Dairy Free Pudding

This dairy free pudding is the perfect dessert or snack since it is easy to make from scratch at home and absolutely rich and delicious!

Ever since I was a tiny little thing crawling around, I’ve loved pudding, and I’m told that for a short time it was all I was willing to eat.

By the time I was in elementary school, I was already showing hint of becoming a foodie by using pretzels to eat my chocolate pudding to create my favorite flavor combination – salty and sweet.

Growing up, my mother made pudding pie – which was my favorite, after pumpkin pie.

Originally, chocolate pudding was a a variation on chocolate custard.

Early recipes call for both eggs and flour, but today starch is used as a thickener instead.

While dealing with eggs and flour can be a bit annoying, nowadays, pudding is surprisingly easy to make, this dairy free pudding not withstanding.

Cocoa

Cocoa adds a rich chocolate flavor and a nice brown color to recipes. It also helps balance sweetness in recipes, adds moisture to baked goods, and can be used to decorate food.

It’s used to make recipes like brownies, chocolate cake, chocolate sauce, chocolate cookies, chocolate muffins, and chocolate cupcakes. Cocoa can also be found in surprising places like cinnamon babka (just for the purpose of coloring) and savory dishes, such as chili and mole sauces.

The color can vary depending on the type of cocoa used. Natural cocoa powder tends to create a lighter color, while Dutch-processed cocoa results in a darker one.

Cocoa also adds moisture to recipes, giving baked goods a softer and tenderer texture.

Also, when combined with baking soda, cocoa’s acidity activates the leavening agent, contributing to the rise and lightness of baked goods.

Furthermore, cocoa is often used for decorative purposes. It is dusted on top of cakes, used as a coating for truffles, sprinkled over whipped cream, and to create a dusted effect for plated desserts.

WHICH TYPE OF COCOA TO USE

When a recipe calls for cocoa, always use unsweetened cocoa powder, unless specified otherwise. 

This allows you to have better control of the sweetness of what you’re making. 

There are three basic forms of unsweetened cocoa powder: natural cocoa powder, dutch-processed cocoa power, and raw cocoa powder.

NATURAL COCOA POWDER

Natural cocoa powder comes from cocoa beans that are fermented, roasted, processed at a higher heat, and milled into a powder.

It’s bitter with a very strong and concentrated chocolate flavor.  

This cocoa powder is acidic and is often used in recipes calling for baking soda because the two react with each other to allow your baked good to rise.

This is most commonly used, and should be used, in recipes that simply say “cocoa powder.”

DUTCH-PROCESSED COCOA POWDER

Dutch-processed cocoa powder starts with cocoa beans that have been washed in potassium carbonate, which neutralizes their acidity.  

Since Dutch-processed cocoa powder is neutral, it does not react with baking soda.

When baking, Dutch-processed cocoa is often paired with baking powder. 

Dutch-processed cocoa powder can also be used in place of natural cocoa powder in recipes that don’t require leavening.

These include sauces, hot cocoa, frostings, ice cream, pudding, etc.

If you only have Dutch-processed cocoa powder on hand, you can substitute it for neutral cocoa powder.

Just make sure to add 1/8 teaspoon of cream of tartar, white vinegar, or lemon juice for every 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder called for in the recipe.

RAW CACAO POWDER

Raw cacao powder is different from natural and Dutch-processed unsweetened cocoa powder.

It’s pure powder from the cacao bean and isn’t nearly as processed as either natural or Dutch-processed.

Cocoa is processed at high heat, which destroys much of the nutritional benefits of the cacao seed.

Also, cocoa powder is often alkalized during processing to reduce acidity. The result is a product that’s less bitter and more soluble when added to liquids.

Cacao powder, on the other hand, is made of fermented – not roasted – seeds that are processed at low temperatures and then milled into a powder, ensuring that its nutritional benefits and its bitter flavor are preserved.

You can use raw cacao powder in recipes that don’t specify Dutch-processed cocoa powder, however it is best not to try to.

Compared to cocoa powder, cacao powder has a stronger flavor, it is not as absorbent as cocoa powder, and it is more acidic, so it will react differently with baking soda. 

Sweetened Cocoa

Sweetened cocoa contains sugar and is suitable as a hot chocolate mix, but not suitable for recipes.

What’s the difference between cocoa powder and cacao powder?

Cocoa powder is made by roasting cacao beans and processing them at high heat.

Cacao powder is made by cold-pressing unroasted cacao beans. It’s often considered more “raw” and retains more nutrients.

Both can be used interchangeably in recipes.

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa instead of natural cocoa?

Yes, but it can affect the acidity and leavening in the recipe. Adjustments may be needed for baking powder or baking soda.

