Homemade Vanilla Pudding
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Jun 23, 2025 
This nearly no-fail Homemade Vanilla Pudding recipe makes the BEST rich, creamy, and flavorful vanilla pudding dessert from scratch!
Sommer’s Recipe Notes
Take a bite of creamy, cool, and luscious homemade pudding and – WOW! – you are transported back to childhood. No one can resist this simple, sweet treat!
We have a fabulous homemade chocolate pudding recipe to satisfy any chocolate craving. Today, we are sharing our easy recipe for Homemade Vanilla Pudding! It has the delicious and decadent flavors you crave, but our vanilla version is a bit less rich, perfect for topping with some fresh fruit!
This classic dessert is so easy to make from scratch with only a handful of pantry staples! The pudding is made on the stovetop and comes together in just 10 minutes… Before you know it you have the thickest, creamiest, tastiest vanilla pudding to serve as a simple treat – or use in cakes and pies!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Vanilla Pudding
- Rich and creamy – This homemade vanilla pudding is rich and creamy thanks to this recipe’s use of egg yolks and milk.
- Quick and easy – With just a handful of pantry ingredients and a quick simmer, you can make this delicious vanilla dessert in no time.
- Customizable – I love versatile and customizable this homemade pudding is! Eat it plain, top it with sprinkles or use it as a creamy layer in parfaits.
This homemade vanilla pudding recipe is SO MUCH better than any store-bought pudding or instant pudding mix. Get ready to add this to your rotation of delicious dessert recipes.
Ingredients and Tips
- Milk – In my opinion, whole milk is so much better than 2% skim milk or no-fat milk.
- Egg yolks – I suggest using leftover egg whites to make this epic frittata!
- Cornstarch – This will be your thickening agent for the pudding.
- Granulated sugar – Use white sugar or your preferred alternative granulated sweetener.
- Butter – Use unsalted butter at room temperature.
- Vanilla extract – I love vanilla extract but you can also use real vanilla bean or any other preferred flavor extract.
Recipe Variations and Dietary Swaps
- Dairy-free – Use a plant-based milk alternative like almond milk or oat milk and vegan butter.
- Egg-free – Swap the eggs with extra cornstarch.
- Flavors – For added flavors, mix in either espresso powder, lemon zest or strawberry puree.
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Pudding
To make this delicious creamy vanilla pudding from scratch you need a handful of wholesome, pantry staple ingredients and just a little bit of time.
Find the full Vanilla Pudding recipe with detailed instructions and storage tips in the printable form at the bottom of the post!
Tips For Success
- Don’t skip the cornstarch! Yes, it may seem like a lot of cornstarch in this recipe, but that is the only way you will get thick and creamy pudding, so don’t skip it!
- Replace half the white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, more caramel flavor.
- Whisk, whisk, whisk! While the mixture is heating up, be sure to whisk it constantly so it heats up slowly and the eggs don’t turn into scrambled eggs!
Storage Notes
- Storing Leftovers – Store leftover homemade pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this easy vanilla pudding recipe as a quick snack or simple dessert. For a treat that’s more on the fancy side, garnish with whipped cream and vanilla wafers. You can also top off these cute pudding-filled ramekins with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries and raspberries.
This is also a fabulous recipe to make vanilla pudding from scratch to use in cakes and pies! It’s great for Layered Banana Pudding Cake and Banana Pudding Milkshakes, Magic Chocolate Eclair Cake, or any dessert that calls for homemade or instant pudding.
Easy Homemade Vanilla Pudding
Video
Ingredients
- 5 cups whole milk
- 5 large egg yolks
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, vanilla wafers
Instructions
- Set a medium saucepot over medium heat. Add the whole milk, egg yolks, cornstarch, sugar, and salt to the pot. Whisk until well incorporated.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, this could take 3 to 5 minutes. One simmering, stir consistently for 1-2 minutes while the pudding thickens. It should be fairly thick, but will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla. Stir until the butter is fully melted and combined.
- Scoop or pour the pudding into a storage container. Press plastic wrap down over the top of the pudding to eliminate any contact with air. (This ensures the pudding does not create a skin over the top.) Then refrigerate until cold.
- Once the pudding is cold scoop into serving cups and serve cold. Serve as is, or garnish with whipped cream and vanilla wafers.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Make this recipe with any flavor extract to create fun flavors like coconut, lemon, orange, cotton candy, or peppermint pudding. Use 2 tsp vanilla extract + 1 tsp alternative extract.
Remember, we are using eggs in this recipe to make a silky-smooth vanilla custard. If you cook the eggs too fast, then you can end up with “scrambled eggs,” which will make the pudding lumpy. Make sure to stir the egg mixture constantly while it is heating up and cooking to ensure the eggs don’t turn lumpy!
Yes, this is a gluten-free dessert recipe!
Yes, and yes…I included it in my recipe variations, but I don’t really recommend using swaps here. A pudding without eggs tends not to be as rich and luscious. Similarly, swapping cornstarch with another thickening agent – like flour or potato starch – will alter this vanilla pudding’s beautiful consistency and flavor.
Looks interesting, I have never done anything like this.
Easy and delicious! Thanks!
Sometimes, there is nothing better than vanilla pudding, especially homemade!! With the nilla wafers on top, this dessert is always a crowd pleaser!
I’m not a big fan of boxed pudding, but this stuff is AMAZING! I served it with fresh berries and we were in heaven!
So creamy and delicious! I love the delicate vanilla flavor of this pudding, it’s great on its own or as a base for other desserts!