Chocolate Agar Agar Pudding (Easy Gluten-Free Dessert)
This post may contain affiliate links.Chocolate agar agar pudding is a creamy Asian dessert made with agar powder instead of gelatin or cornstarch. Naturally gluten-free and easy to make, it’s rich, chocolatey, and delicious with a drizzle of sweet milk sauce.
A Quick Look at the Recipe
🏷️ Recipe Name: Chocolate Agar-agar Pudding
⏱️ Ready In: ~ 40 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 12 slices
🔥 Calories: 151 kcal per serving (estimate)
🧾 Main Ingredients: Agar-agar powder, milk, condensed milk, sugar, salt, cocoa powder, dark chocolate, egg yolk, milk, cornstarch.
🥗 Dietary Info: Gluten free
🧠 Difficulty: Easy
Have a question? Ask AI!
Chocolate agar agar pudding is a rich, creamy Asian dessert that’s naturally gluten-free and surprisingly easy to make at home. Made with agar powder instead of gelatin, it sets into a smooth, sliceable pudding that’s delicious on its own or drizzled with a silky milk sauce.
If you’ve never cooked with agar agar before, don’t worry. It’s a plant-based gelling powder made from seaweed that’s commonly used in Asian desserts. It creates a firmer texture than traditional chocolate pudding while still keeping every bite smooth and chocolatey.
I make this recipe with good-quality cocoa powder and dark chocolate for a deep chocolate flavor without being overly sweet. The simple milk sauce adds just the right amount of creaminess, but you can easily skip it if you prefer.
If you’re looking for more Asian gluten-free desserts, be sure to try my Corn Agar Agar Pudding, Mango Pudding, Avocado Agar Agar Pudding, and Purple Yam Steamed Cake.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Recipe Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
Agar agar powder – Agar agar powder is a plant-based gelling agent made from seaweed that’s widely used in Asian desserts. Unlike gelatin, it sets firmly at room temperature and creates a smooth, sliceable pudding. Be sure to use agar agar powder, not agar flakes or gelatin, as they require different amounts and produce different textures.
Dark chocolate – Use good-quality dark chocolate with about 50–70% cocoa solids for the best chocolate flavor. Milk chocolate also works if you prefer a sweeter dessert, but you may want to reduce the sugar slightly.
Cocoa powder – Natural or Dutch-process cocoa powder both work well in this recipe. Cocoa powder deepens the chocolate flavor and gives the pudding a rich, dark color. Use good-quality cocoa for the best results.
Egg yolk – The egg yolk adds richness and gives the pudding a smoother, creamier mouthfeel. It doesn’t make the pudding set. That’s the job of the agar agar, but it helps create a more luxurious texture.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
How To Make Chocolate Agar Agar Pudding
STEP 1. In a pot, pour in the milk and add agar-agar powder, sugar, and salt (Images 1, 2). In a separate bowl, combine cocoa powder with hot water (Images 3, 4) and stir until smooth.
STEP 2. Pour the cocoa mixture into the milk pot and add the chocolate (Images 5, 6). Stir with a spatula until everything is fully incorporated (Image 7). Place the pot over low heat (Image 8).
STEP 3. Take one ladle of the mixture and transfer it to a small bowl (Image 9). Add the egg yolk to this bowl and whisk well (Images 10, 11). Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the pot (Image 12).
STEP 4. Let the mixture cook until small bubbles start to form (Image 13). Turn off the heat and strain the mixture into a container (Image 14). Let it cool for 15 minutes, then place it in the fridge overnight. Once set, remove the pudding from the container (Images 15, 16).
STEP 5. For the sauce, combine milk, sugar, and cornstarch in a pot and stir well (Images 17, 18). Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens (Images 19, 20). Transfer the sauce to a container and chill it. When ready to serve, slice the pudding and drizzle the chilled milk sauce over the top.
Pro Tips
- Lightly wet the containers with cold water before pouring in the pudding mixture. This makes it easier to remove the pudding cleanly once it’s set.
- Make sure the pudding mixture reaches a simmer with small bubbles before removing from heat. This ensures the agar-agar (or cornstarch, if using) activates properly and the pudding sets with a smooth, firm texture.
- Since the chocolate flavor is the star, splurge on a good-quality dark chocolate and cocoa powder. It’s worth it!
- Patience is key! Let the agar agar pudding chill thoroughly in the fridge for the best creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chocolate agar agar pudding chilled with its milk sauce. Pair it with other chocolatey treats like my coconut macaroons , a crunchy, chewy dessert with chocolate drizzle!
Pour yourself a cup of rose milk tea, a pretty butterfly pea flower tea or a refreshing lychee tea or lychee soda. The floral notes and bright colors of these drinks compliment the deep, rich chocolate pudding.
Chocolate Agar Agar Pudding FAQs
Sure! In this recipe, I use egg yolk to give the creamy, silky texture.
Yes! You can use plant-based milk alternatives like oat, coconut, or cashew milk. For a vegan version, omit egg yolks or use a plant-based thickener.
Absolutely! You can use this agar agar chocolate pudding as an excellent filling for pies. Pour it into a pre-baked gluten-free crust, chill until set, and top with whipped cream or your favorite toppings.
Storage
Store the chocolate agar dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Keep the milk sauce in a separate container and chill it as well. When you’re ready to serve, just slice the pudding, drizzle with the chilled sauce, and enjoy!
More Gluten Free Desserts
Chocolate Agar Agar Pudding (Easy Gluten-Free Dessert)
Ingredients
PUDDING
- 7 gr agar agar powder
- 650 gr milk
- 50 gr condensed milk
- 50 gr sugar
- 2 gr salt
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder + 2 tbsp hot water
- 100 gr dark chocolate
- 1 egg yolk
SAUCE
- 300 gr milk
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 50 gr sugar
- 1 gr salt
Instructions
- In a pot, pour in the milk and add agar-agar powder, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine cocoa powder with hot water and stir until smooth.
- Pour the cocoa mixture into the milk pot and add the chocolate. Stir with a spatula until everything is fully incorporated. Place the pot over low heat.
- Take one ladle of the mixture and transfer it to a small bowl. Add the egg yolk to this bowl and whisk well. Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the pot.
- Let the mixture cook until small bubbles start to form. Turn off the heat and strain the mixture into a container. Let it cool for 15 minutes, then place it in the fridge overnight. Once set, remove the pudding from the container.
- For the sauce, combine milk, sugar, and cornstarch in a pot and stir well. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Transfer the sauce to a container and chill it. When ready to serve, slice the pudding and drizzle the chilled milk sauce over the top.
Video
Notes
- Lightly wet the containers with cold water before pouring in the pudding mixture. This makes it easier to remove the pudding cleanly once it’s set.
- Make sure the pudding mixture reaches a simmer with small bubbles before removing from heat. This ensures the agar-agar (or cornstarch, if using) activates properly and the pudding sets with a smooth, firm texture.
- Since the chocolate flavor is the star, splurge on a good-quality dark chocolate and cocoa powder. It’s worth it!
- Patience is key! Let the agar agar pudding chill thoroughly in the fridge for the best creamy texture.
I love this chocolate pudding texture, so creamy and silky! Plus it is soo easy to make! You really should make this pudding at least once in your lifetime!