What makes chocolate pudding grainy?

1. Insufficient whisking: When making chocolate pudding, it's important to whisk constantly while adding dry ingredients to the hot liquid. This helps prevent lumps from forming and ensures a smooth texture. If the mixture is not whisked thoroughly, the cocoa powder or cornstarch can clump together, resulting in a grainy texture.

2. Using lumpy cocoa powder: Some brands of cocoa powder may have small lumps that can contribute to a grainy texture in pudding. It's recommended to sift the cocoa powder before using to remove any lumps and ensure a smooth consistency.

3. Overcooked pudding: Overcooking chocolate pudding can cause the proteins in the milk to coagulate and separate, leading to a grainy or curdled texture. It's important to remove the pudding from heat as soon as it thickens to avoid overcooking.

4. Using the wrong ingredients: Some recipes call for cornstarch as a thickener, while others use a combination of cornstarch and flour. If a recipe that uses a cornstarch and flour combination is made with only cornstarch, or vice versa, it can affect the texture and result in a grainy pudding.

5. Incorrect storage: If chocolate pudding is not stored properly, it can develop a grainy texture. It's best to store the pudding covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

To achieve a smooth and creamy texture in chocolate pudding, it's crucial to whisk constantly, use high-quality cocoa powder, avoid overcooking, and store the pudding correctly.