Making pudding from scratch offers a level of richness and flavor that store-bought mixes just can’t match. Whether you’re a fan of classic vanilla pudding, decadent chocolate pudding, or something more adventurous like butterscotch or rice pudding, mastering the art of homemade pudding is both simple and rewarding.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of making pudding from scratch, covering key ingredients, techniques, and common variations. Once you’ve learned how to temper eggs and thicken with cornstarch, you’ll have the foundation to create endless flavor combinations for this delicious dessert.
For more dessert inspiration, check out our Easy Banana Pudding Recipe, which highlights another easy-to-make pudding-style dessert.
What is Pudding?
At its core, pudding is a creamy, custard-like dessert made by combining milk or cream with sugar, a thickening agent (usually cornstarch or eggs), and flavorings. Traditional pudding can be cooked on the stovetop or baked, depending on the recipe. The result is a smooth, luscious dessert that can be enjoyed warm or chilled.
Pudding is different from custard in that it usually relies on cornstarch as a thickener rather than just eggs. Furthermore, for a more detailed look at the distinction between pudding and custard, see this Custard guide.
Key Ingredients for Making Pudding from Scratch
Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand the role of each ingredient:
1. Milk or Cream
- Whole milk is often preferred for its creaminess, but you can substitute lower-fat milk or plant-based alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
2. Sugar
- Granulated sugar provides sweetness. You can experiment with other sweeteners like brown sugar for a deeper flavor or honey for a more natural touch.
3. Cornstarch or Flour
- Cornstarch is the primary thickener in most pudding recipes. In some variations, flour or other starches like arrowroot can be used for a different texture.
4. Eggs
- Many pudding recipes call for egg yolks to enhance the texture and flavor. For a silkier finish, tempering the eggs is key in order to prevent them from scrambling.
5. Butter and Flavoring Extracts
- Adding a bit of butter at the end of the cooking process enhances the creaminess of the pudding, while extracts like vanilla provide depth of flavor.
In case you’re curious about how cornstarch thickens desserts like pudding, check out this Cornstarch entry on Wikipedia for more scientific insights.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vanilla Pudding from Scratch
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. This prevents lumps when the liquid is added. - Heat the Milk
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken. - Temper the Eggs
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add a small amount of the hot milk mixture to the yolks while whisking to prevent curdling. Once tempered, add the egg mixture back to the saucepan. - Thicken the Pudding
Continue cooking the pudding over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 2-3 minutes). - Add Butter and Vanilla
Remove the pudding from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract for extra creaminess. - Chill and Serve
Pour the pudding into serving dishes, cover with plastic wrap (to prevent a skin from forming), and chill for at least 2 hours.
For other dessert ideas that incorporate layers of creaminess, explore our Plum Jelly Recipe, which offers another smooth and sweet option.
How to Make Chocolate Pudding from Scratch
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. - Add Milk and Heat
Slowly whisk in the milk. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture starts to thicken. - Temper the Eggs
Whisk the egg yolks in a small bowl. Gradually add ½ cup of the hot milk mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly. Add the egg mixture back to the saucepan and cook until thickened. - Add Chocolate
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped chocolate, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. - Chill and Serve
Pour into dishes, cover, and then chill for 2 hours.
Popular Pudding Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to explore these popular pudding variations:
1. Rice Pudding
- Made with cooked rice, milk, and also sugar. A favorite comfort food, rice pudding has a creamy, chewy texture that sets it apart from traditional puddings.
2. Butterscotch Pudding
- This variation uses brown sugar and butter to create a rich, caramel-like flavor. Butterscotch pudding is perfect for those who prefer a deeper, sweeter dessert.
3. Banana Pudding
- A Southern classic, banana pudding features layers of vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and also vanilla wafers. Try incorporating mashed bananas into the pudding mix for a more intense banana flavor.
Moreover, for more banana-based desserts, check out our Keep Bananas from Browning article, which offers tips on keeping bananas fresh in pudding and other desserts.
Vegan and Dairy-Free Pudding Options from Scratch
If you need a dairy-free or vegan alternative, pudding can still be made easily by substituting a few key ingredients:
Key Substitutes:
- Milk: Use almond, coconut, or oat milk in place of dairy milk.
- Eggs: Replace eggs with a mixture of cornstarch and water or use agar-agar for a plant-based thickener.
- Butter: Use vegan butter or omit the butter altogether.
Vegan pudding flavors like chocolate, coconut, and fruit-based puddings are just as creamy and satisfying as their traditional counterparts.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Pudding from Scratch
Pudding can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. the following is how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store pudding in airtight containers or cover the surface with plastic wrap in order to prevent a skin from forming.
- Freezing: While freezing can alter the texture slightly, it’s possible to freeze pudding in individual portions. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs about Making Pudding from Scratch
Can I make pudding from scratch without cornstarch?
Yes! You can use flour, arrowroot, or potato starch instead of cornstarch, though the texture may vary slightly.
What is the difference between custard and pudding?
Custard relies primarily on eggs for thickening, while pudding usually uses cornstarch or other starches.
Why didn’t my pudding thicken?
If your pudding didn’t thicken, you may not have cooked it long enough, or the cornstarch wasn’t fully dissolved before heating.
How do I fix lumpy pudding?
Strain the pudding through a fine mesh sieve to remove lumps before chilling.
Conclusion: Why You Should Make Pudding from Scratch
Last but not least, making pudding from scratch is a simple process that delivers unmatched flavor and texture. Whether you’re making vanilla, chocolate, or exploring other variations like butterscotch or rice pudding, homemade pudding elevates your dessert game. Additionally, for more creamy treats, explore our Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe, which pairs perfectly with your pudding.