Homemade Vanilla Pudding
A rich and creamy homemade vanilla pudding made from scratch with simple ingredients and real vanilla flavor. This old-fashioned dessert is smooth, comforting, and perfect for serving on its own or layering into your favorite treats.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat until steaming, but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Add the egg yolks to the dry mixture and whisk until smooth and pale.
- Slowly pour about ½ cup of the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the pudding thickens and begins to bubble, about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour into serving dishes and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Vanilla bean paste can be used instead of extract for deeper flavor.
- Stir constantly while cooking to prevent lumps.
- If lumps form, strain through a fine mesh sieve before chilling.