Description
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.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (of 4)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
