Vanilla pudding – This creamy, silky, and oh-so-satisfying, this Vanilla Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert with its rich vanilla flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this classic recipe is surprisingly easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients.
What is Vanilla Pudding?
Vanilla pudding is a creamy, custard-like dessert made with milk, sugar, eggs (or cornstarch), and vanilla extract. While store-bought mixes are convenient, making vanilla pudding from scratch elevates it to a whole new level. The homemade version boasts a rich flavor and velvety texture that packaged varieties simply can’t match.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Customizable: You can tweak the flavors and toppings to suit your taste.
- Naturally Delicious: Using real vanilla gives it an authentic and aromatic flavor.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Vanilla Pudding
- Use Whole Milk: For the creamiest pudding, opt for whole milk. Plant-based milk alternatives like almond or oat milk can be used but may alter the flavor and consistency.
- Prevent Lumps: Whisk continuously while cooking to ensure a smooth texture.
- Control Sweetness: Adjust the sugar level to suit your taste. For a deeper flavor, consider adding a touch of brown sugar.
- Vanilla Matters: Use high-quality vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for the best flavor. Avoid artificial vanilla flavoring.
Creative Variations
Vanilla pudding is a blank canvas for culinary creativity. Here are some variations to try:
- Chocolate Swirl Pudding: Add a swirl of melted chocolate before chilling for a marbled effect.
- Coconut Vanilla Pudding: Substitute half the milk with coconut milk and garnish with toasted coconut flakes.
- Vanilla Bean Pudding: Use a scraped vanilla bean instead of extract for a more robust flavor.
- Layered Parfait: Alternate layers of vanilla pudding with crushed cookies, granola, or fresh fruit.
- Caramelized Banana Pudding: Top with caramelized bananas and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
How to Serve Vanilla Pudding
Vanilla pudding can be served warm or chilled, making it a versatile treat for any occasion. Here are some serving ideas:
- Classic: Enjoy it plain in a bowl with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Toppings: Add fresh fruit, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles for extra flavor and texture.
- As a Filling: Use it to fill pastries, tarts, or crepes.
- Dessert Shooters: Serve in small glasses for an elegant party dessert.
How to Store Vanilla Pudding
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: While freezing is not ideal as it may alter the texture, you can freeze pudding in single-serving containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm pudding, heat it gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make vanilla pudding without cornstarch?
Yes! You can use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent. Adjust the amount to achieve the desired consistency.
How do I prevent skin from forming on the pudding?
Cover the surface with plastic wrap directly touching the pudding to prevent a skin from developing during refrigeration.
Can I make vanilla pudding vegan?
Absolutely! Replace whole milk with plant-based milk (like almond, soy, or oat) and use vegan butter. Skip the egg yolks or use a vegan egg replacer if needed.
Why is my pudding lumpy?
Lumps form if the mixture isn’t whisked properly or cooked at too high a heat. Strain the pudding through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be scaled up for larger servings. Just ensure you use a large enough saucepan to avoid spillage.
Vanilla Pudding
Vanilla pudding - This creamy, silky, and oh-so-satisfying, this Vanilla Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert with its rich vanilla flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this classic recipe is surprisingly easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients.
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
- Mix the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, salt, milk, and egg yolks until smooth.
- Cook the Pudding: Heat the mixture over medium-low, whisking occasionally (every minute or two). After about 7–8 minutes, the mixture will bubble throughout.
- Thicken: Once bubbling, cook for 1–2 more minutes, whisking lightly. The pudding should thicken but remain pourable—it will firm up as it cools.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Optional Straining: If you notice any lumps, pour the pudding through a fine mesh strainer into a heatproof bowl for a silky texture.
- Chill: Divide into individual bowls or a large serving dish. Let it cool to lukewarm, cover with plastic wrap (directly touching the surface to prevent a skin), and refrigerate for several hours.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 250Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 160mgSodium 161mgCarbohydrates 29gFiber 0gSugar 24gProtein 8g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Homemade vanilla pudding is a comforting dessert that brings joy with every spoonful. With its rich, creamy texture and authentic flavor, it’s a step above anything store-bought. By following this guide, you’ll master the art of making vanilla pudding and impress your family and friends with this classic treat.
Try other pudding recipes: