Homemade vanilla pudding is the ultimate in old-school, homey comfort. It’s something that lots of people grew up with, but not many make anymore. Given how easy it is to make, I think it’s time we bring back this humble dessert in all its creamy vanilla glory. Let’s do this, shall we?!
Why should I make homemade vanilla pudding?
Good question. Honestly, with all the instant boxed options out there, I can see why people wouldn’t bother. However, if you know me, you know I’m a huge fan of simple, whole foods and real ingredients (ie not made in a factory). Making your own pudding only uses a small handful of simple ingredients most people have in their pantry. Boxed pudding has added ingredients you honestly don’t need. And given boxed and homemade vanilla pudding both only take minutes to make, why not go with the simple version your grandma would have made?
What is vanilla pudding made of?
This is simple, folks. All you need is:
- Milk
- Cream (or substitute for all milk, though cream adds to the richness of the pudding)
- Sugar
- Vanilla – use pure vanilla extract for the best flavour
- Cornstarch – acts as the thickener
That’s it! Five ingredients from your fridge and pantry to whip up a simple and satisfying dessert.
Is vanilla pudding the same as vanilla custard?
Vanilla pudding is slightly different than vanilla custard both in taste and texture. While pudding is thickened with cornstarch, custard uses eggs to thicken the milk, resulting in a slightly different flavour as well as a slightly thicker texture.
How to make vanilla pudding from scratch
To begin, whisk together milk and cornstarch in a small bowl to create a ‘slurry’. Set this aside for later.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, cream, and sugar. Stir over medium heat until it’s steaming and small bubbles are forming around the edge of the pan. Reduce heat to low.
Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly. Heat until pudding is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (it will thicken a bit more as it cools). Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
Pour pudding into serving cups or bowls. Press plastic wrap directly onto the top of the pudding to avoid a skin from forming. Refrigerate until chilled.
Tools you may need:
How to serve homemade vanilla pudding
While this recipe is wonderful as-is, my kids love it dressed up with some whipped cream and berries.
You can also serve this pudding as a fun treat topped with sprinkles, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries. Trust me, kids will love this.
More easy dessert recipes:
Salted Caramel Oatmeal Cookies
If you try this recipe and love it, If you try this recipe and love it, I would love if you could come back and give it 5 stars!
Homemade Vanilla Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 cup plus 3 tbsp milk, separated (2% or whole milk)
- 1 cup 18% table cream
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- To begin, whisk together 3tbsp milk and cornstarch in a small bowl to create a 'slurry'. Set this aside for later.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together remaining 1 cup of milk, cream, and sugar. Stir over medium heat until it's steaming and small bubbles are forming around the edge of the pan. Reduce heat to low.
- Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly. Heat until pudding is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (it will thicken a bit more as it cools). Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
- Pour pudding into serving cups or bowls. Press plastic wrap directly onto the top of the pudding to avoid a skin from forming. Refrigerate until chilled.
Save it for later
Leave a Reply