Learn how to make pudding at home with this top-rated recipe.
How to Make Pudding
You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:
Pudding Ingredients
These are the six simple ingredients you’ll need to make this homemade vanilla pudding recipe:
- Milk: This recipe starts with two cups of milk heated on the stove.
- Sugar: Sweeten the pudding with ½ cup of white sugar.
- Cornstarch: Three tablespoons of cornstarch thickens the vanilla pudding.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor, but it won’t make the pudding taste salty.
- Vanilla: Of course, you’ll need vanilla extract!
- Butter: A tablespoon of butter takes the rich vanilla pudding up a notch.
How to Make Pudding From Scratch
Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make vanilla pudding at home:
- Heat the milk until bubbles form at the edges.
- Mix the sugar, cornstarch, and salt together in a small bowl.
- Add the sugar mixture to the milk, a little at a time, stirring until thick.
- Remove the pudding from the heat, then stir in the butter and vanilla.
How to Store Pudding
Store the vanilla pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Can You Freeze Pudding?
Yes! You can freeze the vanilla pudding in airtight freezer bags for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
“I followed this completely, but in the dry mix I added 2 tablespoons of baking cocoa,” says one Allrecipes community member. “It came out a beautiful creamy chocolate pudding.”
“Great basic recipe,” raves fairy. “I added a dash of brandy and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar on top. Just lovely.”
“I have quite a few recipes for vanilla pudding, but this one just took the number one spot,” says Susan Claire. “Not too sweet, smooth buttery consistency, nice vanilla finish.”
Editorial contributions by Corey Williams
 - Shopify South Africa)