Put down the instant pudding mix. This creamy and flavorful Homemade Vanilla Pudding couldn’t be easier or more delicious! Serve this pudding on its own or with cookies, berries or whipped cream. VIDEO below.
It’s time homemade pudding gets the attention it deserves. Pudding has to be the most underrated dessert ever. It’s not as fancy or decadent as a pot de crème, mousse, or crème brûlée. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and uncomplicated, and that’s what I love about it!
If you have only ever had boxed/store-bought pudding, you are missing out. Yes, this takes a little more effort than peeling back the foil on a plastic cup, but once you taste this, you will never go back to that stuff again. You probably have most (or all?) of these ingredients in your kitchen right now. Check out how easy it is.
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Homemade Vanilla Pudding
- Milk: Whole milk is the base of the pudding. Feel free to swap up to 1/2 cup milk for half-and-half for a richer pudding.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar sweetens the pudding. Nothing fancy here!
- Thickener: Egg yolks and cornstarch thicken up the pudding. It will thicken as it cooks on the stovetop, and it will continue to thicken as it cools in the fridge.
- Vanilla extract: This is what makes our pudding taste like vanilla. Use the best extract you can get – its flavor is coming through in every bite.
- Butter: Just a touch of butter is whisked into the hot pudding. This adds a touch of richness that takes this pudding over the top. Don’t skip it!
The pudding ingredients get whisked together and cooked on the stovetop for about 10 minutes. Then strain it and place it in the fridge to chill. Easy peasy!
One of the fabulous things about homemade pudding is its versatility. You can serve it on its own, or you can pair it with berries, whipped cream, cookies, or sliced bananas. It’s great layered in a trifle, or topped with fruit sauce. Note: you can also just place a huge bowl of pudding in your fridge and steal a bite (or two) every time you open the fridge door. ← Not a bad idea.
This is a classic, comforting dessert that I come back to time and time again – and I hope you will too!
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Easy Homemade Vanilla Pudding
Ingredients
- scant 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/3 cups whole milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan whisk together sugar, cornstarch, salt, milk, and egg yolks. Cook over medium-low heat, alternating whisking frequently, until the mixture is bubbling and thickened, about 8-10 minutes. Note: It will thicken more as it cools.
- Remove from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla extract. Place a fine mesh strainer over a large heatproof bowl. Pour the mixture through the strainer and into the bowl (Optional, to remove lumps. If you have no lumps, you can skip this step).
- Transfer the pudding from the large bowl or into individual serving bowls. Cool slightly, then cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for several hours or until chilled.
Trisha says
My grandma used to make something called pudding and cake. I have no idea how she did it but it’s was more liquidy, she poured it hot out of the pot over plain yellow cake and it was delicious. If I use less cornstarch do you think this would be good hot poured over cake?? Im reaching here lol
Celebrating Sweets says
Yes, that should work. I would guess maybe 2 tablespoons of cornstarch should be enough. Best of luck – I hope it comes out for you. Enjoy!
Ruth says
Could this be made with 2% milk ? I can’t have whole milk .
Celebrating Sweets says
Hi, Ruth. That should be fine. Enjoy!
Sheryl says
My son is getting his wisdom teeth out and loves vanilla pudding, but I couldn’t bring myself to buy it in a box! So, I found your recipe and was not disappointed – I used 1 1/2 whole milk and the rest up to 2 1/3 of half and half – other than that followed recipe – it is beyond delicious! Thank you.
Celebrating Sweets says
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Wishing your son a speedy recovery. Thanks for stopping by.
Sheryl says
He had the surgery this morning and this afternoon he had two servings of pudding…he said “Mom, this is really really good.” PS I just put more on the stove! Thank you again, its a delicious recipe.
MJ says
We made it for wisdom tooth recovery as well! Perfect solution for hungry boys . 🙂
Will never ever buy box pudding products again, so easy and much better!
Celebrating Sweets says
Great! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