Ahhh, pudding—smooth, cozy, and nostalgic 😌
Here’s a classic homemade pudding that’s rich and silky, plus easy ways to switch it up.
Classic Vanilla Pudding
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Add Milk
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
3. Cook
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and gently bubbling (about 5–7 minutes).
4. Temper Egg Yolks
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks.
- Slowly whisk in ½ cup of hot pudding mixture to warm the yolks.
- Pour yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly.
5. Finish
- Cook 1–2 more minutes until thick and glossy.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
6. Chill
- Pour into serving dishes.
- Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface (prevents skin).
- Chill at least 1 hour.
Variations
- Chocolate pudding: Add ⅓ cup cocoa powder + ½ cup chopped chocolate
- Banana pudding: Layer with sliced bananas & vanilla wafers
- Butterscotch: Use brown sugar instead of white
- Coconut: Replace half the milk with coconut milk
Tips
- Constant whisking = silky pudding
- Whole milk gives best texture, but 2% works
- If it thickens too much, whisk in a splash of warm milk
If you want, I can give you a no-cook pudding, old-fashioned stovetop chocolate pudding, or a baked pudding (like bread pudding or rice pudding). Just say the word 🍮
