The term homemade has evolved over the years. Well, it evolved for me. Take vanilla pudding for example. When I was a kid, there was store-bought, instant, and homemade. Homemade meant the kind you cooked using pudding mix and milk. It was “the” pudding we used when we made banana pudding. Pouring the warm mixture over the cookies and bananas meant to get your bowl and spoon ready. We ate it warm and right after it was done.
Homemade pudding changed after I was married. My mother-in-law made her banana pudding for dessert. One bite and I knew something was very different. It was better than any I ever had before. What was the secret? It was made with actual, for real, from scratch homemade vanilla pudding. It didn’t take any time at all before I got my hands on the recipe. It’s so easy and there are only a few ingredients. Whisk, cook, stir, and chill are all it takes to make vanilla pudding.
This recipe makes four to six servings. Or maybe three if you count what actually happens at my house. My husband and I attack the bowl and the pudding may last overnight. I’ve tried divvying it up into small custard cups only to find it disappears just as quickly. We do not have any restraint with this cool, creamy, dessert.
Do you like recipes with few ingredients? If so, you will very much enjoy the list of recipes below. The Sunday Supper contributors are sharing ones with Five Ingredients or Less (not counting salt, pepper, or oil). It’s a great resource to have when your pantry and fridge are bare. Special thanks to Alice of Hip Foodie Mom for hosting this event.
Vanilla is a classic and popular flavor. For more desserts showcasing it, take a look at Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Vanilla Frozen Yogurt, and Baked Custard.
Vanilla Pudding
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour*
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Dash of salt
Instructions
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Whisk together all ingredients in a saucepan (non-stick recommended).
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Slowly bring to a boil over medium heat stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
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Boil for 1 minute and remove from heat.
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Pour into a bowl and place plastic wrap directly on top of pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
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Cool to room temperature then chill thoroughly (at least 4 hours).
Recipe Notes
*This recipe makes pudding with a thinner consistency than typical puddings. Use an additional tablespoon of flour for firmer pudding.
Are you looking for recipes with five ingredients or less? Here are plenty from Sunday Supper contributors:
Appetizers, Salads and Starters
- Chicken and Spring Greens Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette from Crazy Foodie Stunts
- Tuna, Burrata and Black Olive Salad from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Salmon and Cucumber “Noodle” Salad from girlichef
- Yogurt Dill Vegetable Dip from Melanie Makes
- Tomato, Avocado and Cucumber Summer Salad from My Healthy Eating Habits
- Fennel Citrus Salad from An Appealing Plan
- Kale-Had-a-Hard-Day Salad from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Guacamole Deviled Eggs from Ruffles and Truffles
- Tomato Soup from Run DMT
- Wasabi Cream Cheese Ham Salad from Neighborfood
- Latkes with Smoked Salmon and Caviar from Confessions of a Culinary Diva
Sides and Accompaniments
- Candied Apple Jelly from What Smells So Good?
- Grilled Steak with Garlic Cumin Rub from Cooking Chat
- Homemade Ricotta from Seduction in the Kitchen
- Indian-style Roasted Cauliflower from kimchi MOM
- 3-Ingredient Beer Bread from Take A Bite Out of Boca
- Potato Pancakes (Reibekuchen) from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
Main Dishes
- Smoked Turkey Panini with Roasted Red Peppers and Basil Pesto from La Bella Vita Cucina
- Slow Cooker Turkey Half Breast from Nosh My Way
- Easy Crock Pot Pulled Chicken from Flour On My Face
- Lemon Basil Carbonara from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Garlic Butter Shrimp from Savvy Eats
- Easy Beef Stroganoff from Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
- Smothered Pork Chop Cups from Having Fun Saving
- Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas from Supper for a Steal
- Chicken with Olives from Noshing With The Nolands
- Salmon with Tiger Dill Sauce from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Greek Chicken Burgers from Country Girl In The Village
- Crock Pot Beer Chicken from Our Table for Seven
- Chorizo and Potato Frittata from Small Wallet Big Appetite
- Chicken and Potato Bake with Meyer Lemons from Cravings of a Lunatic
- Chicken Asparagus Roll-ups from The Dinner-Mom
- Spaghetti Squash with Simple Red Sauce from Momma’s Meals
- Tropical Salsa Chicken from Kudos Kitchen By Renee
- Strawberry Red Wine Glazed Salmon from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Baked Asparagus and Eggs from Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- Grilled Caprese Salad Sandwich from Rants From My Crazy Kitchen
- Beef Short Rib Bourguignon from Food Lust People Love
- Beans and Egg Sandwich from Basic N Delicious
- Honey Almond Salmon from Family Foodie
- BBQ Foiled Chicken from Meal Diva
Desserts and Beverages
- Flourless Chocolate Cake from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
- 4-Ingredient Butterscotch Peanut Butter Marshmallow Sweets from Shockingly Delicious
- Vanilla Bean Honey Ice Cream from The Foodie Army Wife
- Coconut Crusted Chocolate Ganache Pie from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- 3-Ingredient Nutella Truffles from URBAN BAKES
- Chocolate & Peanut Butter Squares from Killer Bunnies, Inc
- Nutella Ferrero Cupcakes from Brunch with Joy
- 5-Minute Strawberry Sherbet from The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Best Ever Coconut Macaroons from Hip Foodie Mom
- Chocolate Orange Ice Cream from Gluten Free Crumbley
- Orchid Panna Cotta from Manu’s Menu
- Oreo Cookies and Cream Fudge from Alida’s Kitchen
- Golden Oreo Rice Krispies Treats from Pies and Plots
- Vanilla Pudding from Magnolia Days
- Sopapilla Cheesecake Bites from The Weekend Gourmet
- Coconut Cream Mango Mousse from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- Peanut Butter Buckeyes from Peanut Butter and Peppers
- 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cherry Chip Cookies from Ninja Baking
- Raspberry Pina Colada Ice Cream from Try Anything Once Culinary
- Avocado Milkshakes from The Texan New Yorker
- The Ginger Sass Cocktail from Nik Snacks
- Baked Custard Cups from Soni’s Food
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? Click here: Sunday Supper Movement
The Ninja Baker says
April 27, 2014 at 5:44 amHow wonderful, Renee that you are able to replicate your mother-in-law’s recipe and bring joy to your husband. And you! Your photos are always so pretty and of course, make me want to try my hand at homemade vanilla pudding!
