Description
A silky, rich vanilla pudding made completely from scratch with real vanilla flavor and simple pantry ingredients, far creamier and more comforting than boxed pudding.
Ingredients
4 large egg yolks
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed (or substitute granulated sugar)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup whole milk, cold
2 cups whole milk, warm
1 vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)
2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Off the heat, add egg yolks to a 3-quart saucepan along with granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cornstarch.
- Pour in 1 cup cold milk and beat with a hand mixer for about 1 minute until completely smooth.
- Heat the remaining 2 cups of milk. If using a vanilla bean, scrape seeds into the milk and add the pod. Heat until just beginning to bubble, then remove from heat and discard the pod.
- With the mixer running on medium speed, slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture to temper.
- Place saucepan over medium heat and whisk constantly, scraping corners and edges.
- Once the mixture bubbles and thickens, whisk vigorously for 15–45 seconds.
- Remove from heat and beat again with the mixer until smooth and airy.
- Stir in butter and vanilla extract if not using a vanilla bean.
- Optional: Strain through a fine sieve for ultra-smooth texture.
- Cover pudding with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until chilled. Whisk briefly before serving.
Notes
Press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent skin formation.
Boiling activates the cornstarch and ensures proper thickness.
Whole milk yields the creamiest texture.
Pudding can be strained for extra smoothness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
