Description
This homemade vanilla pudding recipe, called (Golden Custard Cups), is an easy, comforting, and classic sweet treat made with simple pantry staples, perfect for busy families and a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup cornstarch
- 3 large egg yolks, or whole eggs for a slightly lighter texture
- 1.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 0.125 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, optional, for extra richness and shine
- 0.25 teaspoon lemon zest, optional, for brightening flavor
- 0.125 teaspoon nutmeg, optional, for a warm, spiced feel
- 1 teaspoon almond extract, optional, for a different aromatic note
Instructions
- Whisk Dry: In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together the 0.5 cup sugar, 0.25 cup cornstarch, and 0.125 teaspoon salt until thoroughly combined, about 30 seconds.
- Combine Liquids: Gradually whisk in the 2 cups whole milk until smooth. Add the 3 large egg yolks and whisk until well combined and the mixture is light yellow.
- Cook Pudding: Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk or rubber spatula. Cook until the mixture thickens significantly, gently simmering and coating the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). If it seems to thicken too quickly or you notice any lumps forming, reduce the heat immediately and whisk vigorously.
- Add Flavoring: Remove from heat immediately. Stir in the 1.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract and any optional butter until fully melted and glossy.
- Strain for Smoothness: For an extra-smooth Golden Custard Cup, pour the warm pudding through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean, heatproof bowl.
- Chill and Set: Cover the surface of the pudding directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours, or until thoroughly set and cold to the touch.
Notes
For simpler pudding, use whole eggs instead of just yolks (texture will be slightly lighter). If pudding is too thin, return to low heat and cook gently for another few minutes, stirring constantly. If lumpy, push it through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking for instant smoothness. Consider milk alternatives (full-fat oat, almond, or soy milk) or sweetener swaps (maple syrup, coconut sugar, or sugar substitute) for variations. Pudding can be made ahead and portioned into small jars for quick, easy grab-and-go snacks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.5 cup (120 g)
- Calories: 240 calories
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg
Keywords: easy dessert, vanilla pudding, custard cups, comfort food, make ahead, stovetop, creamy, classic, family recipe