Homemade Vanilla Pudding
This homemade vanilla pudding is creamy, rich, and full of real vanilla flavor. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a nostalgic dessert that’s perfect served warm or chilled, and great on its own or layered in other treats.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus optional chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk, divided
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 pinch salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup of the milk with cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine remaining milk, salt, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until steaming, stirring occasionally (do not boil).
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of hot milk, whisking constantly to temper.
- Return the egg mixture to the saucepan and stir in the cornstarch mixture.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and just starting to simmer (7–10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour into serving dishes. Serve warm or chill with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface.
Notes
- Use vanilla bean paste or vanilla bean seeds for deeper flavor.
- Reduced-fat or plant-based milk can be used but will alter texture.
- Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a twist.
- Layer with fruit and cookies to create easy parfaits.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
