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Vanilla Pudding from Scratch Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 140 reviews

This homemade Vanilla Pudding recipe from scratch creates a rich, creamy, and velvety dessert using simple ingredients like egg yolks, sugars, cornstarch, and real vanilla bean or extract. The pudding is cooked gently on the stovetop and whipped to a light fluffiness, then chilled to perfection, making it a classic comfort dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (can be replaced with granulated sugar)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

Wet Ingredients

  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 cup whole milk (cold)
  • 2 cups whole milk (warm)
  • 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Combine Egg Yolks and Dry Ingredients: In a 3-quart saucepan (off the heat), add 4 large egg yolks. Then add 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (or all granulated sugar if preferred), 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 3 tablespoons cornstarch.
  2. Blend with Cold Milk: Pour in 1 cup cold whole milk and use a hand mixer on high speed to beat the mixture for at least 1 minute until completely smooth.
  3. Prepare Warm Milk with Vanilla: In a glass measuring cup or bowl with a spout, add 2 cups whole milk. If using a vanilla bean, slice it in half lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the milk, then submerge the pod in the milk. Microwave the milk for 2-3 minutes until it starts to bubble and foam at the edges, then immediately remove it. Discard the vanilla pod.
  4. Incorporate Warm Milk into Egg Mixture: Quickly turn your hand mixer on medium speed and beat the egg mixture again. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while mixing continuously to temper the eggs. Optionally, pour the milk through a strainer to avoid any large vanilla pod bits. Do not scrape the film on top of the milk.
  5. Heat the Mixture: Continue beating until the mixture becomes foamy. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat.
  6. Cook the Pudding: Using a whisk, constantly stir the mixture, paying attention to the edges and corners. After about 2-3 minutes, the pudding will begin to bubble. Once bubbling, whisk vigorously for 15-45 seconds to thicken.
  7. Remove and Whip: Remove the pan from heat. Use the hand mixer once more to beat the hot pudding well, incorporating air for a lighter texture.
  8. Add Butter and Vanilla Extract: Stir in 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract if you did not use a vanilla bean.
  9. Strain for Smoothness (Optional): For an extra smooth pudding, strain it through a fine sieve into a clean bowl.
  10. Cover to Prevent Film: Immediately cover the surface of the pudding with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a film from forming.
  11. Chill the Pudding: Refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours. You may speed up cooling by placing it in the freezer for the first 30 minutes, but transfer to the fridge after that to avoid ruining the texture.
  12. Serve: Before serving, remove the plastic wrap, whisk the pudding to smooth it out again, and serve cold. Enhance with whipped cream and optionally add Nilla wafers or crumbled graham crackers for extra treat.

Notes

  • You can replace the brown sugar with granulated sugar for a purer vanilla flavor.
  • Always scrape the vanilla bean seeds into the milk for maximum flavor.
  • Do not freeze the pudding, as freezing breaks down its texture and makes it watery upon thawing.
  • Covering pudding with plastic wrap pressed onto its surface prevents formation of an unappetizing skin.
  • Whipping the pudding at the end incorporates air, making it light and fluffy rather than dense.
  • Save egg whites to use in another recipe, such as an omelette.
  • Use a whisk consistently while cooking on the stovetop to avoid lumps and burning.

Keywords: vanilla pudding recipe from scratch, homemade vanilla pudding, classic vanilla pudding, creamy pudding dessert, stovetop pudding

Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/vanilla-pudding-from-scratch-recipe/