There’s something soothing about a bowl of pudding. Silky smooth, warm or chilled, and infinitely customizable, it’s the kind of dessert that brings joy in every bite with minimal effort. When you infuse a classic pudding with the crunch of mixed nuts and the melty decadence of Dairy Milk chocolate chunks, the result is pure magic. This easy pudding recipe doesn’t require elaborate techniques or rare ingredients, yet it delivers on both flavor and texture. So here we’ll walk you through how to make a delightful pudding with mixed nuts and Dairy Milk chunks. Whether you're preparing dessert for a family dinner, a festival gathering, or simply indulging your sweet tooth on a quiet evening, this dish will not disappoint.
What makes this pudding so irresistible is the beautiful interplay of three components. First, the creamy base, which is made with full-fat milk that has been thickened naturally and sweetened just right. Second, the crunchy mixed nuts, which are roasted lightly for flavor and contrast. And third, the chunks of Dairy Milk chocolate, which are added at the end, so they melt slightly but retain some texture. Each spoonful carries the richness of milk, the earthiness of nuts, and the velvety touch of chocolate. So here’s what you need for it.
Ingredients
For the base:
- 1 litre full-fat milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons cornflour or custard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional, for an Indian-style flavor twist)
- A pinch of salt
For the nuts:
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 1/4 cup cashews
- 2 tablespoons pistachios
- 2 tablespoons walnuts
For the chocolate:
- 1 Dairy Milk bar (approximately 45 g), chopped into small chunks
Optional garnish:
- A few strands of saffron
- Additional chopped nuts
- Grated chocolate or chocolate syrup
Method:
- Begin by dry roasting the mixed nuts. You can chop them first for an even roast or leave them whole and chop afterward. Heat a pan over medium heat and add the nuts. Toast gently for about 5 minutes, stirring continuously until golden and aromatic. The roasting brings out the oils in the nuts and intensifies their flavor, making them more impactful in the final dish. Once roasted, remove them from the pan and let them cool. Then chop coarsely.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat, reserving 1/4 cup to mix the cornflour. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking or burning.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornflour (or custard powder) with the reserved cold milk to make a smooth slurry. Ensure there are no lumps.
- Once the milk in the pan begins to heat up, add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Slowly pour in the cornflour mix while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Continue cooking on low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. This should take about 10 minutes.
- Once the pudding reaches a custard-like consistency, turn off the heat and stir in the cardamom powder and a pinch of salt. The base should be glossy and coat the back of a spoon without running.
- Now add the Dairy Milk chocolate chunks into the hot pudding and stir gently. The heat will partially melt the chocolate, creating gooey pockets of sweetness throughout. For extra texture, you can reserve a few chunks to add later while serving, especially if you prefer some solid chocolate bites in the cold pudding.
- Next, add most of the chopped nuts to the pudding, reserving a few for garnish. Fold them in evenly so every bite carries a crunch.
- You can serve this pudding warm or chilled, depending on your preference and the occasion. If serving warm, allow it to cool slightly and spoon into bowls. Garnish with reserved nuts and a few chocolate shavings. If serving chilled, let the pudding cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator for 2 hours before serving. Both versions are equally delicious. The chilled version has a thicker, more set texture, while the warm version feels more indulgent and homely.
- You can also garnish with saffron strands and edible rose petals for a Diwali or Eid special touch.
Tips:
- Replace the sugar with honey or jaggery for a healthier dish.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas or berries for a fruity twist.
- Mix in some crushed digestive biscuits or cookie crumbs for added bite.