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 ½ 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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Recipe
Easy Homemade Vanilla Pudding
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2-¼ cups whole milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1-½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan whisk together sugar, cornstarch, salt, milk, and egg yolks. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally (every minute or two), until the mixture is bubbling all throughout (this took 7-8 minutes for mine). Once bubbling, continue cooking for one to two additional minutes, whisking once or twice, but not too vigorously (this can break down the binding properties). At this point the pudding should be thickened but still pourable, it will thicken more as it cools.
- Remove from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla extract. OPTIONAL, to remove lumps: Place a fine mesh strainer over a large heatproof bowl. Pour the mixture through the strainer and into the bowl. Skip this step if you don't notice any lumps in your pudding.
- Transfer the pudding into a large bowl or into individual serving bowls. Cool until it is lukewarm, then cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for several hours or until chilled.
Video
Nutrition
Nutritional Information is an estimate based on third-party calculations and may vary based on products used and serving sizes.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below!
Sheri
I made this because I made a boo boo. I thought I had vanilla as I was making egg nog. It was lemon flavoring…..so I found this and made lemon pudding. It was delicious. I know there will be no leftovers. I only had 2 cups of milk so I used half and half for the rest. Delicious.
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Ella
it says to cook, but at what temperature for how long?
Allison
The full instructions are in the recipe card. See step 1.
Janet
I tried this pudding recipe for our NYE dessert, and it was perfect! Easy to make, great flavor, and silky texture. Paired with fruit and fresh whipped cream, and we loved it!
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
munisa
Can you please give me a link for the video i cant see any video even if i load it again
Allison
I don’t have a link for the video. If you scroll about halfway down the post the video will load automatically. Sorry for the confusion.
FFT4
This was awesome!! This is like something halfway between a pudding and a custard. Though I like my pudding a little stiffer, the flavor is spot on! I wonder if a little gelatine would help this set up more. Either way, great and easy recipe.
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
cooluser
‘I tried the recipe today and the output was good. Thank you.
Carla
Hi! This recipe sounds yummy, but I am wondering if you can substitute honey or maple syrup or possibly cane sugar for the regular sugar. Obviously the taste would be different, especially with honey or maple syrup, but I am wondering how the texture would be affected? I would love to try this recipe with something else substituted for the sugar. Advice and recommendations welcome! Also, is there any reason you can’t serve it warm? ? Thanks!!
???
Allison
Hi, Carla. You can absolutely serve this warm. It thickens up a bit more after cooling, so just be aware that it might be on the thinner side if eaten warm.
You would have to play around with the sugar swaps. Since you’d be adding a bit more liquid you might need a little more cornstarch. Enjoy!
Julia
Hi
I am just replying to say that I have made this with organic cane sugar at the amount it calls for and it turns out perfectly.
Pat Gunn
If I substitute Stevia for the sugar, will it affect the thickening of the pudding?
Libby Summers
I bought the “holiday” eggnog which is spiced in error. I used it for pudding and it was delicious! I don’t think I will ever buy those stupid little packages again.
Allison
Perfect! I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Joyce
I made me a banana pudding cake with mine
Allison
Perfect!
Julianne
Delicious!