Soft & Sweet Vanilla Pudding Recipe

Soft & Sweet Vanilla Pudding Recipe

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This classic vanilla pudding is creamy, smooth, and perfectly sweet. It’s a comforting dessert that can be enjoyed warm or cold, and it’s a fantastic base for adding your favorite toppings or flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups whole milk (or your preferred milk alternative)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. This ensures the cornstarch is evenly distributed and prevents lumps.
  2. 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 few tablespoons of the milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper them (this prevents the yolks from scrambling). Then, pour the tempered egg yolks into the saucepan and whisk until combined.
  3. 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.
  4. Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the butter until it’s completely melted and incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.  
  5. Cool and Serve: Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes or a larger bowl. Cover the surface of the pudding with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
  6. Chill (Optional): If you prefer cold pudding, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled.
  7. Serve: Serve the vanilla pudding as is, or with your favorite toppings such as:
    • Whipped cream
    • Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
    • Sprinkles
    • Crushed cookies (vanilla wafers, graham crackers)
    • A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.

Variations:

  • Chocolate Pudding: Add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder along with the dry ingredients.
  • Banana Pudding: Layer sliced bananas and vanilla wafers with the pudding.
  • Coconut Pudding: Substitute coconut milk for some of the regular milk and add shredded coconut.
  • Spice it up: add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg along with the dry ingredients.
  • Extract Variations: Replace some or all of the vanilla extract with almond, or other extracts.

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