master-cooks | Easy Classic Vanilla Pudding Recipe

This Easy Classic Vanilla Pudding Recipe is a timeless dessert that brings comfort and nostalgia with every spoonful. To create this creamy delight, begin by combining milk, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Once it reaches a smooth consistency, remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract and a touch of butter, adding a layer of richness. This simple combination of ingredients transforms into a silky, luscious pudding that captures the essence of home-cooked goodness. The key to achieving the perfect texture lies in the constant stirring, ensuring the pudding remains smooth and free of lumps. Allow the pudding to cool slightly before transferring it to individual serving dishes or a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and chill in the refrigerator until set. This classic dessert can be served on its own or garnished with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or fresh berries for a burst of flavor. Its simplicity and versatility make it a beloved choice for family gatherings or a comforting treat on a cozy evening. Enjoy the creamy, vanilla-infused indulgence of this homemade pudding, a true testament to the enduring appeal of traditional desserts.

Gather your vanilla pudding ingredients

You may already have all the ingredients for this recipe tucked away in your kitchen. To create a delightful vanilla pudding, you just need milk, cornstarch, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and a touch of butter.

Step 1: Warm (most of) the milk

Add 2 ½ cups of milk to a saucepan and set it on the stovetop over medium-low heat.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

As the milk heats up, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl.

Step 3: Make a slurry

Incorporate the remaining ½ cup of milk into the cornstarch mixture and whisk until the dry ingredients are fully blended.

Step 4: Whisk in the slurry

Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan of warm milk while continuously whisking.

Step 5: Cook the pudding

Prepare the pudding by whisking continuously until it reaches a temperature of 175°F. (If you don't have a thermometer, cook it until it noticeably thickens and coats the back of a spoon.) Take it off the heat.

Step 6: Add flavoring ingredients

Incorporate the vanilla extract and butter, then mix until the butter has fully melted.

Step 7: Chill and set the pudding

Scoop the pudding into a large storage container or individual serving containers, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours until it is chilled and firm.

Step 8: Time for dessert

Serve cold, adorned with whipped cream and/or vanilla wafer cookies, if preferred.

How can I make vanilla pudding vegan?

Vanilla pudding is an excellent choice for a vegan dessert. Unlike traditional puddings that typically include dairy milk, egg yolks, and often butter, you can achieve a smooth and tasty pudding without any of these ingredients. In this recipe, we’ve omitted the eggs and used cornstarch as the only thickening agent. To make this egg-free recipe suitable for vegans, simply swap the butter for a vegan alternative and choose your favorite plant-based milk.

There are numerous great vegan milk options available, such as almond, soy, coconut, or even hemp milk, each with its own pros and cons. For this recipe, any of these will work well. The cornstarch will effectively thicken whichever milk you select, resulting in a rich vanilla pudding. Just be mindful of the sugar content; some plant-based milks contain a significant amount of added sugar. Depending on the type and brand you choose, you might want to slightly decrease the amount of sugar you add to your pudding.

What can I substitute for cornstarch in vanilla pudding?

Cornstarch is a budget-friendly and reliable thickening agent commonly used in various desserts, but it’s not the only option for thickening pudding. If you prefer to steer clear of cornstarch for any reason, there are numerous alternatives available. While cornstarch is widely used, many other starches can be found on supermarket shelves today. In the baking section, you can discover options such as traditional wheat flour, rice flour, potato starch, tapioca flour, and arrowroot powder.

It's important to note that each of these alternative starches has unique properties. They may require adjustments in quantities and cooking temperatures, and they can also affect the flavor and texture of your dish. For instance, arrowroot powder cooks at a lower temperature than cornstarch, necessitating changes in cooking times and heat levels if you opt for it. Tapioca flour is another excellent substitute, but it is a very strong starch that can create a gummy texture that some people might find unappealing. Wheat flour is the most common substitute for cornstarch, but you'll need to use a larger amount since it doesn’t thicken as effectively, which will also change the pudding's mouthfeel.

Easy Classic Vanilla Pudding Recipe