Here’s a smooth, creamy Vanilla Pudding recipe — perfect for desserts, parfaits, or enjoying on its own.
🍮 Classic Vanilla Pudding
⭐ Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 ½ cups milk (whole milk recommended)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Mix dry ingredients
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Add milk and eggs
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Whisk in egg yolks until fully incorporated.
3. Cook the pudding
- Place saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook, whisking constantly, until mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil (~5–7 minutes).
- Once thickened, remove from heat.
4. Add butter and vanilla
- Stir in butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Chill
- Pour pudding into individual cups or a bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
⭐ Tips & Variations
- Chocolate pudding: Whisk in ¼ cup cocoa powder with the sugar.
- Fruity twist: Layer with fresh berries or fruit compote.
- Creamier version: Use half-and-half or add ¼ cup heavy cream.
- Instant version: Use instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for a faster version (no cooking needed).
If you want, I can also give you a homemade vanilla pudding pie filling version or a vegan coconut milk version.
