Creamy Simple Pudding Recipe Easy Homemade Dessert for Beginners
A quick and easy homemade pudding recipe that delivers a creamy, nostalgic comfort with simple ingredients and minimal fuss. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (65 grams)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch (24 grams)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (14 grams, softened)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: whipped cream or fresh berries for garnish
- Optional: dairy-free milk (coconut, almond) as a milk substitute
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt to evenly distribute dry ingredients. (2 minutes)
- Slowly pour whole milk into the saucepan while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. (2 minutes)
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk gently but steadily until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 5 to 7 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon. (5-7 minutes)
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolk. Slowly add about ½ cup (120 ml) of the hot pudding mixture into the egg yolk while whisking constantly to temper it. (3 minutes)
- Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Return to medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until pudding thickens further and becomes glossy, about 2 minutes. (2 minutes)
- Remove from heat and stir in softened unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract until fully melted and incorporated. (1 minute)
- Optional: Pour pudding through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl for an ultra-smooth texture. (2 minutes)
- Cover pudding with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent skin formation. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. (At least 2 hours)
Notes
Whisk constantly during cooking to avoid lumps or burning. Use room temperature egg yolk to prevent scrambling. Cover pudding with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface to prevent skin formation. For dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free butter. Optional straining through a sieve yields a professional smooth texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup (120 ml)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Protein: 4
Keywords: pudding, creamy pudding, homemade dessert, easy pudding recipe, vanilla pudding, simple dessert, family dessert