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!
Audrey
Thank you 💘… 😊 so much for this recipe. I added cardamom seeds and lemon 🍋 rind. Really, one can tailor this recipe as it is a fabulous base from which to work.
Allison
You’re welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Razan
So easy and so good. Thank you for the recipe😊
Allison
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Marisol
Can this be made ahead of time? Like night before?
Allison
Sure. Just store it in the refrigerator.
Sharman
Made it for the first time tonight, it’s awesome !!! Made Banana and Strawberry to try together freakin yummy !!!
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Dulcie
Thank you for this great, no-fuss recipe. All that tempering and constant stirring over a hot stove stressed me out when making custard based pies. This was easy and delicious. I added chopped bananas, poured into a prebaked pie crust, and topped with whipped cream. I’ll try again with the other family favorite – coconut cream pie.
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment.:)
Terri
Can you use evaporated milk, we only have 2% milk in this house?
Allison
You can use the 2%. We just like the richness of whole milk.
Sharon
I just made this recipe and I can’t believe how quick and easy it was,the pudding turned out perfect.Thank you so much.
Allison
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Lori Krause
This recipe never fails me it’s so easy and easy ever since the first time I had made it I just love the fact that it’s so easy but yet packed with just the right flavor I can’t wait to try more recipes Ty for being so easy
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Carole
Oh my lands … I will never buy another box of pudding mix again! The pudding was so easy to make and tasted heavenly. Thank you so much for publishing your recipe!
Allison
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Sabrina
Is it softened or melted butter?
Allison
No need to melt it, it will melt as soon as you add it to the hot pudding.