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Forget the box! Make yours from scratch just as easily! You'll flip for this easy to make caramel vanilla pudding cooked right on your stovetop!
Caramel Vanilla Pudding From Scratch
Several years ago I discovered just how easy it was to make my own pudding. It's almost as simple as that kind that comes in the box. Once I learned the trick, I couldn't be stopped. Three of my boys always request my Triple Chocolate Pudding, but I have one that is like me and leans towards this caramel vanilla pudding.
It looks like such an elegant dessert in these cute teal cups. Add a bit of whipped cream and a caramel on top and your guests will think you went to way more work than you did.
There is something so comforting about a serving of pudding. It reminds me of my mom making it when I was little, and my grandma too.
I'm sure there is probably some way that you could make your own caramel to put in the pudding, but to save time, I simply used caramel candy pieces.
The key ingredient in caramel vanilla pudding is milk. This is a true dairy dessert for sure.
With just 6 ingredients (most I'm sure you'll have on hand), it really doesn't get much easier. Since it utilizes the stovetop only, there is no baking required! Yay!
I mentioned before that the key ingredient in the recipe is milk. We are HUGE milk fans. Our fridge usually has 2-3 gallon jugs in it at a time. Between 4 boys, and dairy loving parents, we go through a lot. I use it in my coffee every day, in soups and stews, and recipes like this pudding.
Things to know about dairy milk that you might not know:
- contains 9 essential nutrients like B Vitamins, Vitamin A, high quality protein, potassium, calcium, Vitamin D, and phosphorus.
- Dairy milk, a simple and wholesome beverage, has just three ingredients - milk, vitamin A, and vitamin D
- Dairy milk is farm fresh and minimally processed.
- Has no added sugars, the sugar in milk is actually lactose, which naturally occurs in dairy milk
- At just about a quarter per serving, milk delivers more nutritional value per penny than just about any other beverage.
- Milk is the foundation for many American favorites and tastes from around the world, and has been for centuries. From creamy macaroni and cheese to a classic alfredo sauce to a delectable crème brulée, milk adds dimension, accentuates the flavor and serves as a decadent base to many of your favorite dishes.
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📋Recipe
Vanilla Caramel Pudding
Ingredients
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 ½ cup milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup caramel candy, chopped
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the corn starch and sugar by whisking together.
- Add in the milk and the cream, whisking continually over the same medium heat.
- Continue whisking until mixture comes to a slight boil and magically thickens. It really isn't done until you see it thicken. You will, trust me!
- Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla, and then add the chopped caramel pieces. Stir Stir Stir until all the caramel melts. The smaller you chopped it, the faster this should go.
- Once all the caramel has melted you can transfer to a bowl.
- Place cling film directly onto the pudding top to prevent a "skin" from forming and place in the refrigerator to cool for 2 hours.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
I hope you enjoyed my recipe for vanilla caramel pudding. I love how the vanilla just adds to that velvety caramel taste- don't you? Are you a fan of homemade stovetop pudding? Tell me in the comment section below!
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Cynthia says
I use a similar recipe for vanilla pudding but do it in the microwave. High for 2 min. Stir. High for 2 min stir. If not thickened to you preference heat at 30sec intervals until you reach the desire consistency. It is easy and fast. And it never scorches.
MrsMajHoff says
I've never considered putting it in the microwave. It takes about 5 minutes on the stove, and I find the stirring and anticipation to be part of the fun. Good to know, I would have thought it would scorch or boil over.
Megan P says
Given that caramels are usually a standard size, it would be helpful to know how many caramels are a cup, or the weight of caramels to the cups. 10 pieces? 15? Thanks
MrsMajHoff says
I actually meant to put that in. It was around 20 of them. It was not the whole bag. My mom mentioned that she noted Target is selling a bag of precut tiny pieces now, but I just chopped mine up. Thanks for reminding me!
Sandi says
I love the idea of making pudding from scratch!
Patty says
I was just going to ask about those caramel bits. I have some that I recently bought in Walmart. They are made by Kraft. I think I may give those a try since I have them here already anyway. Thank you for the recipe!
MrsMajHoff says
Yay Patty! I wondered if other stores were carrying them. I'm on the look out for them now, that makes this recipe even quicker!
Dana DeVolk says
It has been so long since I've had a proper homemade pudding like this, I can't wait to make this recipe!
Lori says
How do you make it chocolate caramel pudding
MrsMajHoff says
Hi there Lori! I have a recipe on my site for homemade chocolate pudding - I would most likely just add the cocoa and half the amount of chocolate chips. I've never tried it before though, but that does sound delicious! You can find that recipe here: https://www.majhofftakesawife.com/triple-chocolate-explosion-a-gluten-free-dessert-featuring-3-different-chocolates/
Heather says
I just made this last night with my daughter who had a tough day with a friend. It was just the cozy, sweet, comforting thing that she needed, so thanks for that. Plus, we’ll have a little pudding for breakfast this morning!