Velvety Homemade Pudding: A Simple, Creamy Dessert That Hits the Spot

Craving a sweet, comforting treat that’s quick and easy to make? This Velvety Homemade Pudding is the answer! With its creamy texture, rich flavor, and hint of cinnamon, this pudding will become your go-to dessert. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s the perfect dessert to make when you want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s walk through how to make this velvety pudding that’s perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional for extra warmth)

Instructions:

Step 1: Mix the Base

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth. This will create a silky base for your pudding.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t boil over.

Step 2: Temper the Eggs

1. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
2. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, stirring constantly to avoid cooking the eggs. This step is called tempering and ensures the eggs don’t scramble.
3. Gradually pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture while stirring.

Step 3: Thicken the Pudding

1. Return the saucepan to medium heat and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 5-7 minutes. The pudding will begin to thicken as it heats up. Once it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, remove it from the heat.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon (if using) to add flavor and warmth to the pudding.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Pour the pudding into individual bowls or a large serving dish. To prevent a skin from forming on top, cover it with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap touches the surface of the pudding.
2. Chill the pudding in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let it set and cool.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

1. Serve your velvety pudding as is or top it with whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, or chocolate shavings for extra flavor and decoration.
2. Enjoy the creamy goodness of this simple homemade dessert!

Tips for Making the Best Pudding:

• Stir continuously when cooking the pudding to ensure smoothness and to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• If you prefer a thicker consistency, add a little more cornstarch to the mixture.
• For a twist, try using vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract for a more intense vanilla flavor.
• For an even silkier texture, strain the pudding through a fine mesh sieve before serving to remove any clumps.

Conclusion:

This Velvety Homemade Pudding is the epitome of comfort food—rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s the perfect dessert for when you want something simple, indulgent, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re enjoying it as a sweet snack or serving it at a gathering, this pudding is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and savor the silky, smooth texture and delightful flavor of homemade pudding!