Cornstarch Pudding

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Creamy and smooth, cornstarch pudding offers a delicate sweetness with a vanilla aroma, making it a comforting dessert suitable for all ages. Its silky texture and simple ingredients make it perfect for quick gatherings or a cozy treat after dinner.

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Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 cups milk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Instructions

  1. Mix the sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a pan.
  2. Gradually stir in the milk until well combined.
  3. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it boils.
  4. Remove from heat.
  5. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve a smooth consistency, make sure to whisk the cornstarch mixture thoroughly before adding milk to prevent lumps. If you want to add flavor, consider infusing the milk with a cinnamon stick or citrus zest while heating. For a richer taste, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, which can also fit into vegetarian recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cornstarch pudding chilled or warm, topped with fresh fruit, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. It pairs beautifully with Quickie Pound Cake or can be enjoyed as a comforting dessert after a hearty meal like Macaroni And Cheese Bake.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cornstarch pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain a smooth texture. If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk to loosen it before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cornstarch Pudding contains roughly 610 calories, with 9g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (46% of the Daily Value), calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1160mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).

610 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.2g 18% DV
Total Fat 14.9g 19% DV
Carbs 103.7g 38% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 63.5g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1160.2mg 50% DV
Potassium 409.1mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 8.1mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 253.8mcg 28% DV
Vitamin C 28.1mg 31% DV
Vitamin D 2.3mcg 11% DV
Calcium 560mg 43% DV
Iron 8.2mg 46% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a sugar substitute in this recipe?

Yes, you can use sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol. However, check the conversion rates as they can vary; some may require a different quantity than sugar. Keep in mind that the texture may slightly change, but the pudding should still set well.

What can I do if my pudding is too runny?

If your pudding is too runny, return it to the heat and cook it a bit longer while stirring constantly. You can also mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold milk to create a slurry and add it to the pudding, cooking until it thickens.

How can I make this pudding chocolate-flavored?

To make chocolate cornstarch pudding, simply add 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients before mixing with milk. This will give your pudding a rich chocolate flavor and a delightful twist.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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