The Dreamiest Creamy Homemade Vanilla Pudding Recipe Ever

Whipping up a delectable homemade vanilla pudding brings pure comfort to your kitchen.

Silky smooth textures dance across your palate with each spoonful of this classic dessert.

Memories of childhood sweet treats flood back when you prepare this simple yet elegant recipe.

Rich ingredients blend together effortlessly, creating a luscious dessert that feels like a warm hug.

creamy and delightful, this pudding transforms ordinary moments into something special.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction, promising a delicious experience you won’t forget.

Prepare to indulge in a timeless treat that connects generations through its irresistible charm.

Creamy Homemade Vanilla Pudding Basics

• Personalize this pudding by topping with fresh berries, whipped cream, or crushed cookies for endless delicious variations.
• Perfect for little helpers in the kitchen, this recipe teaches basic cooking skills while creating a creamy treat everyone will love.
• Requires simple pantry staples like milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla, making it a go-to dessert when you're craving something special.

Ingredients for Vanilla Pudding

• Milk: Provides the creamy liquid foundation for the pudding.
• Egg Yolks: Adds rich flavor and helps thicken the pudding.

• Sugar: Brings sweetness to balance the creamy texture.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a smooth, thick pudding consistency.

• Vanilla Extract, Salt: Boost and balance the overall flavor profile.
• Butter: Adds richness and creates a silky smooth texture.

How to Prepare Vanilla Pudding

Step 1: Combine Dairy and Sweet Base

In a saucepan, gently whisk together milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt.

Warm the mixture over medium heat, watching carefully until steam rises and the liquid becomes hot but not bubbling.

Step 2: Prepare Egg and Thickening Mixture

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks and cornstarch until the blend becomes completely smooth and free of lumps.

Slowly stream the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent egg from scrambling.

Step 3: Create Pudding Consistency

Pour the entire mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat.

Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, tracking the transformation as the liquid gradually thickens into a creamy texture.

Step 4: Enhance Flavor Profile

Remove the saucepan from heat.

• Softened butter
• Pure vanilla extract

Mix until ingredients are perfectly incorporated and smooth.

Step 5: Chill and Set Pudding

Transfer the pudding into serving bowls or a large dish.

Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing pudding to cool and set completely before serving.

Pro Tips for Creamy Vanilla Pudding

• Whisk constantly and gradually add hot milk to egg mixture to ensure smooth, lump-free texture.
• Use high-quality vanilla extract or scrape seeds from a vanilla bean for richer, more authentic vanilla taste.
• Adjust cornstarch quantity to achieve desired pudding consistency – less for a softer texture, more for a firmer set.
• Keep pudding refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days, maintaining its creamy smoothness and fresh flavor.
• Substitute dairy milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version that's equally delicious and creamy.

Storing and Reheating Vanilla Pudding

• Transfer pudding to an airtight container, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent skin formation, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Pour cooled pudding into a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Note that texture might slightly change upon thawing.
• Gently stir pudding to restore creamy consistency. For chilled pudding, let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. If frozen, thaw in refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Whisk pudding briefly to restore smoothness, then top with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Vanilla Pudding

• Elevate Dessert Pairing: Complement the creamy vanilla pudding with a crisp almond biscotti, offering a delightful textural contrast and nutty undertone that enhances the pudding's smooth sweetness.
• Wine Companion: Select a chilled moscato d'asti, its light effervescence and sweet floral notes perfectly balancing the rich, velvety pudding while providing a refreshing palate experience.
• Fruit Accent: Garnish with fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries, their tart brightness cutting through the pudding's richness and adding a vibrant, colorful dimension to the dessert.
• Coffee Harmony: Serve alongside a smooth cappuccino or light espresso, the coffee's robust flavor creating a delicious counterpoint to the pudding's delicate vanilla essence.

Variations on Vanilla Pudding

• Dairy-Free Coconut Pudding: Replace milk with full-fat coconut milk and use coconut sugar for a rich, tropical flavor that's perfect for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegan Silken Tofu Pudding: Swap egg yolks and milk with silken tofu, blending it smooth with vanilla and maple syrup for a protein-packed, plant-based alternative.
• Chocolate Lover's Version: Add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate during the cooking process for an indulgent chocolate pudding variation.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing the overall sugar content while maintaining the creamy texture and classic vanilla taste.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of milk for this pudding?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with 2% or non-fat milk, but the pudding will be less creamy and rich.

• Is cornstarch necessary for making pudding?

Cornstarch is crucial as it helps thicken the pudding and provides the smooth, creamy texture. Without it, the pudding will be runny and won’t set properly.

• How can I prevent lumps when making pudding?

Whisk the egg yolks and cornstarch thoroughly, and gradually add hot milk while continuously whisking. Constant stirring during cooking also helps prevent lumps from forming.

• Can I make this pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pudding up to 3 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just make sure to place plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming.

Creamy Homemade Vanilla Pudding Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky smooth homemade vanilla pudding delights dessert enthusiasts with its classic comfort and rich flavor profile. Rich custard whispers memories of grandmother’s kitchen, promising pure indulgence in each luxurious spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (590 ml) whole milk
• 3 large egg yolks

Side Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter

Flavor and Thickening Agents:

• 2 tablespoons (16 g) cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 ml) vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Combine milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan, warming gently over medium heat until steam rises, avoiding a full boil.
2. Blend egg yolks and cornstarch in a separate bowl until completely smooth and uniform.
3. Slowly stream the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to temper and prevent curdling.
4. Pour the combined liquid back into the saucepan, cooking over medium heat while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, approximately 3-4 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and incorporate butter and vanilla extract, stirring until fully integrated and silky.
6. Distribute the pudding into serving dishes, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent skin formation.
7. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled, allowing the pudding to set and develop a rich, creamy consistency.

Notes

• Prevent lumps by whisking constantly and gradually adding hot milk to egg mixture, ensuring smooth texture.
• For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with low-fat or plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk.
• Enhance flavor by using high-quality vanilla extract or scraping fresh vanilla bean seeds directly into the pudding.
• Cover pudding surface with plastic wrap touching the top to prevent skin formation and maintain creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg