Creamy, velvety, and bursting with flavor, this homemade Vanilla Pudding is a classic treat that’s delightfully simple to make.
How many of you enjoyed a flimsy plastic cup of vanilla pudding during an elementary school lunch? I had them so often, they didn’t seem like dessert anymore—that’s what the Gushers were for. Still, I’d slurp them down. Then one day, my mom stopped buying them. Honestly, I’d forgotten about vanilla pudding until a friend made homemade chocolate pudding for a dinner party. And wow, if that didn’t just open the flavor floodgates. It was like the pudding from my youth, but only a million times better. And you know what would’ve been even more tasty? Vanilla pudding.
I’m a chocolate fiend, but for some reason, I prefer vanilla to chocolate in my pudding. It’s smooth, creamy, and bursting with real vanilla, with the emphasis on real. Unlike that store-bought stuff from my 90s childhood, this recipe doesn’t have a goopy texture filled with artificial flavors, preservatives, and too much sugar. I bet you’ll love the way each spoonful of this vanilla pudding melts in your mouth as much as I do!
Is This Vanilla Pudding Healthy?
It’s true that we offer a wide array of healthy dessert options on this site. Well, this isn’t one of them. That said, I like to use whole, natural ingredients, like local, farm-fresh dairy and butter. Yeah, there’s a lot of sugar in this pudding, but at least you’re getting some calcium and protein from the milk!
To make a healthier vanilla pudding, substitute the whole milk with low-fat milk or your preferred plant-based milk. For a completely vegan option, use a butter substitute, too. Reducing the sugar slightly or using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup may help too, though it will change the overall flavor.
And, as always, you could simply enjoy this dessert in moderation!
Pure Vanilla Extract Vs. Imitation Vanilla Extract
I’m no stranger to imitation vanilla extract. I use it all the time. It’s made from synthetic ingredients. In some recipes, it’s totally fine. After all, real vanilla is crazy expensive. But for this recipe? Go with the real, pure vanilla extract.
Pure vanilla extract is almost like a fine bourbon. It provides a rich, complex flavor profile with floral and woody notes that just can’t be replicated by the fake stuff. This vanilla pudding recipe calls for simple ingredients, so that means that every ingredient counts. You want the vanilla to stand out here, and using a high-quality extract elevates this deliciously simple dessert.
How To Make Ahead And Store
This pudding can be made ahead of time and stored in your fridge for up to 5 days.
Serving Suggestions
I love topping my vanilla pudding with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. It’s also a great base for this Rum Pineapple Cake Trifle. Or serve it as a side with this decadent Gluten-Free Coffee Cake! I also enjoy dipping White Chocolate Biscotti and Chocolate Chip Cookies into the pudding. Of course, this vanilla pudding is also great all on its own with a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk to ensure the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Pour the pudding into a serving bowl or individual dessert cups. To prevent a skin from forming on top, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding.
- Refrigerate the pudding until it is completely chilled and set, about 2 hours. Serve cold as a delightful dessert.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment