This homemade vanilla pudding is smooth, creamy, and full of rich vanilla flavor. Made from simple pantry ingredients and cooked gently on the stovetop, it delivers a comforting dessert that feels nostalgic yet fresh. Once you try it from scratch, boxed pudding will never compare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is simple, reliable, and deeply satisfying. It uses everyday ingredients and comes together in one saucepan without any special equipment. The texture is silky, the flavor is pure and balanced, and it can be enjoyed on its own or dressed up with fruit, cookies, or cream. It is a classic dessert that works for casual family nights or elegant presentations.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
⅛ teaspoon salt
2¼ cups whole milk
2 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Directions
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Add the milk and egg yolks and whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook while whisking every minute or two, making sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the pan. After about 7 to 8 minutes, the mixture will begin bubbling across the surface.
Once bubbling, continue cooking for 1 to 2 additional minutes. Whisk gently and avoid overmixing. The pudding should be thick but still pourable at this stage and will continue to thicken as it cools.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Whisk in the butter until fully melted, followed by the vanilla extract.
If a perfectly smooth texture is desired, pour the hot pudding through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof bowl.
Transfer the pudding into a large serving bowl or individual dishes. Allow it to cool until just warm, then cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until fully chilled.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 2 to 3 hours
Total time: about 2 hours and 15 minutes
Variations
For a richer pudding, replace up to ½ cup of the milk with half-and-half.
For a lighter flavor, reduce the sugar slightly and increase the vanilla.
For a layered dessert, alternate pudding with cookies or fruit in serving glasses.
For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk and plant-based butter.
Storage/Reheating
Store the pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. This pudding is best served cold and does not require reheating. If it thickens too much, whisk gently before serving to restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I make this pudding ahead of time?
Yes, this pudding is ideal for making ahead and can be prepared up to two days in advance.
Why is my pudding lumpy?
Lumps can form if the heat is too high or if the mixture is not whisked evenly. Straining the pudding while hot will fix this.
Can I use low-fat milk?
Low-fat milk will work, but the pudding will be less creamy than when made with whole milk.
How do I prevent a skin from forming?
Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding while it chills.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, the recipe doubles well. Use a larger saucepan and allow slightly more cooking time.
Is cornstarch necessary?
Cornstarch helps stabilize the pudding. Without it, the texture will be thinner and less consistent.
Can I freeze vanilla pudding?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may become grainy once thawed.
How do I know when the pudding is done cooking?
The pudding is ready when it bubbles throughout and coats the back of a spoon.
Can I add toppings?
Yes, whipped cream, berries, cookies, or fruit sauces pair beautifully with this pudding.
What makes this pudding taste strongly of vanilla?
Using a good-quality vanilla extract ensures the flavor is clear and pronounced.
Conclusion
Homemade vanilla pudding is a timeless dessert that proves simple ingredients can create something truly special. With its creamy texture, pure vanilla flavor, and easy preparation, this recipe is one you will return to again and again. Whether served plain or dressed up, it is comfort food at its finest.
This homemade vanilla pudding is silky-smooth, rich in vanilla flavor, and made with simple pantry ingredients. It’s an easy stovetop dessert that’s comforting, nostalgic, and far better than store-bought versions.
Ingredients
⅓ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
⅛ teaspoon salt
2¼ cups whole milk
2 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
Add the milk and egg yolks and whisk until fully combined and smooth.
Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and cook, whisking every minute or two to prevent sticking.
After 7–8 minutes, the mixture will begin to bubble across the surface.
Continue cooking for 1–2 more minutes, whisking gently until thickened but still pourable.
Remove from heat and whisk in butter until melted, then stir in vanilla extract.
Optional: Strain the pudding through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl for extra smoothness.
Transfer pudding to a large serving bowl or individual dishes. Let cool slightly.
Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and refrigerate until fully chilled.
Notes
For a richer pudding, substitute up to ½ cup milk with half-and-half.
Use high-quality vanilla for the best flavor.
To prevent lumps, cook slowly over medium-low heat and whisk consistently.
For dairy-free, use coconut milk and plant-based butter.
