Dark chocolate pudding pops have plenty of rich, chocolate flavor. These pops make for the perfect summer cool-down treat that will be a hit with adults and kids alike!
1largeegg yolk(discard or save whites for another recipe)
1/2cupdark chocolate chips
1 and 1/4teaspoonspure vanilla extract
Optional: 1/4 cup melted dark chocolate, miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips, crushed freeze-dried berries, flaked coconut, or other favorite toppings, if desired
PUDDING: Place the milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, salt, and egg yolk in a medium to large pot. Heat over medium-high heat, whisking briskly and constantly. Whisk for 7-9 minutes or until the mixture is thick and bubbly.
PUDDING CONT.: Remove the pan from heat and immediately add in the chocolate chips and vanilla extract. Stir with a wooden spoon until melted and smooth. Pour and press the mixture through a sieve into a heat-proof bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Make sure the plastic wrap touches the top of the chocolate pudding (so a film doesn't form). Refrigerate until completely chilled through, about 1 hour.
FORM ICE POPS: Spoon the mixture into 3-ounce cups and then place a wooden stick in the middle of the cups. Freeze until solid, about 6-8 hours. Remove from the freezer and use scissors to cut the paper cup off the pudding pop.
OPTIONAL GARNISH: If desired, garnish the pudding pops! They melt quickly, so have everything ready to go as soon as you pull them out of the freezer. We like to drizzle the pops with melted chocolate and immediately sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried strawberries, coconut flakes, or miniature chocolate chips. Work quickly when adding toppings as the melted chocolate hardens quickly on the cold ice pop.
Notes
Nutrition information does not include the optional toppings.