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:30 pmThanks Kim and you know your sweet comments always make me smile.
Manu says
April 27, 2014 at 5:52 amI love a good home-made vanilla pudding! It is so comforting and simply irresistible… I totally understand how it doesn’t last long in your house… it wouldn’t in my house either! 🙂
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:24 pmThanks Manu and so true of it be comforting.
Marjory @ Dinner-Mom says
April 27, 2014 at 7:35 amHome made pudding sounds divine! Looks fabulous Renee!
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:23 pmThanks Marjory and it is divine!
Becca from It's Yummi! says
April 27, 2014 at 8:10 amIt’s been WAY too long since I’ve made pudding. Yours sounds wonderful, Renee, and your photos are gorgeous (as always!)
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:23 pmThanks so much Becca
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
April 27, 2014 at 9:16 amI have to admit, I never made homemade pudding! I am putting this one on my list! I love how simple it is and vanilla is one of my all time favorite flavors.
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:22 pmNever made homemade pudding? Oh Jennifer, you need to make it soon. You will love it.
Heather // girlichef says
April 27, 2014 at 10:03 amOh man, I can just taste that banana pudding, it has my mouth watering! And so does this vanilla – I bet it’s amazing. And yeah, stick to one large bowl since all dividing it into little ones does is make more dishes ;).
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:21 pmYes, the less dishes to wash the better.
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
April 27, 2014 at 11:12 amyour old definition of homemade is the same as mine was growing up! lol This recipe for pudding looks SO perfect-it really is surprisingly easy to make it from scratch! Love the texture of yours, yummmmyyyy!
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:20 pmThanks Kayle, and while my parents cooked a lot from scratch pudding wasn’t one of them. So interesting you had the same experience.
Laura says
April 27, 2014 at 11:59 amYou know serving size cracks me up because more often then not if a dish is really good it doesn’t really spread out as thin as suggested. I won’t lie while my dish should feed six it only fed 4 because some of us helped ourselves to seconds. 🙂 This pudding does look like I would be tempted to go for more as well.
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:19 pmI agree, sometimes the suggested serving size is not reality when it comes to food we love.
Liz says
April 27, 2014 at 12:28 pmMy hubby would be all over this, too! Homemade pudding is one of his favorite treats…and a 5 ingredient recipe is right up my alley!!!
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:17 pmThanks Liz and I’m loving all the 5 or less ingredient recipes for this event.
Shannon R says
April 27, 2014 at 2:32 pmWhat a great basic recipe. Sometimes we just need to take the fussy out of things and enjoy each small bite of wonderful vanilla flavour.
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:16 pmYes, basic can be so good and so comforting too.
Laura Dembowski says
April 27, 2014 at 3:05 pmThere are few things better and more comforting than homemade vanilla pudding. I want to grab a spoon!
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:15 pmAnd make it a big spoon too!
Erin @ Table for 7 says
April 27, 2014 at 3:33 pmI adore pudding..this looks wonderful Renee! So simple..pinned 🙂
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:14 pmThank you Erin and thanks for the pin.
Hezzi-D says
April 27, 2014 at 3:58 pmI love homemade vanilla pudding. Your recipe looks more simple then mine and I’m definitely trying it out!
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:13 pmThanks Heather and I hope you enjoy a simpler method. Simple is good.
Marlene @Nosh My Way says
April 27, 2014 at 4:07 pmIts amazing when we make something homemade that we used to buy as a package in the store and find out how incredibly delicious it can be. that’s how I felt when I made a salsa verde for the first time.
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:11 pmNow there is making salsa verde on my to-do list. I have to admit I’ve never made it from scratch.
