Make delicious vanilla pudding from scratch! This Homemade Vanilla Pudding Recipe is easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.

spoon dipped into a parfait bowl with homemade vanilla pudding.
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If you’ve always made vanilla pudding from store-bought boxes of instant pudding mix, it’s time to ditch the box and see how easy it is to make vanilla pudding from scratch!

I first started making my homemade version of vanilla pudding out of sheer necessity. So many dessert recipes include pudding mixes, and I used to almost always have a box in my pantry. One day, I discovered I was out of boxed puddings, and I needed it for my dessert.

So I learned, through trial and error, how to make vanilla pudding from scratch. I couldn’t believe how easy it was! And, it also tastes so much better than store-bought pudding!

Ready to start making a more delicious vanilla pudding? Let’s get started!

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🌟 Why this recipe works

parfait bowl with homemade vanilla pudding.

You are going to LOVE making your own pudding from scratch!

  • Simple – you only need six simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and refrigerator.
  • Easy – The steps to make this pudding are super easy to follow. I’ve included step-by-step photos below.
  • Fast – You can whip up homemade vanilla pudding in minutes!
  • Delicious – This luscious homemade pudding is, in my opinion, so much better tasting than the boxed stuff!

🛒 Ingredient notes

bowls of ingredients to make homemade vanilla pudding.

You just need a handful of ingredients to make this simple dessert. All of these ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store.

  • Milk – The more fat content in the milk you choose, the creamier and thicker the pudding will be. Opt for whole milk or 2% milk, but I have also used 1% milk and even non-dairy milk alternative (coconut milk, almond milk) with success. For an even richer pudding, you could try using heavy cream.
  • Cornstarch – This thickening agent is an essential ingredient to thickening up the pudding.
  • Sugar – A little sugar helps add some sweetness to the pudding.
  • Salt – A small amount of kosher salt helps balance the sweetness in this pudding.
  • Vanilla – Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. This adds a beautiful rich aroma and flavor to the pudding.
  • Butter – The fat content of unsalted butter helps add some richness to the pudding and gives it a creamy texture.

✅ Step-by-step instructions

A full list of ingredients with measurements and detailed instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here are step-by-step photos to help show you how easy it is to make this simple recipe for the best vanilla pudding from scratch!

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Pour the cold milk into a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat up the milk until you see small bubbles forming along the sides.

3. Pour the dry ingredients into the hot milk mixture and whisk together until smooth.
4. Keep stirring and heating the mixture until it becomes thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon.
5. Remove the milk mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until well combined.

Transfer the pudding to a container and refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes.

👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs

spoon dipped into a parfait bowl with homemade vanilla pudding.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

I do not recommend using brown sugar, as it may burn or caramelize the hot mixture in the saucepan.

What’s the best way to store homemade pudding?

Store pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

🍽 Serving ideas

spoon with pudding above a parfait bowl with homemade vanilla pudding.

This homemade instant vanilla pudding is a delicious, simple treat and classic dessert all on its own. But here are some great ways to take it up a notch:

  • Top warm pudding with whipped cream, fresh berries, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or grated chocolate for added flavor.
  • Add a layer of vanilla pudding to trifles and ice cream parfaits, along with layers of fresh fruit, pastry cream, granola, and chocolate.
  • Use it as a pie filling.
  • Freeze vanilla pudding in popsicle molds for a refreshing summer treat. You can also add fruit chunks or cookie crumbles to the mixture before freezing.
  • Make pudding-filled cupcakes by injecting vanilla pudding into cupcakes using a pastry bag for a delightful surprise in each bite. Top the cupcakes with frosting or whipped cream.

🍳 Kitchen tools and equipment

parfait bowl with homemade vanilla pudding.

Ready to make this recipe? Here are the kitchen tools and equipment you’ll need:

  • Saucepan – You’ll need a small to medium saucepan to heat the milk.
  • Whisk – Use a sturdy whisk to evenly combine the dry ingredients with the hot milk.
  • Spoon – Use a wooden spoon to check the thickness of the pudding and see if it’s ready.

More easy dessert recipes

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!

Homemade Vanilla Pudding

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Making vanilla pudding from scratch is easy — and delicious!

Equipment

  • 1 saucepan
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Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl whisk together the sugar, cornstarch and salt. Set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, heat cold milk over medium heat, until small bubbles form along the sides.
  • Whisk in the dry ingredients (the mixture of sugar, cornstarch, and salt). Stir while it's cooking, and allow it to thicken up enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon.
  • When the pudding has thickened up, remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and butter until well combined.
  • Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Makes approximately 6 servings.
Storage: store vanilla pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. 

Nutrition

Calories: 147kcal, Carbohydrates: 24g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 129mg, Potassium: 124mg, Fiber: 0.04g, Sugar: 21g, Vitamin A: 190IU, Calcium: 101mg, Iron: 0.03mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment! Then snap a pic of your dish and share it on social media. Tag @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife!

Marlynn Jayme Schotland 2021 profile pic

About Marlynn

I'm a cookbook author, recipe developer, photographer, WSET 2 Certified wine pro, mom of two, and dog lover. I'm here to help you with fast, easy, and delicious recipes, food & wine pairings, cooking & baking tips, plus food and wine travel guides.

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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