Classic Vanilla Pudding

This classic old fashioned vanilla pudding will remind you of those little pudding cups you used to get in your lunch box as a kid–only this homemade version is way better, of course! And the really good news is, it’s easy too.

It only takes a few minutes to prep and about 15 minutes in total to cook. The ingredients are so simple, you probably have them right now. Milk, sugar, cornstarch, salt, eggs, butter and vanilla is all you’ll need to make this creamy classic.

It’s so easy to make and it turns out so smooth and creamy with that fragrant vanilla flavor everyone loves. You really have to see for yourself! Make this classic old fashioned vanilla pudding today and let me know how it turned out for you!

Classic Vanilla Pudding

An easy scratch recipe for classic vanilla pudding. Smooth, creamy and perfect for for any occasion, any time of year.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups whole milk
• ¼ cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1¼ teaspoons vanilla

Instructions

 

• In a heavy bottomed saucepan whisk together whole milk, sugar, cornstarch and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly to ensure mixture is not scorching. Once it comes to a boil it will thicken. Lower the heat and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
• In a small bowl whisk egg yolks for a few seconds until they are smooth and slightly lightened in color. Add a few spoonfuls of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking vigorously. Do this a few times until you accumulate about half a cup. Pour this tempered egg yolk mixture back into the pot and return to stove.
• Over medium low heat, cook the pudding until it barely reaches a boil, whisking constantly. It will thicken slightly. Once it starts to boil remove from heat.
• Whisk in butter and vanilla until smooth. The mixture will look think but it will thicken when chilled. Strain the pudding through a sieve to remove any lumps of cornstarch or coagulated egg. Cover directly on surface with plastic wrap to avoid skin formation. Chill 3-4 hours before serving.

Keyword pudding, vanilla