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Classic Vanilla Pudding is a recipe that everyone should master.  Making vanilla pudding from scratch is fast and easy, and the result is smooth, velvety, creamy, delicious dessert.
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5 from 6 votes

Classic Vanilla Pudding - Vanilla Pudding from Scratch

Classic Vanilla Pudding is a recipe that everyone should master.  The process is fast and easy, and the result is smooth, velvety, creamy, delicious dessert. 
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 minute
Total Time11 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: classic vanilla pudding, homemade pudding, homemade pudding with eggs, how to make vanilla pudding from scratch, vanilla pudding, vanilla pudding from scratch
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 254kcal
Author: Barbara

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 Tablespoon butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla

Instructions

  • In a 2-quart saucepan, mix sugar, cornstarch and salt.
  • Whisk together milk and egg yolks in a separate bowl.
    Classic Vanilla Pudding is a recipe that everyone should master.  Making vanilla pudding from scratch is fast and easy, and the result is smooth, velvety, creamy, delicious dessert.
  • Slowly add milk mixture to the dry mixture while whisking.
    Classic Vanilla Pudding is a recipe that everyone should master.  Making vanilla pudding from scratch is fast and easy, and the result is smooth, velvety, creamy, delicious dessert.
  • Heat the mixture over medium heat; add the butter so it melts as the mixture warms up.
    Classic Vanilla Pudding is a recipe that everyone should master.  Making vanilla pudding from scratch is fast and easy, and the result is smooth, velvety, creamy, delicious dessert.
  • Bring to full boil for 1 minute, or until thickened, whisking constantly.
    Classic Vanilla Pudding is a recipe that everyone should master.  Making vanilla pudding from scratch is fast and easy, and the result is smooth, velvety, creamy, delicious dessert.
  • Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.
  • Optional: press pudding through sieve to remove lumps.
    Classic Vanilla Pudding is a recipe that everyone should master.  Making vanilla pudding from scratch is fast and easy, and the result is smooth, velvety, creamy, delicious dessert.
  • Cool slightly; push a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper against the pudding. Eat warm or chill in the refrigerator before serving.
    Optional: top with sliced bananas and vanilla wafers.
    Classic Vanilla Pudding is a recipe that everyone should master.  Making vanilla pudding from scratch is fast and easy, and the result is smooth, velvety, creamy, delicious dessert.

Notes

  • Use granulated sugar not powdered sugar.
  • I highly recommend using either whole or 2% milk for a thick pudding texture.
  • If your pudding has lumps, feel free to push through a sieve to make smooth.  (A few lumps never killed anyone). 
  • To easily separate egg yolks from the whites, crack the egg in half, and use the egg shell to separate.  Over a bowl, pour the yolk from one half shell to the other and the whites will seep out on their own into the bowl. Save the white for an omelet or try your hand at homemade angel food cake. 
  • Homemade pudding tends to form a skin on top. To prevent this, press a piece of plastic wrap or waxed paper against the pudding before chilling in the refrigerator.
  • Try Homemade Chocolate Pudding, too!
  • The nutritional information and calorie counts are auto-calculated and can vary depending on the products used.

Nutrition

Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 155mg | Potassium: 171mg | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 415IU | Calcium: 149mg | Iron: 1mg