Pudding Candy
A rich, sweet pudding candy with a smooth texture and vanilla flavor, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings or sharing as a nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend dry pudding mix and sugar in a medium pan. Stir in evaporated milk and butter.
- Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a full boil. Lower heat and boil gently for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Beat immediately while pudding is very hot until it becomes somewhat dull.
- Pour into greased loaf pan (9 x 5 x 3-inch) or drop by tablespoon on waxed paper. Cool until set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using whole milk instead of evaporated milk. If you prefer a different flavor, substitute the vanilla with almond extract or a splash of coffee liqueur. Make sure to constantly stir while cooking to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan. This recipe can also be adapted by adding chopped nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pudding candy can be served on its own as a sweet treat or paired with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. It also makes an excellent addition to dessert platters alongside other sweets like Pecans Squares or Royal Cashew Brittle. For a fun twist, try cutting it into shapes with cookie cutters for a festive presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pudding candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm, or enjoy it cold. If the pudding has set too firmly, you can stir in a bit of milk to loosen it up before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pudding Candy contains roughly 355 calories, with 3g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 instant pudding mix for this recipe?
No, instant pudding mix will not work for this recipe as it requires cooking to achieve the right consistency. The cooking process is essential for thickening and developing the proper texture that makes this pudding candy unique.
How long does it take for the pudding candy to set?
Typically, the pudding candy will take about 1-2 hours to cool and set completely after pouring it into the loaf pan or onto waxed paper. If you want to speed up the process, you can place it in the refrigerator for a quicker set.
Can I add other flavors to the pudding candy?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various extracts, such as almond or coconut, to change the flavor profile. Additionally, adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts before pouring it into the pan can create delicious variations.
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).