Custard vs. Pudding: What's the Big Difference? (2024)

Updated: Apr. 13, 2024

We love custards and puddings and their creamy, sweet flavors, but we don't always remember the difference between these dessert classics. We'll settle this confusion once and for all.

When it comes to dessert, nothing’s yummier than a cup of pudding or custard. Lucious and creamy, a good old-fashioned custard or tasty pudding can feel like the ultimate indulgence, but we often get tripped up on what the difference is between these two desserts. So we’re here to settle the confusion and tell you definitively what is custard and what is pudding.

What’s pudding?

First, when we talk about pudding, we’re not talking about the instant, packaged kind that is whisked with cold milk—although these convenient mixes yield desserts that are dreamy and delicious in their own ways (like this peanut butter-meets-chocolate favorite). Here, we’re sticking to true puddings—the comforting, old-fashioned-style dessert that Grandma cooked on the stovetop and was proud to include in her repertoire.

An authentic pudding is a sweetened milk- or cream-based mixture that is thickened with a gelatinized starch, usually cornstarch or flour, then cooked in a saucepan on the stove. This classic treat boasts great versatility as a dessert, as it can be incorporated into a trifle (these 10 are worth trying!), parfait or simply eaten on its own. The toughest choice? Deciding on vanilla or chocolate. Or branch out with a fun new flavor like pumpkin or mochaccino.

Also, if you’re using instant mix, check how to make instant pudding taste better and homemade.

How is custard different?

Custard is pudding’s close cousin and is typically made of eggs, sugar and milk, and is either baked or stirred using gentle heat. While most custard and pudding recipes both typically call for eggs, the main difference is that pudding uses a starch for thickening, whereas custard’s thickening agent is the egg itself (or egg yolk, in most instances). Custard’s texture also tends to be firmer than pudding. Here are a few tips for making vanilla custard ice cream.

Like pudding, custard can be layered into trifles, topped with berries or enjoyed on its own. But its big claim to fame is restaurant-style desserts like pots de creme and creme brulee. It can also be baked into pies, bread puddings and more.

The takeaway

Unfortunately, neither pudding nor custard rank high in the make-ahead category. They are best eaten the same day they’re made, although their lifespan can be stretched a day or two (that is, if there’s any left).

But don’t let that stop you from enjoying these silky, spoonable sensations. Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party or simply seeking the perfect grand finale to a weeknight meal, pudding and custard always hit the sweet spot!

Next up: Here’s how to make the perfect burnt-sugar top on creme brulee. (Tap, tap, tap!)

Try Our Best Custard Desserts

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Rum Raisin Creme BruleeInspired by a favorite ice cream flavor, I created this make-ahead recipe to free up some time in the kitchen. You can also serve this as a custard if you choose to not caramelize the top. —Eleanor Froehlich, Rochester, Michigan

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Taste of Home

Meringue Snowballs In CustardMy family has passed down this elegant dessert generation by generation. It started with my Russian great-grandmother, who traveled to America more than 100 years ago. I love continuing the tradition with her recipe. —Tonya Burkhard, Palm Coast, Florida

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Banana Pudding Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Banana PuddingI didn’t see my son, Lance Corporal Eric Harris, for more than two years after he enlisted in the Marines after high school. And when I saw him arrive at the airport, I just grabbed hold of him and burst out crying. When we got home, the first thing he ate was two bowls of my easy banana pudding recipe. He’s a true southern boy! It’s a dessert, but you can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. —Stephanie Harris, Montpelier, Virginia

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Raspberry Custard Kuchen Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Raspberry Custard KuchenBack where I grew up in Wisconsin, people have been baking this German treat for generations. We love it for breakfast or as a special dessert. It's no fuss to fix and impressive to serve. —Virginia Arndt, Sequim, Washington

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Pumpkin Pie CustardInstead of pumpkin pie, try this flavorful light holiday dessert. My husband’s aunt shared the recipe after she brought this treat to a family party. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey

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Favorite Banana Cream PieHomemade banana cream pie is my mom’s specialty, and this dreamy dessert has a wonderful banana flavor. It looks so pretty, and it cuts easily too. —Jodi Grable, Springfield, Missouri

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Taste of Home

Burnt CustardThe recipe for this smooth-as-silk custard came from a local restaurant years ago. With its broiled topping it looks pretty in individual cups. —Heidi Main, Anchorage, Alaska

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Lemon Custard CakeThis lemon custard cake recipe comes from my grandma— it's nice to whip up when unexpected company stops in. It's a cool, creamy dessert that tastes like you fussed. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

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Berries with Vanilla CustardWhat a simple, delectable way to enjoy fresh raspberries. For a change, also try the custard with strawberries or peaches. —Sarah C. Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire

