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!
Trisha
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
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!
Wendy
Do you think it could be custard? I make a custard that is more liquidity then pudding and great flavour too. Just a thought.
Laurie
I used 1 cup of milk with this recipe, it works great for cream puffs!
Thanks!
Celebrating Sweets
Good to know! Thanks, Laurie!
Ruth
Could this be made with 2% milk ? I can’t have whole milk .
Celebrating Sweets
Hi, Ruth. That should be fine. Enjoy!
Sheryl
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
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Wishing your son a speedy recovery. Thanks for stopping by.
Sheryl
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
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
Great! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Samantha
Creamy and delicious! Thank you!
Celebrating Sweets
You’re welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂
Lane
This recipe is easy and delicious! Second time I’ve made it now, today I swapped out the vanilla for banana extract and made a delicious banana pudding. Thank you!
Celebrating Sweets
That sounds delicious! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Damita L Bowles
Can you use almond milk, my family don’t use or drink whole milk. We only purchase almond milk.
Celebrating Sweets
I haven’t tried it, but that should be fine. Enjoy!
Jodi K Womas
A patient of mine had surgery today. All she wanted was jello and pudding…I didn’t want to buy pudding so I tried your recipe ..Beyond delicious and very easy to make!!!! FYI: I used vanilla from mexico and it was so Amazing! Awesome vanilla flavor!! Will be making again! Thanks and God bless!
Celebrating Sweets
Wonderful! I’m glad you all enjoyed it. Wishing her a speedy recovery.
brianna veno
could i use this for rice pudding
Celebrating Sweets
Rice pudding is made by cooking rice with milk and sugar. You don’t want to cook rice in this pudding. I guess you could stir already cooked rice into the prepared pudding, but I’m not sure if it will be sweet enough.
Jose
It’s the best I made it and put the top layer chocolate and everyone loved it. I’m making it for my thanksgiving party hopefully everyone loves it. I will definitely give you five stars.