Chocolate coffee pudding is a simple dessert with a delicious, rich chocolate coffee pudding layer and a sweet and creamy vanilla layer. It’s a 1960s recipe that has stood the test of time.
In the mid-century convenience food items were gaining popularity. The post-war world was a time of technological innovation for the US and one thing it changed was how Americans cooked and ate. Media started to promote convenience food items to women to help free them from drudgery.
Combining the new all-electric kitchens that were gaining popularity and the new convenience foods helped the housewife gain more freedom and time to follow their interests.
While it can be argued that whole, fresh foods are generally better for us, moderation is key. Even at this time when these foods were gaining popularity you generally saw them as just part of a diet and not the whole diet.
A good example of this is a menu shared in a 1960s magazine. It called for a “garden supper” which was filled with fresh veggies, hot garlic bread, and mocha dessert, which is a chocolate coffee pudding. You can see the full meal plan for more inspiration.
The pudding was the part that used packaged ingredients but the meal as a whole is still packed with nutritious whole foods. This is the kind of moderation I look for in my homemaking.
How to Make Chocolate Coffee Pudding
When recreating these vintage recipes even when they are good they don’t always make it into my regular rotation of recipes because of how often I’m working on new recipes. This recipe is so good and easy that it will be made multiple times in the future.
You’ll need just a few simple ingredients and it can be made in very little time. And if you aren’t a big fan of coffee-flavored desserts this one has a very mild coffee flavor. You could also leave the coffee out.
Scroll down to find the full recipe card. There is a printable version as well!
You will need these ingredients:
- Cook and Serve Vanilla Pudding Mix (sharing an Amazon link but it’s generally cheaper in-store)
- Milk
- Vanilla Extract
- Instant Coffee
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- Optional: Flaked Coconut
All you need to do to make this dessert is prepare your pudding as directed, adding the vanilla as it cooks.
Once it’s made you divide it in half. To have the pudding you add the coffee and the chocolate. This is why you need to use cook and serve pudding instead of instant. It will need to be hot for the chocolate and coffee to mix into it.
Once you’ve done that you will put the pudding in dishes alternating the layers. I like to then let it set in the fridge for an hour or so.
If you are using coconut you simply sprinkle a bit on top before serving.
Can You Make Chocolate Coffee Pudding Sugar-Free?
I have not tested this method but this recipe should be easy to convert to a low sugar recipe. There would still be some sugar in the milk but you can use zero-sugar Jell-O Cook & Serve Vanilla Pudding and sugar-free chocolate chips to make this recipe.
Be sure to print the recipe card below to keep in your recipe binder so you will have it anytime you need a quick dessert.
More Vintage Dessert Recipes
If you are looking for more delicious vintage dessert recipes to try? I’ve got you covered.
Easy Chocolate Coffee Pudding
Turn pudding mix into a delicious mocha flavored dessert that is the perfect ending to a nice meal.
Ingredients
- 1 package cook & serve vanilla pudding
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- Optional: flaked coconut
Instructions
- Prepare pudding according to the label directions. Most will use 2 cups of milk but adjust according to the pudding you are using.
- Divide pudding in half. To one-half, add coffee and chocolate; stir to dissolve.
- In small dishes, alternate layers of the pudding.
- If desired, sprinkle coconut on top.
- Chill the pudding until fully set.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 301Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 160mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 3gSugar: 31gProtein: 6g
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.
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Deanna Piercy says
This looks so good! I need to order some lactose free milk on my next grocery order and give this a try.