Classic Vanilla Pudding

Whip up a batch of our homemade vanilla pudding, just like Mom used to make.

8 Comments

SERVES: 4

CHILL TIME: 4 Hr

COOK TIME: 10 Min

This thick, traditional pudding always puts a smile on our face 'cause it reminds us of Mom's old-fashioned vanilla pudding. Yup, there's nothing like a little Classic Vanilla Pudding to bring back good childhood memories.

This is one of those desserts you can serve to your chocolate-loving family members to prove to them that vanilla is a highly underrated flavor. There's something about the mellow, sweet flavor of homemade vanilla pudding that is sure to charm everyone. We'd love to see this dessert on the table at Sunday dinner or at a potluck. But the great thing about this recipe is that it's also easy enough to make during the week. Just be sure to cook it a day in advance, because it takes a few hours to set up. We promise it will be worth the wait!

What You'll Need

3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
2 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

What to Do

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk milk and egg yolks; gradually stir into saucepan.
Cook over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, or until mixture thickens and is bubbling, whisking constantly.
Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Spoon into individual serving dishes or a large bowl.
Cover with plastic wrap directly on surface of pudding and refrigerate 4 hours, or until firm.

Pudding vs. Custard: What's the Difference?

Many people think that pudding and custard are the same thing. This isn't true! It's also common to just not know the differences between these two creamy desserts.

The short answer to "what's the difference between pudding and custard?" is that pudding uses starch, such as flour or cornstarch, as a thickener. Custard relies on eggs as the thickening agent.

That might sound like a boring distinction, but it leads to a fun (and delicious) difference in flavor and texture! Custard is usually thicker and flatter than pudding, with a richer and more luxurious texture. Think of pudding like custard's carefree cousin, with a light and creamy texture that is every bit as charming and delectable.

These desserts are also often made using different techniques. Pudding is usually cooked on the stove, while custard is often baked in a water bath. Neither of these sweet treats are quick to make, but they are both definitely worth the extra time!

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moc1955

Feb 23, 2021

Can I use Almond milk to make this pudding?

Test Kitchen Team

Feb 25, 2021

Yes, almond milk can replace whole milk in this recipe. :)

jovanna9629060

Jan 01, 2021

Oops, sorry typo. Meant to say eliminating eggs!

Test Kitchen Team

Jan 05, 2021

Hello! Yes, this pudding recipe can be made without eggs. Test Kitchen recommends using 1 1/2 tsps vanilla extract to boost flavor. The texture might not be as rich and creamy, but it will work. Hope this helps :)

jovanna9629060

Jan 01, 2021

Allergic to eggs. Can I get a good outcome by illuminating eggs?

stevewife5767 8521 704

Oct 22, 2017

Oooh...the good stuff!

Moppel

Sep 24, 2016

Perfect! And quick and easy. I've been searching for the vanilla pudding recipe for years, this is it. Only thing, it's really sweet. Next time I'll reduce the sugar some. But other than that, perfection.