To do this, simply add 1/8 teaspoon of cream of tartar, white vinegar, or lemon juice for every 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder called for in the recipe.

Can I use sweetened cocoa mix instead of unsweetened cocoa in baking?

No, because sweetened cocoa mix contains sugar. The added sugar can alter the sweetness and moisture of the recipe.

How to substitute cocoa powder for melted chocolate in recipes

Natural cocoa powder can be substituted for unsweetened baking chocolate by using 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of oil for every ounce of unsweetened baking chocolate.

How do I prevent lumps when using cocoa in recipes?

Sift the cocoa into the bowl to remove lumps.

How to Store Cocoa

Store cocoa in an airtight container and keep in a cool, dark place to prevent moisture absorption and maintain flavor.

Sugar

The primary role of sugar is to be a sweetener. However, sugar also contributes to the tenderness and moistness of the baked good by absorbing and retaining moisture and helps create the golden brown color when baking as it caramelizes.

Recipes with more sugar often result in softer, moister textures. However, I learned the hard way that too much sugar leads to a sticky mess.

When it’s heated, sugar caramelizes, resulting in a rich, complex flavor and a brown color. This adds both flavor and color to baked goods and is also the process in which caramel sauce, dulce de leche, caramel candies, and regular candies are made.

When used in recipes containing yeast, the sugar is eaten by the yeast, producing carbon dioxide and causing the dough to rise.

Sugar also acts as a preservative in jams, jellies, and fruit preserves by reducing water activity and preventing microbial growth.

There are many different types of sugar, including white sugar, brown sugar, vanilla sugar, powdered sugar, turbinado sugar, and demerara sugar.

When a recipe calls for “sugar” without specifying anything else, it’s referring to regular white sugar.

White Sugar

White sugar (sometimes called granulated sugar, table sugar, or white granulated sugar) is made of either beet sugar or cane sugar, which has undergone a refining process.

It is the easiest to find and most commonly used.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar is white sugar with molasses added to it.

It is commonly used in chocolate chip cookie recipes, and it’s rare for a recipe that calls for brown sugar not to also call for white sugar as well.

When a recipe calls for “brown sugar” but doesn’t specify what type (light or dark), it is referring to light brown sugar.

In my recipes, you can use whatever type of brown sugar you have on hand, whether it is dark brown sugar, light brown sugar, or demerara sugar – which is very common in Israel.

Just keep in mind that the flavor and color will be slightly different, depending on what you choose to use.

Turbinado Sugar

Turbinado sugar is better known as “raw sugar.” But, despite this name, the sugar is not really “raw.”

Instead, it’s partially refined sugar that retains some of the original molasses.

The term “raw sugar” may also give off the impression that it is somehow healthier.

In reality, turbinado sugar is nutritionally similar to white sugar.

Demerara Sugar

Demerara sugar is very popular in Israel and is especially delicious in tea, but is also used for baking.

Unlike white sugar, demerara sugar undergoes minimal processing and retains some vitamins and minerals.

However, it is still not much healthier than white sugar.

Vanilla Sugar

Vanilla sugar is not very common in the States. However, it is common in Israel and parts of Europe.

This is sugar that sat for an extended period of time with vanilla beans, giving it a vanilla flavor.

Caster Sugar

This type of sugar is common in the United Kingdom.

It has a grain finer than white (granulated) sugar and larger than powdered sugar.

Caster sugar is often called for in recipes for delicate baked goods like meringues, souffles, and sponge cakes.

You can use a 1:1 conversion rate between caster sugar and white (granulated) sugar.

Powdered sugar

Powdered sugar, sometimes known as confectioners’ sugar, is a sugar with a powdered texture.

This sugar is rarely used for baking. Instead, it is used for dusting desserts and making frosting, icing, and glazes.

In some countries, you can also find powdered vanilla sugar.

It is made the exact same way regular vanilla sugar is made. However, the sugar used is powdered instead of granulated.

Vanilla Extract vs Vanilla sugar

In my recipes, I don’t specify what kind of vanilla to use.

The reason for this is that in the States, vanilla extract is exclusively used.

Meanwhile in Israel, along with many European countries, vanilla sugar is common.

In most, if not all recipes, both vanilla extract and vanilla sugar can be used.

In recipes where vanilla sugar can be used instead of extract, you can replace them 1:1.

Replacing Sugar with Honey

If you’d prefer to use honey instead of sugar, you can do so with pretty good results.

Honey can be two or even three times as sweet depending on the honey, so for every 1 cup of sugar, you can use 1/2 to 2/3 cup honey.

Since honey adds liquid, you need to remove some to balance it out.  For every cup of honey, remove a 1/4 cup of liquid.

Also, it burns faster than granulated sugar, so you want to lower the baking temperature by 25 F.  In addition, check it early and often to avoid burning or overbaking.

