A warm and comforting homemade cinnamon pudding, perfect for a cozy dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Whipped cream and extra cinnamon for topping
Instructions:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. This ensures the cornstarch is evenly distributed, preventing lumps.
- Whisk in Milk and Egg Yolks: Gradually whisk in the milk until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated. In a separate small bowl, lightly whisk the egg yolks. Add a small amount of the milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly (this is called tempering). This prevents the egg yolks from scrambling when added to the hot mixture. Then, pour the tempered egg yolks into the saucepan and whisk to combine.
- Cook the Pudding: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken and simmer. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, still whisking, until the pudding is thick and smooth.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the butter, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until the butter is melted and everything is well combined.
- Cool and Serve:
- Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes or a larger bowl.
- To prevent a skin from forming on the surface, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the pudding’s surface while it cools.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled and set.
- Garnish (Optional): Before serving, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra richness: Use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of some of the milk.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves along with the cinnamon.
- Layered dessert: Layer the pudding with crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers for a parfait-style dessert.
- Warm pudding: If you prefer a warm pudding, you can serve it shortly after it has thickened, but it will have a thinner consistency.
- Chocolate cinnamon pudding: add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder with the dry ingredients.
- Brown sugar cinnamon pudding: Substitute brown sugar for the granulated sugar.
Enjoy your creamy cinnamon pudding!