Homemade Pudding: Easy Vanilla and Chocolate (No Box Mix)

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Once you make homemade pudding, it’s hard to go back to the box! It takes about 15 minutes on the stove, uses ingredients you probably already have, and you know exactly what’s in it. Here are our two favorites: a rich vanilla pudding made with egg yolks, and a classic chocolate pudding made with cocoa. The vanilla one makes a wonderful homemade banana pudding, too.

Tips for smooth pudding

• Whisk constantly and scrape the bottom of the pan so nothing scorches.
• Cook until it really thickens. It should coat a spoon. It firms up more as it chills.
• Strain the vanilla pudding through a mesh strainer for the silkiest texture.
• No skin, please. Press plastic wrap right onto the surface before chilling.

Make it banana pudding

Layer vanilla wafers and sliced bananas in a dish, pour the warm vanilla pudding over the top, and chill at least 1 hour. Top with whipped cream.

Mandie

Homemade Vanilla Pudding

Creamy stovetop vanilla pudding made with egg yolks, milk and vanilla.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Chill 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 17 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch or flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

 

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk the sugar, cornstarch and salt. Slowly whisk in 1/4 cup of the milk until smooth, then whisk in the egg yolks and the rest of the milk.
2. Cook over medium heat, whisking often, until the pudding starts to thicken and bubble, about 5 to 6 minutes.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes more, until thick enough to coat a spoon.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla. Pour through a mesh strainer into a bowl or 4 dishes.
5. Press plastic wrap onto the surface and chill about 2 hours, until set.

Notes

For banana pudding, layer with vanilla wafers and sliced bananas.

Mandie

Homemade Chocolate Pudding

Classic stovetop chocolate pudding made with cocoa, milk and a little butter.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Chill 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2/3 cup sugar or a sugar substitute
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp cornstarch heaping
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 1/4 cups milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• whipped cream for topping, optional

Method

 

1. In a medium saucepan, stir together the sugar, cocoa, cornstarch and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Boil and stir 1 minute.
3. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla.
4. Pour into 4 dessert dishes. Press plastic wrap onto the surface and serve warm or chill at least 2 hours.
5. Top with whipped cream or shaved chocolate.

Notes

It looks a little loose at first and sets as it chills.

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FAQ

How long does homemade pudding keep?

Covered in the fridge, up to 3 to 4 days.

Can I use a sugar substitute?

Yes. A granulated sweetener that measures like sugar works well in the chocolate pudding.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, though the pudding will be a little less rich. Whole milk gives the creamiest result.

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• Homemade Peanut Butter
• 3 Easy Fall Muffins