The Best Homemade Vanilla Pudding Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade vanilla pudding is creamy, comforting, and ridiculously easy to make. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up with just a few pantry staples.
- Rich, velvety texture—it’s like a warm hug in every spoonful.
- Customizable sweetness—adjust the sugar to your taste.
- Perfect for desserts or snacks—pair it with fruit, cookies, or enjoy it plain.
Recipe
Nothing beats the creamy, comforting taste of homemade vanilla pudding. Made with simple ingredients, this classic dessert is easy to prepare and delivers rich, velvety texture with every spoonful. Perfect for enjoying on its own or as a filling for pies and pastries.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together 2 cups of milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt over medium heat until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining ½ cup of milk.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture into the saucepan while continuously whisking.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Pour the pudding into serving dishes and cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes:
- For a richer flavor, substitute 1 cup of milk with heavy cream.
- Maintain constant stirring to avoid lumps.
Equipment:
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Chilling time: 2 hours
Cuisine: American
Serving: 4 servings
Nutrition
This homemade vanilla pudding is a delightful treat that offers a balance of indulgence and nutrition. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Total Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 20 mg |
| Sodium | 100 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24 g |
| Sugars | 18 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing homemade vanilla pudding with fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas, for a revitalizing touch. Crumbled cookies, such as shortbread or graham crackers, add a nice crunch that balances the creamy texture. It’s a simple way to make the dessert feel a little extra special.
Fruit Pairings
When I think about enjoying homemade vanilla pudding, I always imagine it alongside fresh fruit—it’s like they were made for each other! Sliced strawberries add a burst of sweetness, while juicy blueberries bring a tangy contrast. Ripe peaches or bananas lend a creamy, natural flavor that blends perfectly with the pudding. For a tropical twist, I love adding diced mango or pineapple—it’s pure sunshine in a bowl. Don’t forget raspberries or blackberries for a hint of tartness. Even a simple sprinkle of pomegranate seeds can make it feel extra fancy. Fruit just takes this cozy dessert to the next level!
Cookie Accents
Although vanilla pudding is delicious on its own, adding cookie accents can transform it into something truly special. I love crumbling shortbread or gingersnaps on top for a buttery crunch, or sandwiching pudding between chocolate wafers for a quick, no-bake dessert. Oreos add a fun twist—just crush them and layer them in for a cookies-and-cream vibe. If you’re feeling fancy, try dipping ladyfingers in coffee and layering them with pudding for a mini tiramisu. Even simple graham crackers work wonders, adding a hint of honey. Trust me, a little cookie magic takes this classic treat to the next level!
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