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–+ servings

Classic Homemade Vanilla Pudding: A Silky Smooth Dessert

This silky smooth homemade pudding is utterly delicious and surprisingly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. The rich vanilla flavor and creamy texture make it the perfect comfort dessert for any occasion.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 167
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1 vanilla bean split and scraped

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan (off heat), whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.
  2. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to eliminate any lumps of cornstarch before turning on the heat.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula, until bubbles begin to form around the edges of the mixture.
  4. Continue cooking and stirring constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 4-5 minutes. The pudding should gently simmer but never boil rapidly.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until completely incorporated and smooth.
  6. For the smoothest texture, pour the pudding through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.
  7. To prevent a skin from forming on top, place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding or sprinkle with a thin layer of granulated sugar.
  8. Refrigerate until chilled and set, at least 2 hours, or serve warm if preferred.

Nutrition

Calories: 167kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 3gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 173mgSugar: 25g
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