How to Store Sugar

Sugar should be stored in an airtight container to prevent clumping and moisture absorption, and kept in a cool, dry place.

Cornstarch

Starch is a natural component of almost all grains and some fruits and vegetables.

One of starch’s compelling properties is its ability to absorb and retain lots of liquid.

Starches are incredibly versatile ingredients. They cause the liquid to thicken and add moisture as well as a tender and delicate texture in baked goods.

They can also be combined with water as an egg replacement for eggless and vegan recipes, working as a binder and to add moisture.

In addition, starches are sometimes used to make a coating for frying, which creates a crispy texture on fried foods like fried chicken.

It’s also not uncommon to find starch used as a stabilizer.

Cornstarch is one of the most versatile starches there are. It is a terrific ingredient for thickening sauces, puddings, soups, and pie fillings and is also used in many baked good recipes.

Cornstarch Uses

Cornstarch is an underrated and underused ingredient in home kitchens. Here are a number of ways cornstarch can be used:

Cornstarch for thickening soups, stews, and gravies

Cornstarch is often used as a thickening agent when added to soups, stews, and gravies.

This is usually done by making a slurry which is then added to whatever is in need of thickening.

Cornstarch in baked goods

Starch helps keep breads, cakes, quick breads, muffins, cupcakes, and brownies fresh by absorbing and holding liquid.

For breads, you can replace up to 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour with cornstarch out of every three cups of flour.

For cakes, quick breads, muffins, and cupcakes, you can replace 2 tablespoons out of every cup of all-purpose flour.

Cornstarch in Cookies

Cornstarch gives cookies a soft center, helps prevent them from spreading, and adds chewiness.

Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cornstarch per cup of flour called for in the recipe.

Cornstarch for Chewy Brownies

For chewy brownies that taste like those from the box, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch per 1/2 cup of flour.

How to substitute Cornstarch

Cornstarch is one of a number of starches available – though it tends to be the easiest to find.

The best alternative to cornstarch in my opinion is potato starch.

You should substitute potato starch for cornstarch in a 1:1 ratio. This means if you need 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, use 1 tablespoon of potato starch instead.

Types of Vanilla

Vanilla comes from a pod commonly known as a “vanilla bean”, which comes from the vanilla orchids.

Vanilla pods have been used for flavoring since the Aztecs and was introduced to Europe by a Spanish conquistador, along with cocoa.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is created by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol for some time. This is the most commonly used type of vanilla.

Vanilla Sugar

Vanilla sugar is common in Europe and some parts of the Middle East, like Israel. 

It is made from vanilla beans sitting in sugar, vanilla bean powder mixed with sugar, or sugar mixed with vanilla extract.

In some countries, like Italy, you can also find vanilla powdered sugar, which is used for confections.

Vanilla Paste

Vanilla paste is generally a specialty item.  It is a thick paste that contains a blend of the scraped-out vanilla pod seeds and vanilla extract. 

You can use it as you do vanilla extract and it will leave flakes of vanilla bean like you see in vanilla bean ice cream.

Imitation Vanilla

Imitation Vanilla, otherwise known as artificial vanilla or vanilla essence, is made from synthetic vanilla. 

This is the compound that naturally occurs in vanilla beans and gives it its flavor.

Can I use imitation vanilla?

Many will tell you that you should use high quality vanilla, just like they say you should use the best cocoa. 

However, most of us will probably not be willing to pay the hefty price that comes with exceptionally high-quality ingredients.

Overall, vanilla is very expensive, so the extract is as well. 

So, if you’re not going to get regular quality vanilla extract, you might as well use imitation vanilla.

Can vanilla extract be used as a substitute for vanilla beans?

Yes, vanilla extract can be used as a substitute for vanilla beans. Use about 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for each inch of vanilla bean.

How to Store Vanilla

Pure vanilla extract and other vanilla products should be kept away from heat and light, and should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Which dairy free milk should I use?

Honestly, it’s whatever you have on hand or prefer.

My go-to is a neutral flavored full fat oat milk because I find that they are the most similar to regular full fat milk.

Almond milk works well here, too. I personally like using an unsweetened barista almond milk because it is more similar to regular full fat milk, but whatever you have will work.

You can also use coconut milk, though it may have a subtle coconut flavor if you do. Coconut milk has more fat and is similar to using a light cream, but it won’t make a noticeable difference.

I’ve never used soy milk, so I don’t have any opinions on it, but you can use that as well.

What can I use instead of milk in chocolate pudding?

You can replace milk in chocolate pudding with a dairy free milk.

Is chocolate pudding the same as chocolate mousse?

No, pudding is creamy and custard-like, whereas mousse is lighter and fluffier.