Description
This classic homemade vanilla pudding is a creamy, rich dessert made on the stovetop using simple ingredients like whole milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. It’s smooth, flavorful, and perfect served chilled as a comforting sweet treat or as a base for parfaits and banana pudding.
Ingredients
Scale
Vanilla Pudding Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Add Milk and Heat: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to combine all ingredients smoothly. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5–7 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken and bubble.
- Temper Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks thoroughly. Slowly add about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to gently raise their temperature and prevent curdling.
- Combine and Thicken: Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking continuously. Continue to cook for another 2–3 minutes until the pudding becomes thick and creamy.
- Finish Pudding: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract until fully melted and the pudding is smooth.
- Chill: Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- For a richer pudding, substitute part of the whole milk with half-and-half.
- This creamy pudding also makes an excellent base for parfaits or banana pudding desserts.
