Old-Fashioned Vanilla Pudding
A creamy, classic vanilla pudding with a smooth texture and sweet vanilla flavor, perfect for comforting desserts or simple family treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2-quart saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch.
- Gradually stir in milk and egg with a wire whisk until well blended.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils.
- Reduce heat to low and continue boiling for 1 minute.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Spoon the pudding into 4 dessert bowls.
- Refrigerate to serve cold.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using whole milk or a mix of milk and heavy cream. If you prefer a sweeter pudding, you can increase the sugar by a tablespoon. Be sure to stir constantly while cooking to prevent lumps. If you find lumps in your pudding, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before refrigerating. This classic pudding pairs beautifully with Excelle'S Corn Pudding.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the vanilla pudding in individual bowls, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas for added flavor. It also makes a delightful base for a trifle or can be layered with cookies. For a fun twist, try pairing it with Mary Jane Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. You can also enjoy it cold straight from the fridge. If the pudding thickens too much in the fridge, whisk in a little milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Vanilla Pudding contains roughly 490 calories, with 2g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
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 make this pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pudding can be made a day in advance. Just prepare it, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. This makes it a great option for dinner parties or gatherings.
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).