Homemade Vanilla Pudding is such a delicious treat, and it’s super easy to make. Skip the boxed mix and make this recipe in no time, with way less artificial ingredients. This is a simple recipe that only takes about 5 minutes, and it can be paired with so many options. We know you’ll love the delicious, easy, not too sweet flavor of this homemade pudding!
Homemade Vanilla Pudding Recipe
This is a simple recipe, and it’s a spin off of our famous 5 Minute Chocolate Pudding recipe. The thing I love most about this recipe that any level of home chef can master. It’s simple and delicious, and we keep ours with just a light vanilla flavor. I love that this is such a classic, comforting treat, and because it’s homemade, you have complete control over the flavor profile (more sweet, less sweet, etc).
This is an easy recipe with pantry staple ingredients, which is perfect when you need a quick dessert, but you’re not sure what to make!
Homemade Vanilla Pudding Ingredients
- Milk: Whole milk will yield the richest result. I used 2% (dietary preference) and it was still delicious. You can use almond milk with this recipe if you prefer a non dairy based option!
- Sugar: Plain white granulated. You can control the sweetness here, which is the best part!
- Cornstarch: This is what helps thicken the pudding.
- Salt: For depth of flavor. Just a little bit! If you are using salted butter, go light to not overpower it.
- Vanilla: The most important ingredient in vanilla pudding! I used Vanilla Bean Paste from Trader Joes. Sometimes it’s a seasonal product, but you can find Vanilla Bean Paste on Amazon. I like that it adds the little flecks of vanilla. If you only have on hand, it will work great as well.
- Butter: Unsalted. However, if salted is all you have, go light on the salt list above.
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Pudding
With any recipe, I like to use an mis en place. Basically, it’s a French cooking theory that you have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go. The is especially helpful with a pudding recipe, because you’ll need to stir constantly.
- First, prep the dry ingredients. Mix together sugar, cornstarch, salt and whisk until smooth.
- I like to use a mini whisk for this, you’ll want to be sure there are no lumps, and it’s a smooth sandlike consistency.
- Set the dry mixture aside.
- Next, pour the milk in a sauce pan, and turn the heat to medium. Stir consistently until the milk is bubbly and it begins to thicken around the pan.
- Make sure you continue to stir as the milk heats up. It can burn quickly.
- I really recommend using a silicon whisk to not scratch your pan!
- Once the milk is lightly bubbling and starting to thicken, mix in the dry mixture. Stir, stir stir! The cornstarch will thicken quickly.
- After adding in the dry mixture, turn the heat off, and add in the vanilla, and the butter.
- Continue to stir, and then transfer to a serving dish.
- This pudding can be served warm, or chilled.
- If serving chilled, transfer to a dish, and place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- I like to garnish with berries when serving chilled.
- If I’m serving this warm, I like it on its own, a little caramel drizzle, or even maple syrup is delicious!
Serving & Storing Homemade Pudding
Homemade pudding keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container. If you are storing it in a glass cup (like above) you can place plastic wrap directly onto the pudding so it doesn’t develop a tough upper skin.
Vanilla pudding can be used in so many recipes. Here’s a few that we like!
- Vanilla Pudding Triffle
- Add it to Angel Food Cake with some chopped strawberries. Yum!
- Layer it with strawberries, raspberries and blueberries for a festive Summer treat.
- Freeze it in popsicles molds for homemade pudding pops!
More No Bake Dessert Recipes
If you like this recipe, here’s some more no bake dessert recipes we think you’ll like!
- Strawberry Tiramisu
- Chocolate Fudge Sauce for Sundaes
- Homemade Chocolate Malt
- Strawberry Icebox Cake
What do you think about this recipe?Have questions?Comment below! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, and connect with us on Instagram and tag your @Laughingspatula recipes with #laughingspatula,while you’re at it…We love to see your pics!
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Enjoy! – Kathi and Rachel
Homemade Vanilla Pudding
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla paste (vanilla extract works as well)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients. In a medium sized bowl, combine dry ingredients (cornstarch, sugar, and salt). Whisk to combine, ensuring no lumps remain. Set aside.
- Add milk to a medium sized pot, and turn heat to medium. Using a whisk, stir until the milk turns bubbly, and begins to coat the whisk.
- Add dry mixture to milk, and stir until a thick mixture forms (be cautious not to overstir as it will cause the cornstarch to break down) and no lumps remain. Turn off heat.
- Add vanilla paste and butter. Stir until pudding until fully incorporated. Transfer pudding to serving dish. If serving warm, serve immediately. If serving cold, allow to chill in refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until desired serving temperature is reached.
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