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!
Jo
Best recipe for vanilla pudding.
Allison
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I am glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Jess
Great basic vanilla pudding!
Sarah newsom
I don’t eat dairy. Used almond milk and skipped the butter. Tasts just as good.
Kerrey
By far the best and easiest vanilla pudding. Thank you for this great recipe.
Pamela
Absolutely yummy, w 1/4 cup sugar and strained. Perfectly luscious. Great for Boston Cream Pie filling, too!
Thank you!
Allison
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Mary A Sowell
I love this pudding. It is easy and very good. I wonder if Coconut Milk could be used to make it. I love coconut custard but don’t think the coconut milk would work. What do you think?
Allison
I think it would work. I haven’t tried it, so can’t say for sure, but I don’t know why it wouldn’t. Have fun playing around with it!
Anita
Sounds great ? I will try to make it
Ms. D
Simply delicious ?
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Valerie Melbrod
That was so simple and quick to make! Plus it tasted awesome.
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Valerie. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Mary
Going to try this recipe today. Sounds easy & delicious!!!!!
Allison
Enjoy!
Carolyn
Made this to use in an orange-cream trifle and it was delicious and easy. I’ll never buy a pudding mix again.
Allison
That sounds delicious! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Rogan
Just threw this together in no time at all. Great and simple recipe.
I used it as a cupcake filling and it worked perfectly.
Allison
Great! Thanks for sharing your experience. Enjoy!
Diane
Fast, easy and tasty.