vanilla pudding in a bowl and topped with chocolate sauce

This classic and eggless Homemade Vanilla Pudding is creamy, soft, and truly adorable. It is quick, easy, make-ahead friendly, and way better than the box of vanilla pudding mix. Vanilla Pudding is one of those desserts that are not overcomplicated and requires only a few ingredients.

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About Homemade Vanilla Pudding
Ingredients
Step by Step Directions
Serving Suggestions
Helpful Tips
More Desserts
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About Homemade Vanilla Pudding

Making vanilla pudding at home is simple, straightforward, and quick. The best part is that we can make it as creamy and rich as we prefer. I have used both milk and cream to make this homemade vanilla pudding. Adding cream makes it creamier and richer in texture and taste.

However, we can make this pudding with only whole milk as well. Once you try homemade vanilla pudding, you will instantly realize how easy it is. I am sure you will not go back to boxed pudding mix or those readily available pudding snack packs.

This homemade vanilla pudding is a classic recipe with perfect vanilla flavor and texture. Kids and adults both love this simple dessert. Also, it is fun to add some toppings to the set pudding. For example, you can top the pudding with fresh fruits, crushed oreo, chocolate sauce, or strawberry sauce. While my favorite is the chocolate sauce, my son loves to top it with some crushed oreo cookies.

a bowl of vanilla pudding with crushed oreo on the top

Ingredients

Milk: I always use whole milk to make puddings. Because we do not need to taste only sugar and vanilla, it should have creaminess as well. However, because this recipe also involves cream, you can choose to use low-fat milk. But do not use fat-free milk.
Cream: Cream makes the pudding rich, thick, and creamier. But if you want to keep the dessert humble and low calorie, you can use only whole milk. So instead of using 2 cups of milk, use 3 cups of milk and skip the cream. I have used 35% fat cream, but you can also use low-fat cream.
Sugar: I have added 10 tablespoon of sugar, making the dessert moderately sweet. But if you prefer very sweet vanilla pudding, add a couple of tablespoon sugar more.
Cornstarch: It makes the pudding mixture thick and helps in setting the pudding. Instead of cornstarch, you can also use vanilla custard powder and reduce the amount of vanilla extract.
Salt: Salt does not make the pudding salty, it is added in very little quantity. Instead, salt will bring a nice contrast to the dessert. However, if you do not prefer salt in your pudding, skip it.
Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla for the best taste.

Step by Step Directions

In a medium heavy-bottomed pan, take sugar, cornstarch, and salt.

Stir well to combine.

Gradually pour in the milk and whisk well until the dry ingredients incorporate well into the milk.
Next, add cream and stir well until the mixture is smooth.

Set the pot over medium heat.
Cook the mixture until it is heated through. Stir the mixture frequently.
Then turn the heat on low and continue stirring.

Soon the mixture will become thick.
Continue cooking the mixture until it comes to a gentle boil.
Cooking the mixture is important to cook the cornstarch.

Once the mixture starts boiling and becomes thick, it will coat the back of a spoon or spatula.
Add vanilla, and stir well.
Turn off the heat.

Pour the pudding mixture into individual serving bowls or cups.
If you do not like the skin layer on your pudding, cover the bowls with plastic wrap touching the surface.
Refrigerate the pudding bowls for 3-4 hours or until the pudding is completely set.
When vanilla pudding is ready, serve it with your favorite toppings.

Serving Suggestions

While classic vanilla pudding tastes delicious on its own, it is always fun to add some toppings.
Top the vanilla pudding with crushed oreo cookies right before serving.
Drizzle some chocolate sauce or strawberry sauce on the top of the vanilla pudding and serve.
Serve the vanilla pudding with the garnish of chocolate shelves.
For more creaminess and richness, top the pudding with a dollop of whipped cream.
You can also top it with chopped fresh fruits of your choice.

Helpful Tips

If you want, you can skip adding the cream. Instead of cream, add 3 cups of whole milk. Whole milk will also make the pudding thick and creamy. Moreover, it will keep the dessert low-calorie.
To make the vegan pudding, use almond or coconut milk.
If you do not like the skin layer formation on your pudding, you need to cover the bowls with plastic wrap. After pouring the hot mixture into the serving bowls, immediately cover them with plastic wrap touching the surface of the pudding. Then refrigerate the bowls to chill.

More Desserts

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