Vanilla Custard Pudding

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🍮 Vanilla Custard Pudding

Description

Vanilla custard pudding is a smooth, creamy dessert made with milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Unlike gelatin-based puddings, custard thickens naturally from egg yolks, giving it a rich texture and delicate flavor. It can be served warm or chilled and enjoyed on its own or with fruits, cakes, or pastries.

⏱️ Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

  • Total Time: 25 minutes (+ chilling time if served cold)

🍽️ Servings

  • Serves: 4 people

  • Serving Size: ~½ cup per serving

📝 Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole milk

  • 3 large egg yolks

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 1½ tablespoons cornstarch

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Heat the Milk
    In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk until it begins to steam. Do not boil.

  2. Mix the Custard Base
    In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth and pale.

  3. Temper the Eggs
    Slowly pour about ½ cup of the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.

  4. Cook the Custard
    Pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Cook on low–medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 5–7 minutes).

  5. Finish the Custard
    Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla extract until smooth.

  6. Serve or Chill
    Serve warm, or pour into bowls, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

🌟 Tips for Perfect Custard

  • Whisk constantly to prevent lumps or scrambled eggs

  • Keep heat low once thickening begins

  • Strain through a sieve if you want ultra-smooth custard

  • Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent skin formation

  • For extra richness, replace ½ cup milk with cream

🔄 Variations

  • Chocolate Custard: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder

  • Vanilla Bean: Replace extract with ½ vanilla bean

  • Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and cornstarch only (no eggs)

  • Caramel Custard: Top with caramel sauce before serving

🧠 Benefits

  • Good source of calcium and protein

  • Provides energy from natural sugars and dairy fats

  • Gentle on digestion when served warm

  • Comfort food that can help satisfy sweet cravings in moderation

🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 210 kcal

  • Protein: 6 g

  • Carbohydrates: 24 g

  • Fat: 10 g

  • Calcium: ~15% DV

  • Sugar: 20 g

(Values may vary depending on ingredients used)

❓ Q & A

Q: Why did my custard turn lumpy?
A: Heat was too high or whisking wasn’t constant. Always cook gently.

Q: Can I make this without eggs?
A: Yes! Use 2 tbsp cornstarch and skip egg yolks for a pudding-style custard.

Q: How long does vanilla custard last?
A: Up to 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container.

Q: Can I freeze custard pudding?
A: Not recommended—freezing alters texture and causes separation.

Q: Is this the same as pastry cream?
A: Very similar, but pastry cream is thicker and often used for fillings.

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