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Squash Custard PieAcorn squash has been a favorite of mine since I was little and my mother baked it with sugar and cinnamon. This particular pie was something I improvised. We love pumpkin pie, but had fresh squash in excess. So I came up with this new variation! It's good to take to potlucks, to pie or cake walks at school, or to serve as a different dessert for Thanksgiving or Christmas. —Mary Kelly, Hopland, California

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Orange Natilla Custard PieAfter tasting natilla for the first time at a Cuban restaurant in Key West, I knew I had to turn that traditional custard into a pie. For a festive garnish, add curls of orange zest. —Amy Freeze, Avon Park, Florida

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Taste of Home

Baked Custard with CinnamonMother used to make this comforting baked custard when I was growing up on the farm. It was wonderful after a chilly evening of doing chores. Now I fix it for my husband and four sons. —Mary Kay Morris, co*kato, MN

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Taste of Home

Cranberry Creme BruleeDress up classic creme brulee with an easy-to-make cranberry sauce. The sweet-tart sauce compliments the rich, creamy custard. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen. Looking for more? Learn how to make custard tart.

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Banana Bread Pudding Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Banana Bread PuddingWhen I visited my grandmother in summer, I always looked forward to the comforting banana bread pudding she'd make. With its crusty golden top, custard-like inside and smooth vanilla sauce, this pudding is a real homespun dessert. Now I make it for my grandchildren. —Mary Detweiler, Middlefield, Ohio

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Mom's Lemon Custard PieMy mother often made this lemon pie back when we were growing up. You might say it's stood the test of time because today it's still my 75-year-old brother's favorite! The beaten egg whites give it a delicate texture and make this custard pie quite unique! It's a great way to finish off any meal. —Jeannie Fritson, Kearney, Nebraska

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FAQs

Custard vs. Pudding: What's the Big Difference? ›

The difference between the two is the thickening agent. Puddings are usually thickened with a starch like cornstarch or flour. Custards rely on the egg, specifically the yolk, to develop body. Generally, custards, which are the basis for ice cream and some pies, are firmer than puddings.

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What is the main difference between a custard and a pudding? ›

Custard primarily relies on eggs and dairy, while pudding uses milk or cream, sugar, and a starch thickener like cornstarch or tapioca. Custard tends to be smoother and more velvety due to the egg content, whereas pudding has a thicker, more gelatinous consistency because of the added starch.

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What is the difference between custard and pudding and mousse? ›

Unlike pudding, mousse is not cooked and the addition of air to the mixture leads to a fluffier consistency and lighter texture. Mousse is typically served chilled or frozen. Custard is made by cooking the milk and sugar base and adding whole eggs to thicken the mixture.

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Is custard or pudding thicker? ›

Texture: A classic custard is heavier and firmer than pudding, retaining its shape when turned out of a mold or ramekin. You can thin some custards, such as crème anglaise, to make a dessert sauce. Pudding is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon without being runny, but you can't form it into a shape.

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Can I use pudding instead of custard? ›

It's a spectacular substitute in recipes that normally call for cooking eggs and dairy to make a custard (like pastry cream).

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What are the 3 types of custard? ›

There are three types of custard: baked, stirred, and frozen. Baked custards include bread pudding, flan, and cheesecake, and are prepared by baking in an oven or water bath. Boiled Custards include beverages like eggnog. Puddings, creme anglaise (krem on-GLAYZ), and pastry cream are some examples of stirred custards.

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Is British custard the same as American pudding? ›

American puddings are closer to what the Brits would call "custard." A British pudding is a dish, savory or sweet, that's cooked by being boiled or steamed in something: a dish, a piece of cloth, or even animal intestine.

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What are the 3 types of pudding? ›

Puddings made for dessert can be boiled and steamed puddings, baked puddings, bread puddings, batter puddings, milk puddings or even jellies. In some Commonwealth countries these puddings are known as custards (or curds) if they are egg-thickened, as blancmange if starch-thickened, and as jelly if gelatin-based.

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What is a custard dessert called? ›

Crème anglaise – Light sweetened pouring custard. Crème brûlée – Custard dessert with hard caramel top. Crème caramel – Custard dessert with soft caramel on top, also known as flan, caramel custard, egg pudding or caramel pudding. Cremeschnitte – Puff pastry dessert. Custard pie – Pastry container with a sweet egg ...

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What's the difference between creme brulee and custard pudding? ›

Custard is set in one of three different ways: with eggs, starch, or gelatin. Crème brûlée, pots de crème, and flan are thickened with egg; in contrast, pastry cream and American-style cheesecake often employ cornstarch or flour. Gelatin is used to add a gel-like consistency to Bavarian cream and most mousse recipes.

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Is flan like custard? ›

Flan can refer to two different things: either a baked custard dessert topped with caramel similar to the French crème caramel, or a tart-like sweet pastry with a filling called a fruit flan.

Can you whip custard to make it thicker? ›

Stir as recommended by your original recipe, but if your custard is still runny, try more vigorous stirring. Make sure to use the appropriate tool, such as an immersion blender or a hand whisk.