Easy Vanilla Pudding Recipe

By Amy Wisniewski

Difficulty: Easy | Total Time: 20 mins, plus chilling time | Makes: 2 cups (4 to 6 servings)

We don’t call this recipe easy for nothing: This simple and delicious pudding comes together with just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of stirring. The hardest part is waiting for it to set before the kids—or you—can devour it.

This recipe was featured as part of our Good Food for Kids photo gallery, as well as our Homemade Vanilla Extract project.

INGREDIENTS

1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
2 1/4 cups whole milk
3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan and whisk until incorporated. While constantly whisking, slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup of the milk until smooth. Whisk in the egg yolks and remaining milk.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking often, until the pudding begins to thicken and just starts to bubble, about 6 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium low and switch to a rubber spatula. Stir constantly, scraping the bottom and sides of the pan, until the pudding makes visible ribbons when drizzled over the surface, about 5 minutes.
Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter is melted and completely incorporated. Immediately transfer the pudding to 4 (4-ounce) ramekins or resealable containers. Lightly press a piece of plastic wrap on top of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator until set, about 2 hours.

SOURCE: http://www.chow.com/recipes/27483-easy-vanilla-pudding