Creamy Vanilla Bean Pudding

Save This Recipe!
Enter your email and we’ll send you this recipe so you can come back to it later! 😊
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Equipment:
**Medium saucepan**
whisk
measuring cups
measuring spoons
serving cups
Cuisine Type: American
This Creamy Vanilla Bean Pudding is a classic dessert that brings a touch of elegance to any meal. With its luscious texture and rich vanilla flavor, this pudding is a favorite among both children and adults. The addition of real vanilla bean elevates the dish, giving it an aromatic and sophisticated taste that sets it apart from store-bought options.
Whether served on its own or topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, this pudding is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Making this pudding from scratch is surprisingly simple and requires just a few pantry staples. The process involves heating milk and sugar, whisking in cornstarch to thicken the mixture, and finally, infusing it with the delightful essence of vanilla.
This dessert can be prepared in advance, making it a great choice for dinner parties or family gatherings, allowing you to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 vanilla bean (split and seeds scraped)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Whipped cream (for serving, optional)
- Fresh fruit (for serving, optional)
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk the mixture together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and there are no lumps.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and add the split vanilla bean along with its scraped seeds. Continuously whisk the mixture as it heats up to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Once the mixture begins to bubble and thicken, continue to whisk for an additional 2-3 minutes until it reaches a pudding-like consistency. Be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the unsalted butter until melted and fully incorporated. Discard the split vanilla bean pod.
- Pour the pudding into serving cups and cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. If desired, top with whipped cream and fresh fruit just before serving.
Extra Tips:
To enhance the flavor, you can substitute vanilla extract for the vanilla bean if you don’t have one on hand, using about 1 tablespoon. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note.
This pudding can also be used as a filling for cakes or pastries, making it a versatile addition to your dessert repertoire.