Make Mexican hot chocolate pudding
Make Mexican hot chocolate pudding using cocoa, cinnamon, milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Practice measuring, stirring, and gentle stovetop cooking with adult supervision.
About this activity
Make Mexican hot chocolate pudding using cocoa, cinnamon, milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Practice measuring, stirring, and gentle stovetop cooking with adult supervision.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all your materials on a clean counter so everything is ready to go.
- 2
Step 2
Measure 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 1/3 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 2 tablespoons cornstarch into the small mixing bowl.
- 3
Step 3
Whisk the dry ingredients together until they look evenly mixed.
- 4
Step 4
Measure 2 cups of milk into a measuring cup.
- 5
Step 5
Pour 1/4 cup of the milk into the bowl with the dry mix.
- 6
Step 6
Stir the milk and dry mix until a smooth lump-free paste forms.
- 7
Step 7
With adult supervision pour the remaining milk into the small saucepan.
- 8
Step 8
With adult supervision warm the milk on medium-low until steam rises but it does not boil.
- 9
Step 9
Pour the smooth paste into the warm milk in the saucepan.
- 10
Step 10
Whisk constantly over medium-low heat until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon about 3 to 5 minutes.
- 11
Step 11
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the pudding cool for 5 minutes.
- 12
Step 12
Spoon the pudding into serving cups.
- 13
Step 13
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon on top if you like.
- 14
Step 14
Share your finished Mexican hot chocolate pudding on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do you make Mexican hot chocolate pudding with a child?
To make Mexican hot chocolate pudding with a child, measure cocoa, sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch into a bowl and mix. Warm milk in a saucepan over low heat while an adult supervises. Whisk a little warm milk into the dry mix to make a smooth slurry, then pour into the saucepan. Stir constantly over low heat until thickened, about 5–8 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in a pinch of cinnamon, cool slightly, then chill before serving.
What materials do I need for Mexican hot chocolate pudding?
You’ll need unsweetened cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, sugar, cornstarch, and milk (dairy or plant-based). Equipment: a small saucepan, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, spatula or spoon, ladle, oven mitts, and serving bowls. Optional: vanilla extract or a pinch of chili for authentic flavor. Always have an adult present for the stovetop steps and a safe, cooled workspace for the child to measure and stir.
What ages is Mexican hot chocolate pudding suitable for?
This activity suits different ages with supervision: ages 3–5 can practice measuring, pouring, and stirring with close adult help; 6–9 can whisk, mix ingredients, and assist with low-heat stove tasks while an adult controls the burner; 10+ can take a larger role in cooking steps but still need adult oversight for hot pans. Adapt responsibilities to each child’s confidence and fine motor skills.
What safety tips should I follow when making this pudding with kids?
Always supervise children at the stove. Keep pan handles turned inward, use low heat, and never leave the pot unattended. Teach safe stirring with a long-handled spoon while an adult steadies the pan. Use oven mitts for hot items and let servings cool before tasting. Remove loose clothing, tie back hair, and check for allergies. Model kitchen safety and explain rules to prevent burns and spills.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of cornstarch or regular milk if we can't find them?
If you don't have cornstarch, substitute 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder and mix it into the 1/4 cup milk in step 5 exactly the same way, and if you need a milk alternative use 2 cups of unsweetened almond or soy milk in step 4 and heat it per step 8.
Why did my pudding get lumpy or fail to thicken and how can I fix it?
If lumps appear when you mix the paste in step 6, strain the paste through a fine sieve or whisk it vigorously before adding to the warm milk, and if it still won't thicken after whisking over medium-low for 3–5 minutes in step 10, return it to the heat and whisk another 2–3 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon.
How should I change the activity for different age groups?
For preschoolers let them do steps 1 and 12–13 (gathering materials and sprinkling cinnamon) while an adult handles steps 7–10 (pouring, heating, and whisking), elementary-age kids can measure, whisk dry ingredients, and make the paste in steps 2–6 with supervision, and teens can complete all steps including sharing the finished pudding on DIY.org in step 14.
How can we make the recipe more special or creative?
After removing the saucepan from the heat in step 11, stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or a tiny pinch of cayenne, then spoon into serving cups in step 12 and top with whipped cream or shaved chocolate before sharing on DIY.org in step 14 to personalize it.