Imagine a dessert that envelops you in warmth and comfort with every bite, rich with the deep, velvety hue of chocolate and the vibrant red of juicy cherries.
The aroma of cinnamon and cocoa wafts through the air, mingling with the buttery scent of oats crisping in the oven.
This Chocolate Cherry Pudding topped with Oat Crumble isn’t just a treat; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a little sweetness or Sunday suppers when you want to end the day on a high note.
I remember a rainy afternoon when I whipped up this dessert, and it transformed our gloomy day into one filled with smiles and warmth. It’s these moments that show how a simple dish can bring joy and togetherness.
Ready to experience some comfort and joy in your own kitchen? Let’s cook!
Why You’ll Love It
- Delivers bold flavor with the rich combination of chocolate and cherries.
- Uses pantry staples like cocoa powder and oats for easy preparation.
- Provides a satisfying texture contrast with creamy pudding and crunchy oat crumble.
- Offers a simple yet elegant dessert option for any occasion.
- Accommodates servings for a small gathering or family treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Milk — opt for whole milk for creaminess
- 1/4 cup Sugar — granulated white sugar works best
- 2 tablespoons Cocoa powder — unsweetened for rich flavor
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch — helps thicken the pudding
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract — use pure extract for best taste
- 1 cup Cherries, pitted and halved — use fresh, ripe cherries
- 1/2 cup Rolled oats — old-fashioned oats preferred
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar — packed for accurate measurement
- 3 tablespoons Butter, melted — unsalted butter recommended
- 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon — ground for subtle warmth
Step-by-Step Method
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees that the oven is at the correct temperature when you’re ready to bake, allowing for even cooking and a crispy topping.
Whisk the Pudding Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Make certain there are no lumps for a silky pudding texture.
Cook the Pudding
Transfer the mixture to a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, approximately 5 minutes. The constant stirring prevents the pudding from sticking to the pan.
Assemble the Pudding
Pour the thickened pudding into a baking dish.
Arrange the pitted and halved cherries evenly over the pudding. Confirm the cherries are spread out for even distribution of flavor.
Prepare the Crumble
In another bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon.
Mix until the ingredients come together to form a crumbly texture. This will be your topping.
Add the Crumble Topping
Sprinkle the prepared oat mixture evenly over the cherries and pudding in the baking dish.
Verify the entire surface is covered for an even, crunchy topping.
Bake the Pudding
Place the baking dish on a baking sheet to catch any spills.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the topping turns golden brown. The baking sheet also makes it easier to remove from the oven.
Rest and Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven using oven mitts.
Let it rest for 10 minutes to set. Serve warm. For an extra treat, top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy your Chocolate Cherry Pudding Topped with Oat Crumble!
Ingredient Swaps
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond milk or any preferred plant-based milk.
- To make the dessert gluten-free, verify the rolled oats are certified gluten-free.
- Substitute white sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like stevia for a lower glycemic index option.
- Use frozen cherries if fresh cherries are unavailable; just make certain to thaw and drain them before use.
You Must Know
- Preheat the oven: Make certain you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you start preparing the pudding to save time and guarantee even baking.
- Whisk thoroughly: Mix the milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth to prevent lumps in your pudding.
- Cook to thicken: Stir the pudding mixture constantly over medium heat until it thickens, usually about 5 minutes. This guarantees a smooth and creamy texture.
- Use fresh cherries: Opt for fresh, ripe cherries for a burst of flavor and sweetness that enhances the overall taste of the dessert.
- Rest before serving: Let the pudding rest for 10 minutes after baking. This allows the flavors to meld and the pudding to set properly, making it easier to serve.
Serving Tips
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra creaminess.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a touch of color and freshness.
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup for an added layer of decadence.
- Pair with a cup of freshly brewed coffee for a delightful contrast.
- Use decorative dessert bowls to enhance the presentation and appeal.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Chocolate Cherry Pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
It can also be made ahead and frozen for up to 1 month.
To serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in the oven to refresh the crumble topping.
Reheating
For gentle reheating, use a microwave on a low setting.
Cover with a lid or wrap.
Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C).
Or on the stovetop over low heat.
Historical Dessert Significance
Desserts have always held a special place in culinary history, serving as delightful conclusions to meals and symbols of celebration. As I think about this Chocolate Cherry Pudding topped with oat crumble, I’m reminded of how desserts have evolved over time, merging cultures and flavors, yet always keeping their essence of indulgence and joy.
Imagine the medieval feasts where sweet dishes signified abundance and luxury, or Victorian teahouses where dainty pastries whispered elegance.
- Medieval Feasts: Desserts symbolized wealth and abundance.
- Victorian Teahouses: Pastries and sweets epitomized refinement.
- Cultural Fusion: Desserts often blend flavors from diverse origins.
- Modern Celebrations: Sweet treats mark milestones and moments.
Each spoonful of this dessert is a nod to history, tying past and present in delightful harmony.
Final Thoughts
Give this delicious Chocolate Cherry Pudding Topped with Oat Crumble a try and treat yourself to a delightful dessert experience! Feel free to add your personal touch by experimenting with different fruits or spices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh Ones?
Absolutely, you can use frozen cherries! I’ve often swapped them for fresh ones. Just thaw and drain them well. They release a lovely juice, adding extra flavor depth to the dish. Enjoy the delightful burst of cherry goodness!
Is There a Vegan Version of This Recipe?
Sure, I’ve got a vegan twist. Swap milk with almond milk, butter with coconut oil, and guarantee sugar’s vegan. The transformation’s seamless, and you’ll still enjoy a delightful, guilt-free dessert bursting with flavor and texture!
What Can I Use Instead of Cornstarch?
If you want to swap out cornstarch, try arrowroot powder or tapioca flour. Both work beautifully as thickeners, creating a silky texture. I love how they enhance the dessert’s richness without compromising its divine taste.
How Can I Make This Dessert Gluten-Free?
To make this dessert gluten-free, I’d simply swap regular oats with certified gluten-free oats. It’s a small change that keeps the texture delightful and guarantees everyone can enjoy this sweet treat without worry.
Can I Substitute Almond Milk for Regular Milk?
Absolutely, you can swap almond milk for regular milk. I’ve done it, and it adds a subtle nutty flavor to the dish. Just make sure to whisk well to maintain the pudding’s creamy texture. Enjoy!
Chocolate Cherry Pudding Topped with Oat Crumble
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Oven mitt
- 1 Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherries pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoon butter melted
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Pour the thickened pudding into a baking dish and top with halved cherries.
- In another bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon to create the crumble topping.
- Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the pudding and cherries.
- Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven using oven mitts and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
