Creamy Homemade Vanilla Pudding Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 cups whole milk, divided
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3/4 cup sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 3 egg yolks

Instructions

1. 1

   Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, ¾ cup of sugar, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.

2. 2

   Add Milk and Stir: Slowly whisk in 2 ½ cups of the whole milk to the dry ingredients over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and scorching.

3. 3

   Heat the Mixture: Continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it starts to thicken and comes to a gentle boil, about 5-8 minutes.

4. 4

   Temper Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the 3 egg yolks with the remaining ½ cup of cold milk. Slowly add a small amount of the hot pudding mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs and avoid curdling.

5. 5

   Combine and Cook: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the pudding and continue to cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the pudding is thick and creamy, about 2-3 minutes more.

6. 6

   Finish with Butter and Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract until the butter melts completely and the flavors are incorporated.

7. 7

   Chill: Pour the pudding into a bowl or individual serving dishes. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully chilled and set.