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!
Leo says
this was so easy and fun! thank you!
Belinda says
This putting is easy to make and it is so good. From now on, I will make this instead of the boxed pudding . Although when I make it for myself, I use plant-based milk (pea protein) and I love it. .
Shawn says
This recipe actually is easy to make. The instructions are clear and simple to follow. Most important, this pudding is deliciously creamy with just the right amount of sugar. I will definitely be making this recipe again!
Allison says
I’m so glad! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Deborah says
Tastes like the pudding my grandmother used to make for banana pudding!
Thanks!
Allison says
You’re welcome!
Amanda Gabany says
Just made 5 batches and this is wonderful.
Des says
Doubled the recipe and used to make an eclair cake. It took longer to get to a boil, which makes sense. Just the right sweetness. I threw a vanilla bea. In there too as it was cooking and it gave it a really nice vanilla flavor. Will definitely use this recipe again.
Tammy Locke says
This is the best pudding I have ever eaten, and it’s super-easy to make. The instructions are perfect.
Allison says
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Barbara says
I love this recipe as I’m one of the few people who isn’t a fan of chocolate. However, the recipe indicates 7-8 minutes before bubbling and that is really off! Takes me almost 20 minutes so I don’t know what kind of stove you’re using, but that timing is very inaccurate.
Sheila M Maurer says
The vanilla pudding was very good just a little too sweet when I make it again, I will cut down on the sugar. I add some unsweetened cocoa powder in half of the pudding, and it was delicious it cut down on the sweetness.
Sarah says
My boys just got braces and I was buying the pudding cups from the store. I didn’t want them eating all the junk in those so I found and made your recipe. Soooo easy and they said it’s way better than the store bought junk😁. I wish I’d made it sooner. Thanks for sharing!
Allison says
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it.