3-Minute 'Chocolate Heaven' Pudding-in-a-Mug

Total prep. time: 5 mins.                                    Total cook time: 3 to 3 1/2 mins.
                                                                           (depending on microwave power)

     
     It took over 3 months of grueling testing, and believe me when I say I suffered. 😋The end result is a slight tummy ache and the most delicious, creamy, chocolatey microwave pudding for 1. After trying (and being disappointed) so many other posted concoctions, I almost gave up. Almost. This was one #lifehack I was going to master in the world of pudding-in-a-cup (or mug). 

    I was now on a mission to develop a adjust-to-taste pudding-in-a-cup recipe that would work for almost everybody. For those who may be calorie-conscious or have certain diet requirements, proceed with caution. As basic and minimal the ingredients may seem, this microwave dessert packs a punch of taste and fullness. You've been warned. 😏 

     Sometimes, recipes mention that the creation is made easily and simply, with basic everyday items. This turns out to be mostly untrue. I usually don't have any of the stuff and it's usually something I would never buy. Then I found a recipe by Bigger Bolder Baking (Microwave Chocolate Pudding in a Cup) . It was good. Yet it wasn't quite the "Eureka'! recipe. So it became the base for my obsession. Hopefully, my version will end the hunt for the perfect microwave-dessert-in-a-cup craving killer. It can easily be a kid's rainy day DYI reward/dessert project 😉, (with supervision cuz the cup gets pretty hot towards the end).  

     Check that you have the following on hand so that you enjoy the first time:

• Measuring Cup (at least 2 cups)
• tablespoon
• teaspoon
• small whisk (recommend for both texture and comfort)
• microwaveable mug at least 5 in. tall/12.7 cm and 4 in./10.16 cm diameter. - (Larger is better as the pudding will expand and quickly. FYI - I used a funneled cup which makes a slight difference is appearance of amount of pudding actually in the cup.) 

Ingredients:

• Milk - 3/4 cup  ( I used 2%, Whole, 3%; all delicious)
• Milk Chocolate Chips or - 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoon
• Corn Starch - 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 teaspoon 
• Sugar - 1/2 to 1 shallow tablespoon 
• Salt - just a pinch (It makes a difference.)
• Vanilla Extract - 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon teaspoon (optional) 

(Sidenote: The sugar measurements also work if you are using Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate chips. Yes, I tried a lot of both. I might need help😳.)

     Once you have all that is listed above, you can begin. If you are unsure about the size of your cup/mug or the power of your microwave, place a bowl or deep plate under your creation, to minimize any overflow that could occur. 

     With your tablespoon, mix all your ingredients, expect for the vanilla extract. Blend it so that the everything is fairly covered. Make sure to scrap bottom edge of cup so all the cornstarch is well-dissolved. 

    Set your microwave for 1 min. 30 secs. Remove from microwave and whisk for at least 1 min or until froth starts to appear. When whisking, gently work from bottom of cup to top, in circular motion, The melted chocolate chips will blend smoothly with the milk and cornstarch. Once you have whisked to your satisfaction, return to microwave for another 30 secs. 

    Whisk for another 1 mins. to 2 min.. Be careful, as the liquid will have heated up significantly. (I tend to whisk up to 2 mins. as I find this puts more air into the cornstarch mixture, making it extra light and smooth when cooled.)

    Cook for another 20 secs and whisk for about 1 min., for further blending of the pudding and also to check how thick it is. At this point, if you prefer more of a custard consistency then you can let it cool now, after adding your vanilla flavour. 

     If you prefer a more stable pudding, with that awesome thicker top that forms when it cools off, then put it back in the microwave for another 20 secs. KEEP AN EYE ON THE CUP CONTINUOUSLY. (I can't stress this enough as it will avoid disappointment, unnecessary clean-ups and, of course, less pudding in the actual cup 😢.)

    So let me know if I've done your taste buds a favour or wrecked them for life. If the response is good, I'll post a Purely Vanilla version in the next few weeks. I also DON'T recommend using flour, unless you're comfortable with the substitution. I tried it myself and it was a bust.

Please leave some feedback, good or bad. If it needs more work, I want to know. If it's what you were looking for, let me know and share with your friends, on Facebook, Twitter and other social media by copy/paste or using the link buttons on my blog page. 

Enjoy!!! With caution. (No skinny jeans!)