Homemade Vanilla Pudding

Published: Aug 5, 2018 · Modified: Jan 12, 2021 by Allison · 678 Comments

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Put down the instant pudding mix. This creamy and flavorful Homemade Vanilla Pudding couldn’t be easier or more delicious! Serve this pudding on its own or with cookies, berries or whipped cream. VIDEO below.

It’s time homemade pudding gets the attention it deserves. Pudding has to be the most underrated dessert ever. It’s not as fancy or decadent as a pot de crème, mousse, or crème brûlée. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and uncomplicated, and that’s what I love about it!

If you have only ever hadboxed/store-bought pudding, you are missing out. Yes, this takes a little more effort than peeling back the foil on a plastic cup, but once you taste this, you will never go back to that stuff again. You probably have most (or all?) of these ingredients in your kitchen right now. Check out how easy it is.

PREFER CHOCOLATE PUDDING? CLICK HERE!

Milk: Whole milk is the base of the pudding. Feel free to swap up to ½ cup milk for half-and-half for a richer pudding.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar sweetens the pudding. Nothing fancy here!
Thickener: Egg yolks and cornstarch thicken up the pudding. It will thicken as it cooks on the stovetop, and it will continue to thicken as it cools in the fridge.
Vanilla extract: This is what makes our pudding taste like vanilla. Use the best extract you can get – its flavor is coming through in every bite.
Butter: Just a touch of butter is whisked into the hot pudding. This adds a touch of richness that takes this pudding over the top. Don’t skip it!

The pudding ingredients get whisked together and cooked on the stovetop for about 10 minutes. Then strain it and place it in the fridge to chill.Easy peasy!

One of the fabulous things about homemade pudding is its versatility. You can serve it on its own, or youcan pair it withberries, whipped cream, cookies, or sliced bananas. It’s great layered in a trifle, or topped with fruit sauce. Note: you can also just place ahuge bowl of pudding in your fridge and steal a bite (or two) every time you open the fridge door. ← Not a bad idea.

This is a classic, comforting dessert that I come back to time and time again – and I hope you will too!

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Recipe

Easy Homemade Vanilla Pudding

This creamy and flavorful Homemade Vanilla Pudding couldn't be easier or more delicious! Serve this pudding on its own or with cookies, berries or whipped cream.

4.91 from 383 votes

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 generous ½ cup servings (a little over 2 cups total)

Calories: 232kcal

Author: Allison - Celebrating Sweets

Ingredients

▢ ⅓ cup granulated sugar
▢ 3 tablespoons cornstarch
▢ ⅛ teaspoon salt
▢ 2-¼ cups whole milk
▢ 2 large egg yolks
▢ 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
▢ 1-½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions

In a medium saucepan whisk together sugar, cornstarch, salt, milk, and egg yolks. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally (every minute or two), until the mixture is bubbling all throughout (this took 7-8 minutes for mine).
Once bubbling, continue cooking for one to two additional minutes, whisking once or twice, but not too vigorously (this can break down the binding properties). At this point the pudding should be thickened but still pourable, it will thicken more as it cools.
Remove from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla extract.
OPTIONAL, to remove lumps: Place a fine mesh strainer over a large heatproof bowl.Pour the mixture through the strainer and into the bowl.Skip this step if you don't notice any lumps in your pudding.
Transfer the pudding into a large bowl or into individual serving bowls. Cool until it is lukewarm, then cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for several hours or until chilled.

Video

Nutrition

Nutritional Information is an estimate based on third-party calculations and may vary based on products used and serving sizes.

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Comments

Ferne Anselmini
April 13, 2024 at 8:33 am

This is a super easy and versatile pudding to make. I used it over crepes with berries and whip cream for a brunch. I had left over which I combined with cool whip, put in freezer and scooped out on top of brownies.
Reply
- Allison
  April 16, 2024 at 8:41 am
  I’m glad you enjoyed it!
  Reply
Sharon Wills
April 20, 2024 at 9:17 am

Very good pudding, I added bananas after it cooled. Taste like my grandmothers homemade pudding. Thank you for this recipe.
Reply
- Allison
  April 23, 2024 at 2:19 pm
  See Also
  Here's the Difference Between Custard vs Pudding
  You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
  Reply
Kayla
April 22, 2024 at 2:01 pm

Can you double this recipe to make a larger batch or does it turn out better in smaller quantities?
Reply
- Allison
  April 23, 2024 at 2:15 pm
  You can double it but make sure you use a large enough saucepan for it to heat evenly. Enjoy!
  Reply
Olive
April 25, 2024 at 7:56 am
Can this pudding be used to fill creampuffs?
Reply
- Allison
  April 25, 2024 at 10:18 am
  Sure! Enjoy!
  Reply
Blair
May 13, 2024 at 6:54 am

Puddin
Reply
Amanda Keen
May 20, 2024 at 5:29 pm

Reminds me of my Granny’s vanilla pudding. She’s been gone 25 years. Thank you 💖
Reply
- Allison
  May 22, 2024 at 3:04 pm
  You’re very welcome. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
  Reply
Heather
May 24, 2024 at 6:10 pm
Hi 👋 I really want to make this, it sounds delicious! I want to top it with homemade whipped cream, banana slices and a graham cracker square…yum!! 😋 My question is, how long does this keep in the fridge? Thanks in advance for your help 😃
Heather
Reply
- Allison
  May 28, 2024 at 11:00 am
  Hi, Heather. It’s best within 3 days. Enjoy!
  Reply

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Hi, I'm Allison! I'm a busy wife and mom with a passion for cooking and baking. This is where you'll find my favorite homemade recipes, designed to help you make every day delicious! Read more....

Homemade Vanilla Pudding - Celebrating Sweets (2024)