Homemade Vanilla Pudding
Indulging in a bowl of homemade vanilla pudding is like wrapping yourself in a warm, sweet hug. This creamy, delectable dessert not only brings back nostalgic memories of childhood kitchen adventures but also serves as a perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a special milestone, or simply craving something sweet after dinner, this homemade vanilla pudding is a timeless classic that will delight just about everyone.
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and the rich, authentic flavor that comes from using real ingredients, unlike many store-bought options. Your loved ones will be captivated by its smooth texture and sweet aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, making it an excellent choice for both novice cooks and seasoned bakers alike!
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 egg yolks
Gather your ingredients for a delightful homemade pudding experience.
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
- Gradually stir in the milk while on medium heat, continuing to stir constantly.
- Cook the mixture until it thickens and begins to boil. Once boiling, keep stirring for about 1-2 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add a few tablespoons of the hot pudding mixture to the egg yolks to temper them—this helps prevent curdling.
- Stir the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining pudding mixture.
- Continue cooking for an additional minute, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Remove from heat, then stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Pour the pudding into serving dishes and let it cool in the fridge for at least two hours before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient substitutions: You can use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Replace sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit if desired.
- Optional variations: For a chocolate vanilla pudding, add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. Or, mix in some crushed fresh fruit like bananas or strawberries for a fruity twist.
- Storage or reheating tips: Store any leftover pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. For a creamier texture, give it a stir before serving again.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty level: Easy
Homemade Vanilla Pudding
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter Add at the end for a rich flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 pieces egg yolks Important for the texture.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
- Gradually stir in the milk while on medium heat, continuing to stir constantly.
- Cook the mixture until it thickens and begins to boil. Once boiling, keep stirring for about 1-2 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add a few tablespoons of the hot pudding mixture to the egg yolks to temper them—this helps prevent curdling.
- Stir the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining pudding mixture.
- Continue cooking for an additional minute, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Remove from heat, then stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Pour the pudding into serving dishes and let it cool in the fridge for at least two hours before serving.