Homemade Vanilla Pudding (2024)

Recipes

By Lauren on August 19, 2021 | Updated June 21, 2021 | 3 Comments

This creamy and flavorful homemade vanilla pudding recipe is easy to make and has the best vanilla flavor. Once you see how easy it is to make vanilla pudding from scratch you will never pick up boxed pudding mix again!

Homemade Vanilla Pudding

If you have never made homemade vanilla pudding before you are in for a real treat. This easy to make homemade vanilla pudding recipe gives you the perfect sweet and creamy vanilla pudding that is perfect for eating alone and using in any recipe that calls for vanilla pudding. The flavors of homemade vanilla pudding are so much better than any boxed pudding you can get at the store and it doesn’t take that much extra work to make.

While boxed pudding has its place in the world there really is not anything better then homemade pudding for dessert. Personally I like using homemade pudding even in dessert recipes that call for boxed pudding, but if you are wanting the best homemade vanilla pudding recipe to enjoy this is it! Plus it is super easy to make!

Tips for Making Homemade Pudding

Continue stirring while bringing the pudding to a boil.

Cook only on medium heat. Any higher then that and you will burn the pudding.

To avoid getting a film on your pudding while it sets, cover the surface with plastic wrap, and make sure the plastic touches the pudding.

How to Serve Homemade Pudding

I like to serve pudding as is. However, if you want to fancy it up add a plop of whipped cream on top. You can also add things like crushed cookies on top to make a pudding sundae as my kids call them.

Vanilla pudding is also amazing when topped with fresh berries including strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.

Ways to Use homemade Pudding

While vanilla pudding does make an amazing dessert all on its own, it is also great as a cake filling. After baking a homemade cake you can put a layer of homemade pudding between the cake layers before frosting for an amazing pudding cake filling.

You can also use this from scratch vanilla pudding recipe with any recipe that calls for a boxed vanilla pudding to be used. This pudding recipe makes 3 cups of vanilla pudding.

How long do you have to chill pudding?

From scratch Vanilla pudding needs to be chilled for at least 2 hours to set properly.

How to Store Homemade Pudding

Store vanilla homemade pudding in an air tight container in the fridge.

How long does homemade pudding last?

Homemade pudding will last for 5-7 days when stored in the fridge in an airtight container. It is not recommended to freeze this pudding recipe unless you are making pudding pops and freezing it in popsicle containers as it will defrost and give you a funky granulated texture when it defrosts.

Homemade Vanilla Pudding Ingredients

• whole milk
• white granulated sugar
• corn starch
• egg yolks
• vanilla extract
• salted butter

How to Make Vanilla Pudding

In a small pot, whisk together the milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Place the pot over medium heat and cook until the mixture has thickened. Making sure to keep stirring to prevent the mixture from burning.

Place your egg yolks into a medium mixing bowl. Once the mixture has thickened, slowly whisk about ½ cup of the milk mixture into the egg yolks. Whisk the egg yolk mixture into the milk mixture.

Return the milk mixture to medium heat and cook the mixture For just one minute.

Remove the pudding from the heat and stir in the vanilla and butter. Whisk until the butter is well incorporated.

Pour the mixture into your serving bowl, cover the surface with plastic wrap, and make sure the plastic touches the pudding so it doesn’t form a film.

Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

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