and dairy for non-dairy alternatives. Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk and replace eggs with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) or a flaxseed mixture (flaxseed and water) as an egg substitute. Choose dairy-free dark chocolate to keep the pudding fully vegan.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: For a classic combination, swirl in some creamy peanut butter into your pudding mixture before baking. As it bakes, the peanut butter will melt into the pudding, creating pockets of rich flavor.
- Caramelized Banana Chocolate Pudding: Slice up ripe bananas and sauté them in a little bit of butter and brown sugar until they are golden and caramelized. Fold them into the batter before baking, and you’ll have a chocolate pudding with a lovely banana sweetness.
By experimenting with these variations, you can tailor Jamie Oliver’s chocolate pudding to your preferences or the occasion at hand. Each twist brings something unique, and the recipe remains easy to execute, ensuring that everyone gets to enjoy their perfect chocolate dessert.
Best Practices To Store Leftovers
While chocolate pudding is best enjoyed fresh, sometimes there are leftovers, and knowing how to store them properly ensures that the pudding retains its creamy texture and flavor. Here are some essential tips for storing leftover chocolate pudding:
- Refrigeration: Once the pudding has cooled to room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. This will help prevent it from absorbing any odors from other items in the fridge. Refrigerate the pudding for up to 3-4 days.
- Avoid Freezing: Chocolate pudding is a custard-based dessert, and while many custard recipes can be frozen, chocolate pudding generally doesn’t fare well in the freezer. Freezing can cause the pudding to become grainy and lose its smooth, velvety texture once thawed. For the best quality, it’s best to enjoy it within a few days of making it.
- Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy your pudding warm, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir continuously to prevent the pudding from curdling or burning. You can add a little bit of milk or cream to loosen it up if it’s become too thick during storage.
- Individual Portions: If you have a large batch left, consider portioning it out into smaller servings before storing. This makes it easier to take out only what you need and ensures that the pudding stays fresher for longer. Plus, individual portions are perfect for an easy snack later on.
- Top with Fresh Garnishes Later: If you plan to store the pudding for a few days, it’s best to leave garnishes such as whipped cream, fruit, or nuts off until you’re ready to serve. This prevents them from wilting or becoming soggy in the fridge.
By following these best practices, your leftover chocolate pudding can be enjoyed even after a few days without compromising its texture and taste.
What Goes Well With Chocolate Pudding?
Chocolate pudding is a rich and comforting dessert that pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments. Whether you’re looking for something to complement the sweetness, balance the richness, or add a contrasting texture, there are plenty of great options to consider:
- Whipped Cream: A classic topping for chocolate pudding, the airy, creamy texture of freshly whipped cream is the perfect contrast to the dense, silky smoothness of the pudding. You can sweeten it lightly with sugar or even add a touch of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Fresh Berries: Raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries work beautifully with chocolate pudding. The tartness of the berries helps cut through the sweetness of the pudding, creating a delightful contrast. You can serve the pudding topped with a handful of fresh berries or create a berry compote to drizzle over the top.
- Toasted Nuts: For added crunch and a deeper flavor profile, sprinkle some toasted nuts on top of your chocolate pudding. Hazelnuts, almonds, and pistachios are all excellent choices. They add texture and a nutty contrast that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
- Ice Cream: Serve the pudding with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream complements the warm or chilled pudding and makes for a more indulgent dessert. You can also opt for gelato or sorbet for a lighter, refreshing pairing.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce over chocolate pudding adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness. The deep, buttery flavor of caramel pairs beautifully with the smoothness of the chocolate.
- Espresso or Coffee: Chocolate and coffee are a match made in heaven. If you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated, pair your pudding with a shot of espresso or a small cup of rich, dark coffee. The slight bitterness of the coffee enhances the sweetness of the chocolate while providing a bit of balance.
- Shortbread or Biscotti: For a little extra crunch and a buttery, lightly sweet flavor, pair your chocolate pudding with shortbread cookies or biscotti. These treats add texture and a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creamy pudding.
Conclusion
Jamie Oliver’s chocolate pudding is a dessert that offers endless possibilities for customization, making it easy to create variations that suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re adding fruit, nuts, or liqueurs, you can tailor this recipe to make it your own. Proper storage ensures that leftovers remain delicious, and the right pairings, from whipped cream to espresso, elevate the experience even further.
Chocolate pudding is not only a comforting, indulgent treat on its own but also an incredibly versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in numerous creative ways. Whether you’re serving it as an after-dinner treat or simply enjoying it on a quiet afternoon, it’s a dessert that is sure to bring joy to all who indulge.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding Recipe?
Jamie Oliver’s chocolate pudding typically includes high-quality dark chocolate, unsalted butter, caster sugar, eggs, self-raising flour, and a pinch of sea salt. Some variations may also include cocoa powder or vanilla extract.
Is Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pudding Recipe Suitable For Vegetarians?
Yes, the standard recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it does not contain meat or animal-derived gelatin. However, it’s important to ensure that the chocolate used does not contain added animal-based ingredients like rennet.
Can I Make This Chocolate Pudding Ahead Of Time?
Yes, the pudding can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated before baking. Just bring it back to room temperature before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What Kind Of Chocolate Works Best In This Recipe?
Jamie Oliver recommends using high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids for a rich and intense flavor. Avoid milk chocolate as it can make the pudding overly sweet and less decadent.
How Do I Ensure The Pudding Has A Gooey Center?
To achieve a gooey, molten center, slightly underbake the pudding-typically around 12-14 minutes at 180°C (350°F). The outer edges should be set while the middle remains soft and slightly runny.
Can I Substitute Self-raising Flour In The Recipe?
Yes, if you don’t have self-raising flour, you can substitute it with a mix of all-purpose flour and baking powder. Use 1 cup of all-purpose flour plus 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder per cup of self-raising flour needed.
Are There Any Recommended Toppings Or Accompaniments?
Jamie often serves the chocolate pudding with vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of cream. These toppings balance the richness of the chocolate and add a refreshing contrast.
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Leftover pudding should be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, though the gooey center may firm up after refrigeration.
Can This Recipe Be Made Gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising blend. Ensure all other ingredients, especially chocolate, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What Type Of Baking Dish Is Best For This Pudding?
A ceramic or glass baking dish works well to retain heat evenly. Jamie often uses individual ramekins for single servings, but a medium-sized dish is also fine for a shared pudding.