When a dessert craving strikes, the last thing you want is to wait an hour for something to bake in the oven. That’s where a chocolate orange microwave pudding comes to the rescue. This delightful dessert combines the richness of chocolate with the refreshing zest of orange, all ready in just minutes. The microwave makes it possible to whip up a warm, comforting pudding that feels luxurious but requires minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing a last-minute treat for guests or indulging in a solo sweet fix, this recipe delivers both flavor and convenience.
Ingredients
To ensure the pudding turns out rich, moist, and perfectly flavored, precise measurements matter. Gather the following:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing)
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (30 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 medium orange (about 1 tablespoon)
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup (45 g) dark chocolate chips (optional, for extra gooeyness)
For the topping sauce:
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) boiling water
These ingredients yield approximately 4 individual servings or 1 medium microwave-safe dish of pudding.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the dish
Lightly grease a microwave-safe bowl or 4 individual ramekins with butter. This prevents sticking and makes serving easier.
Step 2: Melt the butter
Place 4 tablespoons of butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds until melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix dry ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and both sugars. Stir with a fork or whisk until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Combine wet ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Slowly add the melted butter, whisking to blend.
Step 5: Create the batter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the pudding dense. Fold in the dark chocolate chips if using.
Step 6: Transfer to dish
Pour the batter into the prepared dish or ramekins, filling them about two-thirds full.
Step 7: Make the sauce topping
In a small bowl, mix cocoa powder and sugar. Sprinkle evenly over the batter. Carefully pour boiling water on top, without stirring. This liquid will create a rich sauce under the pudding during cooking.
Step 8: Microwave the pudding
Place the dish in the microwave. Cook on high power for 4–6 minutes if using one large dish, or 2–3 minutes each for individual ramekins. The pudding should look set on top but remain gooey underneath. Cooking time may vary depending on your microwave’s wattage, so check frequently.
Step 9: Rest and serve
Let the pudding sit for 1–2 minutes after cooking. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
Conservation and Storage
This pudding tastes best fresh from the microwave. However, if you have leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Microwave for 30–40 seconds until warm. Add a splash of milk or cream if the pudding has dried out slightly.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture becomes grainy after thawing.
Variations
The base recipe allows for creative twists:
- Spiced Chocolate Orange: Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.
- Triple Chocolate: Replace half the flour with cocoa powder and fold in white and milk chocolate chunks.
- Nutty Delight: Add 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts or almonds for crunch.
- Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil or margarine, egg with 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal plus 3 tablespoons water, and milk with almond or oat milk.
- Liqueur Kick: Add 1 tablespoon of orange liqueur (such as Cointreau) for an adult-friendly twist.
Serving Suggestions
This pudding pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings. Here are some serving ideas:
- Classic Cream: A dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of crème fraîche balances the richness.
- Ice Cream Contrast: Vanilla, orange sorbet, or chocolate ice cream melt over the warm pudding for a decadent experience.
- Fresh Fruit: Garnish with fresh orange segments, raspberries, or strawberries for a refreshing touch.
- Dusting Finish: A sprinkle of powdered sugar or extra orange zest adds visual appeal and flavor.
Serve directly in ramekins for a rustic feel, or spoon into bowls and drizzle with the sauce that forms at the bottom.
Conclusion
Chocolate orange microwave pudding proves that indulgence doesn’t need hours in the kitchen. The combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange makes it vibrant yet comforting. With its quick preparation and endless variations, this dessert adapts to any occasion—whether you’re hosting dinner guests or treating yourself after a long day. By mastering a few simple steps and experimenting with flavors, you’ll always have a go-to pudding that balances speed with sophistication.
PrintChocolate Orange Microwave Pudding: A Quick and Indulgent Dessert
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and indulgent chocolate pudding infused with zesty orange, cooked quickly in the microwave. Perfect for last-minute dessert cravings or entertaining with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the pudding:
4 tbsp unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing)
1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar
1/4 cup (30 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
1/3 cup (80 ml) whole milk
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 medium orange (about 1 tbsp)
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
1/4 cup (45 g) dark chocolate chips (optional)
For the topping sauce:
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1/4 cup (50 g) sugar
1/2 cup (120 ml) boiling water
Instructions
Prepare dish: Grease a microwave-safe bowl or 4 ramekins with butter.
Melt butter: Microwave butter for 30 seconds, set aside to cool slightly.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt, and both sugars.
Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, vanilla, orange zest, and juice. Stir in melted butter.
Make batter: Fold wet into dry until just combined. Add chocolate chips if using.
Fill dish: Pour batter into prepared dish, filling two-thirds full.
Add topping: Mix cocoa and sugar, sprinkle on top. Gently pour boiling water over without stirring.
Microwave: Cook on high—4–6 minutes for one large dish, or 2–3 minutes for ramekins. Pudding should be set on top but gooey underneath.
Rest and serve: Let sit 1–2 minutes, then serve warm with sauce.
Notes
Microwave wattages vary—adjust cooking time accordingly.
Serve fresh for best texture. Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days.
Do not freeze, as the texture turns grainy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: British-inspired, modern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: chocolate orange microwave pudding, quick dessert, easy pudding recipe, microwave chocolate orange