Vanilla Pudding Recipe: How to Make Vanilla Pudding
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Jul 5, 2024 • 2 min read
This classic vanilla pudding recipe recreates—and elevates—a childhood favorite using simple ingredients found in your pantry. Better yet, the dish comes together in a half-hour.
Learn From the Best
What Is Vanilla Pudding?
Vanilla pudding is a homemade custard constructed from pantry staples like sugar, cornstarch, eggs, milk, and, of course, vanilla flavoring. This dessert can be served on its own, as part of a traditional banana pudding, or topped with various garnishes like crushed vanilla wafers, granola, or lemon curd.
4 Tips for Making Vanilla Pudding
Once you get the hang of this simple homemade pudding, you’ll find yourself making it time and time again. Use these tips to make the best vanilla pudding that you can.
- 1. Use high-quality vanilla for the best vanilla flavor. Use real, high-quality vanilla to get the best possible flavor for your banana pudding. Skip the artificial vanilla flavoring in favor of a quality pure vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, or homemade extract made with vanilla beans.
- 2. Always temper your eggs. Before adding the egg yolks to your pudding, you will need to temper the eggs by incorporating a small amount of the hot liquid to bring up the temperature. If you skip this step, the eggs are likely to curdle when they are added to the pudding, yielding a lumpy texture.
- 3. Experiment with different kinds of milk. Whole milk will produce a creamy and luscious pudding, but this recipe can be adapted to include reduced-fat milk or skim milk and non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk, oat milk, and almond milk. Just be aware that the cooking time, flavor, and texture of the pudding may change depending on which kind of milk you’re using
- 4. Play around with toppings. This simple, comforting dish is the perfect canvas for many different toppings. Use vanilla pudding in a classic banana pudding or layered trifle with whipped cream and jam, or simply top it with whichever fruits you have on hand. Pair this pudding with tart fresh berries, like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, or juicy sliced stone fruits like peaches, apricots, and nectarines. For some added crunch, garnish your pudding with crushed wafer cookies, graham crackers, or nuts.
Vanilla Pudding Recipe
makes
prep time
20 mintotal time
30 mincook time
10 minIngredients
- 1
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Stirring frequently, heat the liquid until it is just bubbling—but not at a full boil—which should take about 8 minutes.
- 2
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk the egg yolks until beaten.
- 3
Using a ladle, slowly drizzle about ½ cup of the hot milk mixture into the eggs, whisking vigorously.
- 4
Gently whisk the egg mixture into the rest of the milk mixture and continue cooking the pudding until it has slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
- 5
Remove the pan from the heat, and whisk the butter and vanilla extract into the pudding.
- 6
Transfer the pudding to a large bowl or individual-sized serving dishes, and allow it to cool and firm up for 10–15 minutes. Serve the pudding warm, or transfer it to the refrigerator to chill.
- 7
Before refrigerating, drape a piece of plastic wrap over the top of the pudding, gently pressing the plastic into the surface of the pudding.
- 8
Place the pudding in the refrigerator and cool for 2–3 hours until chilled through.
Become a better chef with the MasterClass Annual Membership. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Dominique Ansel, Gabriela Cámara, Chef Thomas Keller, Yotam Ottolenghi, Gordon Ramsay, Alice Waters, and more.