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Why I Love This Vanilla Pudding Recipe
Whenever I was young and the milk was slightly on the edge of going bad, my sister Kelsey and I would rejoice because it usually meant that Mom would whip up a batch of pudding. And while this didn’t happen that often—we were a growing family and used a lot of milk—it was a fun dessert to look forward to.
Making your own vanilla pudding recipe at home sounds like it would be a lot of work, especially when the instant pudding mix version in a box is so easy to buy. But there really aren’t that many steps to making a perfect pudding from scratch. And the flavor is something that far exceeds anything that can be purchased.
For my recipe, I love to use vanilla bean paste as a swapout for vanilla extract. The thick texture of the paste, along with the vanilla seeds, makes for such an intense vanilla flavor. It truly is an amazing thing to experience!
Once you’ve made this pudding recipe, you can also use it for so many other things:
- Spoon macerated fresh berries on top of the pudding
- Layer the pudding between pieces of cake for a trifle-like dessert
- Freeze them into pudding pops
- Pour it into a pie shell for a pudding-like pie
I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a try so you, too, can experience how amazing a homemade vanilla pudding can be!
Vanilla Pudding Ingredients
Seven easy ingredients are needed to prepare this vanilla pudding recipe:
- Milk – The base for the entire pudding and is what provides the custard-like texture that everyone loves. If possible, use whole milk to provide the most flavor and creaminess.
- Cornstarch – A thickening agent that activates when heated in liquid and contributes to the silky texture of the pudding. The great thing about cornstarch is that it’s very forgiving, unlike an egg-only custard, making this a foolproof recipe.
- Egg yolks – A natural thickening agent that works alongside the cornstarch to thicken the pudding. The color of the egg yolks adds to the beauty of the pudding while also adding richness.
- Sugar – Adds the sweetness that’s expected in any pudding recipe. If you want even more vanilla flavor in your recipe, try using vanilla sugar!
- Butter – Adds even more creaminess, flavor, and glossiness to the pudding.
- Salt – Necessary to bring out the flavors in any recipe.
- Vanilla extract – An essential component of vanilla pudding, as it helps to add that characteristic “vanilla” flavor. In this recipe, I love to swap out the extract for vanilla bean paste for even more vanilla flavor, as well as some vanilla seeds. If you want some of the best vanilla extract, you’ll want to learn how to make your own at home.
The full amount of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make Vanilla Pudding
There are 4 simple steps to make this vanilla pudding right at home:
Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients – In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt, and mix together.
Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients – In a separate bowl, combine the milk and egg yolks.
Step 3: Cook the pudding – Add the wet ingredients to the dry in the saucepan and place over the heat for 5-7 minutes to thicken.
Step 4: Add flavorings – Add the vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste) and butter. Stir until completely incorporated. Then place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming, and place it in the refrigerator to chill completely before serving.
Follow These Tips
Serving & Storage
To serve – While the pudding can be served right after it is removed from the heat, I prefer to let it chill completely before eating. The pudding will thicken as it sits and become even smoother and creamier. Serve it in individual dessert glasses with a dollop of whipped cream on top for a beautiful presentation!
To store – The pudding must be stored in the fridge. Any leftover will last for 5 to 7 days when placed in an airtight container.
More Pudding Recipes
Have I Convinced You to Make This Recipe?
I hope you make this recipe and put some food on your table. Leave a comment and share a star rating so you can let others know how much you love this recipe. This helps show others that this is a recipe they, too, can make, enjoy, and love!
Homemade Vanilla Pudding
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- 2 egg yolks whisked
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.½ cup granulated sugar, 3 tbsp cornstarch, ¾ tsp kosher salt
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the egg yolks and milk. Add the liquid to the saucepan of dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.2 egg yolks, 2 cups whole milk
- Cook the pudding: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat, whisking constantly until thickened, coating the back of a spoon, 5-7 minutes.
- Add the flavorings: Remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste) and butter, whisking until well incorporated. Before chilling, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the pudding to prevent a "skin" from forming. Chill completely, then serve.2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below!
Styling: Addelyn Evans / Photography: Dera Burreson
This was too sweet for my family’s tastes. I love the simplicity and ease of the recipe and will look for similar recipes that are less sweet.