Learn how to make the best Homemade Vanilla Pudding in just a few steps. It is rich and creamy with so much more flavor than the box mixes.
Once you make pudding from scratch, you will not go back to store-bought. The difference is amazing in homemade pudding recipes, and it is not difficult at all.
This easy vanilla pudding recipe has a delicious flavor and can be made with simple ingredients for such an easy Vanilla Dessert. I also make Orange Pudding and the kids love it.
Table of contents
Why We Love Homemade Vanilla Pudding
- Simple Ingredients – Save time and money by making vanilla pudding at home. We know exactly the ingredients we are adding to the pudding and nothing we can not pronounce.
- Quick and Easy – This recipe is quick to prepare and perfect to make ahead of time.
- Perfect for any occasion – Vanilla pudding is light, creamy, and a dessert everyone will love. Delicious and easy-to-make at-home dessert.
Ingredients
- Cornstarch. This helps to thicken the pudding.
- Milk. Whole milk is best.
- Butter. Always use real butter.
- Vanilla Extract. Make sure to get pure vanilla extract.
The entire ingredients can be found at the bottom in the recipe card.
Variations
- Add in Flavoring – This is a base recipe, so you can add in different flavors of extract to change the flavor.
- Butterscotch Pudding – You can make butterscotch pudding by adding in scotch or bourbon. The alcohol will cook as it is heated in the saucepan.
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Pudding
Step 1. Whisk the ingredients together. First, add the sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan.
Step 2. Keep whisking as you add the milk and bring to a boil. Make sure you stir hot milk constantly. Let it cook for 2 minutes.
Step 3. Next, put the eggs in a separate mixing bowl and just lightly beat them.
Step 4. Stir in a cup of the milk mixture from the saucepan into the bowl with the eggs.
Step 5. Slowly whisk the egg mixture back into the saucepan.
Step 6. Finally, bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat. Keep stirring constantly to prevent a skin from forming. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 7. Remove from heat and add the butter and vanilla.
Step 8. Stir to combine.
Step 9. Make sure everything is smooth.
Step 10. Then pour the pudding into serving dishes and put in the fridge to cool. It should take about 2 hours for the pudding to set. Then top with Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe and serve.
Expert Tips
- Combining Ingredients – As you are combining ingredients in the saucepan, make sure to continue stirring. You will heat the mixture on medium heat to boil it and then reduce to medium-low heat.
- Allow to Chill – Make sure you give time for the vanilla pudding to set before serving. We recommend at least two hours. I like to go ahead and pour into serving glasses to easily serve when they are ready.
- Whole Milk is best. The texture of the pudding is best when you use whole milk.
How to Thicken Vanilla Pudding?
If your pudding is too thin, you can add a thickening agent to help thicken up the mixture. This vanilla pudding is made from scratch, so we recommend adding in more cornstarch.
Cornstarch is a natural thickening agent that can be added in about 1 tablespoon at a time. Continue stirring until it thickens. As the pudding sets it should thicken as it chills.
Serving Suggestions
- Toppings – Top each pudding cup with your favorite toppings. Some of my favorites are serving with vanilla wafers, homemade whipped cream, or fresh berries. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are some of our favorites.
- Pudding Cups – Use the pudding to make Sand Pudding Cups. This is such a fun idea for a pool party or Summer party. The kids love helping to make this snack.
- Crushed Candy – Chop up leftover candy or use crushed cookies to top the pudding with. It is a great way to use items you probably already have. Let the kids choose their toppings and I guarantee they will have a blast.
- Kids Party Idea – If you are planning a kid’s birthday party, let them create their own pudding dessert. This is a fun idea for a party and you can sit out a bunch of toppings. All the kids can make their own pudding cups.
- Trifle Dessert – Make a trifle layered style dessert with this pudding and cubed pound cake and fruit. Top with whipped cream. Yum!
- After-School Snack – Use this for after-school snacks. Skip the pudding cups from the grocery store. Just pour these into small containers and place them in the fridge.
- Grab and Go Snack – We often make a double batch just to have enough to make snack containers. Not only does this taste much better but it saves money too.
Vanilla Pudding Topping Ideas
Add your favorite toppings when serving this homemade vanilla pudding. These are some of our favorites.
- Crushed Vanilla Wafers
- Fruit
- Whipped Cream
- Chocolate or Caramel Syrup Drizzle
- Chopped Candy Bars
- Mini Chocolate Chips
- Granola
Storage
When storing vanilla pudding, make sure to cover with plastic wrap. Store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
More Easy Pudding Recipes
- Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe
- Butterscotch Pudding
- Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe
- Chocolate Pudding
- Sand Pudding Cups
- Peanut Butter Pudding
Try this easy pudding today. Then leave a comment. I love hearing from you!
Homemade Vanilla Pudding
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 2 cups Milk
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 Tbsp Vanilla
Instructions
- Whisk together sugar, cornstarch and salt in a medium saucepan.
- Whisk in milk and bring to a boil over medium heat stirring constantly. Allow to cook for 2 minutes.
- Place the eggs in a separate bowl and lightly beat them. Then stir in 1 cup of milk mixture from the sauce pan into the eggs and then slowly whisk the egg mixture back into the sauce pan.
- Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Cook and stir for 2 more minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
- Transfer to serving dishes and chill.
Recipe Video
So easy and delicious