Homemade Pudding

It pays to have a go-to homemade dessert that you can whip up when you need a sweet treat. That way you can be in charge of the ingredients and quality. And chances are very good that your cupboard is already stocked with what you need to make this unsung hero. To fancy it up, add whipped cream, toasted coconut, fresh fruit or nuts. Feeling indecisive? Make two batches—one chocolate and one vanilla—and swirl them together.

Homemade Pudding
Photo: Eva Kolenko
Active Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
4 hrs 25 mins
Servings:
5

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups reduced-fat milk, divided

  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

  • 1 cup half-and-half

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ¼ cup bittersweet chocolate chips (Optional)

Directions

  1. Whisk ¼ cup milk and cornstarch in a small bowl. Set next to the stove.

  2. Combine the remaining 1¼ cups milk, half-and-half, sugar and salt in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, whisking occasionally, until bubbles start to form around the edges, about 3 minutes. Whisk the cornstarch mixture. Then, while continuously whisking the milk mixture in the pan, slowly add the cornstarch mixture. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture starts to thicken, about 30 seconds. Reduce heat to maintain a low simmer and cook, stirring, until very thick, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and chocolate chips (if using).

  3. Transfer the pudding to a heatproof bowl. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to keep a skin from forming. Refrigerate until cold, at least 4 hours and up to 3 days.

To make ahead

Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, March 2021

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

194 Calories
6g Fat
30g Carbs
4g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 5
Serving Size ½ cup
Calories 194
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 30g 11%
Total Sugars 26g
Protein 4g 8%
Total Fat 6g 8%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 23mg 8%
Vitamin A 309IU 6%
Sodium 123mg 5%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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