I don’t know about you, but for me, pudding was the dream dessert during childhood. Especially vanilla pudding!
I always loved ganache or any other thick creams, to be honest. Those pudding envelopes were sort of a luxury since Mum did not allow me to have them all the time because of “all the chemicals in them”. I understand my Mum now: reading the label of the store-made, dust version of pudding makes me cringe.
Now, being a grown-up who can actually safely use a cooker, I can make my very own from scratch. And guess what? It’s as easy as the one you buy, but you know what’s in it.
Servings: 500 grams | Prep. Time: 5 mins | Waiting Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
- 500 ml milk of your choice
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (or more is you want)
- 5 tablespoons corn starch
- a splash of vanilla extract
Tools:
- small sauce pan
- whisk/spatula
- silicone moulds (optional)
- large measuring cup (optional)
Method:
- In a large measuring cup, add the sugar and the corn starch and mix to combine.
- Pour the milk in and mix well until everything is dissolved.
- Add vanilla extract to taste.
- Pour the mixture in a small sauce pan over medium heat.
- Gently whisk the mixture until it starts to boil. Let it boil for 30 seconds, on low heat, constantly mixing to prevent sticking. The mixture will get thicker as it boils.
- Pour the hot pudding in silicone moulds or small bowls and let it cool down completely (for about 30 minutes).
You can eat it as it is, or you can drizzle honey, maple syrup or add fresh fruits.
Let’s talk flavours!
This is the classic, standard recipe for homemade pudding. For me, adding one tablespoon of corn starch to every 100 ml of milk offers the perfect pudding texture. Depending how thick you like pudding, you can juggle with the amount of corn starch (I don’t recommend less than 4 tablespoons though).
Related: Homemade Thick Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe
You can also add half of a vanilla bean, for more flavour. Or, you can skip it and add different flavours:
- add a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder and a few chunks of chopped chocolate
- a slash of limoncello, with some lemon zest will result in the most refreshing, perfect for summer lemon pudding
- add pureed fruits of your choice
Make it vegan
I used dairy milk for this recipe because it was the only type we had. But just imagine how scrumptious a coconut pudding would be! Or almond… or rice… whatever non-diary milk you love.
Shaping the pudding
I recommend using silicone moulds because it’s the easiest way to take them out. If you have different shapes, it will be fun for the kids to decorate them.
Related: Homemade Summer Fruit Tart Recipe
I only found those cheesy hearth shaped moulds so… heart shaped pudding it is!
If you don’t have silicone moulds, you can use any ceramic item you want: a small bowl, a cup, etc. Rinse the bowl with cold water and drain the excess water. Don’t dry it completely! Pour in the hot pudding and let it chill. Because of the few drops of cold water left, the pudding will slide easily out of the mould.
The texture is creamy and rich – quite different from the store brought one. I really do hope you’ll give easy homemade vanilla pudding recipe a try, since it’s quick and delicious.
Are you buying pudding or making your own? What’s your favourite flavour?
25 comments
I have never been a pudding or even jell-o fan but the older I get the more I enjoy it. I’ll have to try your recipe!
Love this! I really love how you can change the flavors. I will have to make it for the kiddos. Wish I could make it without corn starch (allergic) so I can enjoy!
I think you can add flour instead, but you have to make sure you cook it to get rid of the floury taste. I haven’t tried it with flour, but I will and if something good turns out of it, I’ll post that version as well.
This recipe takes me straight back to my childhood when my Grandmother would make pudding on a Sunday afternoon. I need to try this…
I have allergies that make it hard to eat storebought things like pudding but this method would allow me to change some things up to work for my body. thank you!
I hope you’ll manage to enjoy pudding again, Amy!
I have allergies that make it hard to eat storebought things like pudding but this method would allow me to change some things up to work for my body. thank you!
Yum! The texture on that looks better than the store bought stuff for sure. I love the little heart containers too!
I love pudding but hate using the boxed stuff because of all the artificial ingredients. I’m definitely going to give this a try!
Adding vanilla bean definitely sounds delicious! Will have to try this recipe soon.
-Jennifer
https://maunelegacy.com
I’ve never made it from scratch because it seemed complicated. Excited to learn its not though and look forward to trying it out!
This may sound stupid but I never even thought about making pudding at home from scratch! Looks so yummy!
I LOVE vanilla pudding. I’ve mostly just had pudding packs. Never made it myself! I will definitely have to try this!
I love pudding! This recipe looks amazing, & I have never made it this way before! This would be a great dessert for me to make with my young daughters! I would love to try a chocolate pudding aslo.
I love vanilla pudding! This looks delicious!
Vanilla pudding is one of my favorites! I have never tried to make it before, looks delicious!
Yum! This sounds delicious and I like all of the variations you suggested. Finally, a pudding I can give my students…many are Muslim, so gelatin is a no-go!
I LOVE pudding but never made it myself. Who knew it was so easy? Love this recipe!
I love pudding! But yes, I agree with you. I’ll be a new mom in the coming months and I’m terrified to think that I am responsible to my child’s health, especially in the food that I will introduce to them.
YESSS! I love pudding but I don’t trust store-bought options as many of them contain gelatin (as a vegetarian, gelatin isn’t something that I want to consume haha). This is such an easy-looking alternative. Vanilla is actually my favourite flavour so I’m more than excited to give this a try! x
Glad this version can work for you, Christie!
Gelatin doesn’t offer the same creamy, soft texture as cornstarch. It might be great in cheesecakes, but a no-no for pudding.
Oh this looks lovely!! It can be used for so many things too or just on its own.
I used it as a tart filling but I added less corn starch because I didn’t want it as thick as a pudding. So, yes you can use it for cakes or other sweets as well.
Yum! My daughter would have fun making this. It’s seems so easy to make. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Ooo! This looks luscious! I can’t wait to give it a try. So easy, too!