# Quick and Creamy Vanilla Pudding Recipe Made at Home
Vanilla pudding is a timeless treat that evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia for many. This quick and creamy homemade vanilla pudding recipe is not only straightforward to prepare but also requires just a few essential ingredients. Whether you’re in search of a simple dessert to appease your sweet cravings or a flexible foundation for other sweets, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
## Taste Profile
This vanilla pudding is rich and sweet, with a subtle vanilla essence that is both comforting and gratifying. The straightforward ingredients allow the vanilla flavor to emerge beautifully, making it a lovely delight on its own or as an element in other desserts.
### Notable Features:
– **Taste**: Rich and sweet with a gentle vanilla hint.
– **Difficulty**: Extremely easy! Just mix, stir, and heat.
– **Flavor Enhancer**: For an added burst of vanilla, split a vanilla pod and scrape the seeds into the mixture.
– **Make Ahead**: Prepare the pudding in advance! It cools well in the fridge and tastes even better after sitting for a few hours.
– **Serving Ideas**: Garnish with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dash of cinnamon or chocolate shavings. It’s also wonderful as a topping, sauce, or filling between cake layers.
## Ingredient Suggestions
To whip up this delicious vanilla pudding, you will need the following items:
– **Milk**: Whole milk is preferred for its creaminess, but any kind (including non-dairy) works well.
– **Cornstarch**: This acts as the thickener that provides the pudding with its smooth texture.
– **Sugar**: Granulated sugar is ideal for sweetness.
– **Vanilla**: You can opt for vanilla extract, vanilla beans, or vanilla bean paste. When using beans, split them open and scrape out the seeds for the best flavor.
### Options
This vanilla pudding serves as an excellent base recipe. Feel free to get creative with other flavors by incorporating extracts such as banana, lemon, orange, coconut, or maple.
## Storing Homemade Pudding
To keep leftover vanilla pudding, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To avoid a skin forming on top, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the pudding’s surface before sealing it in an airtight container.
## Cooking Instructions
### Ingredients:
– 2 cups milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or seeds from 1 vanilla bean)
### Directions:
1. In a medium saucepan, mix cornstarch, sugar, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk until it’s smooth.
2. Set the heat to medium and constantly whisk the mixture until it boils and thickens, roughly 10 minutes. Keep it boiling for 1 minute while whisking.
3. Take it off the heat and incorporate the butter and vanilla until fully mixed.
### Portions
This recipe makes about 6 servings, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends.
## Nutritional Information (per serving)
– **Calories**: 140
– **Carbohydrates**: 24 g
– **Protein**: 4 g
– **Fat**: 3 g
– **Sodium**: 110 mg
– **Sugar**: 17 g
*Note: Nutritional data is an approximation and may differ based on ingredient brands and cooking methods.*
## Final Thoughts
This homemade vanilla pudding recipe is a delightful and adaptable dessert that can be relished in various ways. Whether savored on its own or as part of a more elaborate dish, its creamy consistency and sweet vanilla flavor are sure to delight. Give it a try today and savor the comforting flavors of homemade pudding!
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