Tara says
April 27, 2014 at 5:02 pmI don’t think I have ever had homemade pudding!!! Crazy isn’t it and I know banana is very popular!! I love your homemade vanilla, nothing better than the pure flavor of good vanilla!!
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:10 pmWhat? Never had homemade pudding? You need to remedy that soon.
Wendy (TheWeekend Gourmet) says
April 27, 2014 at 5:09 pmI have never made actual homemade pudding…the closest I’ve come is panna cotta. This looks so creamy and lovely!
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:09 pmAnd I’ve never made panna cotta. Now I have something else on the to-do list.
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says
April 27, 2014 at 7:52 pmso elegant and beautiful!! love this! you know I’ve never made pudding from scratch! this needs to change ASAP!
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:08 pmOh Alice, you really do need to make pudding from scratch. You’ll never go back to a mix again.
Beate says
April 27, 2014 at 8:32 pmRenee, this is the perfect dessert to follow-up our Rouladen cook-off. Oh, yes it sounds just perfect. I will have to make it soon for my family with the usual adaptions but think it will work out just great!
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:07 pmI would love to see your adapted recipe without dairy that you make for your family. I always think your adaptions are so interesting and good too.
Arlene @FlourOnMyFace says
April 28, 2014 at 10:15 amRenee
I love homemade vanilla pudding. It is so much better than anything that comes in a box.
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:06 pmI totally agree Arlene
Stacy says
April 28, 2014 at 12:50 pmHomemade pudding is the best! It’s funny how most people don’t realize how easy it can be. I love that you serve it in those pretty little pots, Renee. Even if it doesn’t make it last any longer. 🙂
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:06 pmThanks Stacy. It’s really amazing how fast my husband and I can eat a batch of this pudding.
Dionne Baldwin says
April 28, 2014 at 3:52 pmI love pudding and homemade has a certain something to it that makes it remarkable! Your pudding is beautiful. I couldn’t trust myself around it unsupervised, not even for a minute.
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:05 pmThanks Dionne and I can’t trust myself around it either.
Mireya @myhealthyeatinghabits says
April 28, 2014 at 4:47 pmI think most people don’t realize how easy to make custard from scratch. There’s not much more to it than the boxed custard. And I’m like you too, not much makes it to the bowls.
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:04 pmIt does seem that people don’t know how easy it is to make homemade. I’ll never go back to a mix.
Sarah says
April 28, 2014 at 7:57 pmTotally brings back memories of childhood 🙂
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 1:03 pmThanks Sarah and I hope it brought back good childhood memories.
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
April 30, 2014 at 10:14 amI totally needed a basic from scratch vanilla pudding recipe. Thank you! Pinned!
Renee says
April 30, 2014 at 12:58 pmThanks Courtney and I appreciate the pin very much.
Shaina says
April 30, 2014 at 4:36 pmSuch a simple classic dessert. Vanilla pudding is always a favorite!
Renee says
May 2, 2014 at 12:44 pmIt sure is Shaina. Thanks.
Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen says
April 30, 2014 at 6:02 pmYes, nothing beats the really homemade pudding. Oh and now that you mentioned banana pudding with cookies? Ya I need to make that ASAP!
Renee says
May 2, 2014 at 12:41 pmAnd I’m also craving banana pudding. I know I’ll be making it soon.
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
May 1, 2014 at 5:28 amHomemade pudding always tastes better! thanks for the recipe!
Renee says
May 2, 2014 at 12:40 pmYou are welcome Cindy
Katie says
May 1, 2014 at 7:29 amI hate to admit this, but I’ve never made pudding from scratch! However, I LOVE pudding and I should really do myself a favor and use this recipe, stat!
Renee says
May 2, 2014 at 12:40 pmI hope you do make homemade pudding soon. You will really taste the difference.
Soni says
May 2, 2014 at 9:12 amOh nothing can beat a dish made from scratch using fresh ingredients.Your mother-in-law’s vanilla pudding looks every bit creamy,luscious and delicious 🙂
Renee says
May 2, 2014 at 12:28 pmThanks Soni and your custard cups look creamy and luscious too.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
May 2, 2014 at 11:01 pmSo simple, but so comforting because of the childhood memories it conjures up!
Renee says
May 17, 2014 at 8:06 amAnd happy childhood memories are the best. Glad this brought back some for you.
Kelli's Kitchen says
May 4, 2014 at 10:07 amNothing more comforting than warm vanilla pudding…………YUM!!!
Renee says
May 17, 2014 at 7:58 amI completely agree Kelli. Thanks so much.
Kelli's Kitchen says
May 31, 2014 at 5:22 pmI just made this for my mom who is on a completely soft diet for a few days. She said this was the best pudding ever! She’s not a fan of chocolate pudding and that’s the only one I ever make so both of us thank you!
Renee says
June 7, 2014 at 9:09 amOh Kelli, you totally made my day. Thanks for coming back and letting me know. I’m so glad your mom enjoyed the pudding so much (and you too).