Chocolate hardly seems like the obvious vehicle for healthy nutritional goodness, but the ‘hook’ here is so obvious that it feels innovative: rather than trying to deny or fight the chocolate element of a treat, you instead focus on improving and maximizing every other element of that dish. Out goes the sugar; the heavy dairy component of your typical whipped dessert is diminished. (Hey, they’re getting plenty of milk already.) In its place, you power the dish–and replicate the texture of a mousse–by leveraging…vegetables? Something like that: creamy fruits, starches, legumes–yams, avocado, bananas, even edamame if you’d like–do the heavy lifting, giving the dish a creamy sweetness without any of the bad (but good) stuff. They don’t know what’s in it and can’t tell the difference, right? And at 6PM–or 6AM, for that matter–after the long grind of parenting, the pudding will feel more than sufficient for you; it’ll be downright indulgent.
Check out our other healthy toddler snack ideas!
If you’re looking for a chocolatey treat that feels indulgent but is secretly packed with nutrition, this one’s for you. This healthy chocolate pudding recipe is smooth, creamy, and rich—but without the refined sugar or dairy you’ll find in store-bought versions. It’s perfect for toddlers, big kids, and adults alike, and it takes just a few minutes to throw together.
Whether you serve it as a quick breakfast, lunchbox side, or satisfying snack, this pudding hits the sweet spot (literally) while being loaded with fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein. No weird powders or hard-to-find ingredients—just real food that tastes like dessert.
This recipe keeps it simple and clean, with just a handful of wholesome ingredients:
You’ll be amazed at how fast and easy this pudding comes together:
Is this pudding safe for babies or toddlers under 1?
Yes—just skip the maple syrup for babies under 12 months. The rest of the ingredients are all appropriate for a well-established solid-eater.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. It stores well in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Just give it a stir before serving.
Will my kid taste the avocado?
Not at all. Once it’s blended with banana, cocoa, and vanilla, the avocado flavor disappears—leaving only creamy goodness behind.
Can I use a different milk?
Yes! Almond, oat, soy, dairy—all work fine. Just pick one that suits your family’s dietary needs.
Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and, yes, chocolate come together in this whipped, mousse-like treat that doesn't hide vegetables; it helps them!
Recommended: refrigerate for at least an hour before serving–it helps the pudding thicken a bit. But it’s totally okay to serve immediately.
Serve on its own, or top with sliced fruits, particularly tarter ones your kiddo may be somewhat resistant to (i.e., raspberries). Pro tip: give them a spoon.
I typically serve as a side dish at breakfast, where it goes great with french toast or pancakes, and you can use any lingering pieces of the carb to scoop up the remains of the pudding for your child. It also can do heavy lifting at lunch, where it can provide nutrients and fiber in the guise of dessert.
Not much needed here, but a little sea salt and whipped cream for yourself won’t hurt.
Servings 6
Serving Size 1
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.
