Pudding might just be the perfect dessert – easy to make, comforting, and nostalgic. Here are pudding recipes for the classics (chocolate, vanilla, butterscotch) and flavors you’ve probably never tried before (lemon, peanut butter, coffee!) to tempt you to pull out that saucepan and fire up the stove. This is going to be good!
homemade pudding recipes to try today!
If your only experience of pudding is from a box, or those awful little plastic cups, I don’t blame you for not being interested. Pudding has overtones of nursery food, or something you’d be given when you don’t feel well. But if this is health food, bring it on! Just know that pudding is something you just can’t mass produce, it doesn’t work. You’ve got to make it at home, which is fine, because it’s a snap to do. Make it decadent, wholesome, non dairy, low carb, vegan…it all works! So even if you’ve never made homemade pudding before, give one of these easy recipes a try. The first time you scrape a spoonful of warm pudding from the bottom of the pan, you’ll be hooked, promise.
classic butterscotch pudding
It’s really hard to go wrong with such a classic, and I perfected this recipe so that it’s got a nice rich flavor, a perfect balance of salt, and the smoothest, creamiest texture.
meyer lemon pudding
This was one of those why did it take me so long to think of this moments. At first it might seem weird, but the minute that first bite hits your tongue it’s like, I get it, this was meant to be. It’s silky, creamy, luxurious, and…lemon!
perfect chocolate pudding
If you’re a true chocolate lover, chocolate pudding might not strike you as the best thing to satisfy a serious chocolate craving. But trust me, this pudding is seriously rich in flavor and texture. It’s grown up enough to serve at a dinner party, but kids love it too! I like it equally warm and cold. Don’t forget the whipped cream!
peanut butter pudding
Pudding lover that I am, I made this peanut butter version on a whim, not entirely sure if it was going to work out or be kind of weird. Man, am I glad that I took a chance! It’s creamy, smooth, sweet, and full of peanut butter flavor, like a mini peanut butter pie in a cup!
kentucky bourbon vanilla bean pudding
If you think vanilla pudding is bland and uninteresting, meet Kentucky bourbon vanilla bean pudding. Real specks of vanilla bean, and smoky, rich Kentucky bourbon make this pudding unforgettable. This one is for the big kids at the table.
coffee pudding
Do you love those sweet, creamy coffee drinks from your favorite coffee shop? Imagine those flavors in the form of a silky, spoon-able cup of pudding and you’ve got the idea here. It’s the perfect afternoon pick-me-up or after-dinner treat.
mint chocolate pudding pots
Ok, yes, the cute factor is pretty high here, but these little “pots” of mint chocolate pudding topped with crushed chocolate wafter “dirt” and little mint “seedlings” are also really really delicious! I love them for spring events and parties, but the chocolate-peppermint pudding is a great recipe for whenever that peppermint craving strikes.
winter spice vanilla pudding with brandied whipped cream
If I haven’t yet convinced you that pudding can be sophisticated, I hope you’ll give this reicpe a try. Silky vanilla pudding gets infused with whole winter spices (think star anise, cinnamon, and cloves), orange peel, and vanilla. Then we top it off with a homemade brandied whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Rice Pudding
Last but not least this might be my favorite of all. I love how the creamy vanilla pudding clings to each grain of perfectly cooked rice. When you catch this while still warm from the pan it’s stunningly delicious.
Hi Sue – these pudding recipes look so good! I am not able to use cornstarch. Do you have any experience with substitutions for cornstarch? Thanks, Lori
You have lots of options, Lori. Some of my pudding recipes rely on just eggs or egg yolks for thickening. You can also use arrowroot powder, tapioca powder or rice starch in place of cornstarch. Hope this helps!
thanks! I’m going to start with your Milk Chocolate Mousse which doesn’t need cornstarch. Then will start experimenting with arrowroot and tapioca powders
Sue,
I’ve been on your list for a long time so how can I get your free Puddings e-booklet? After requesting it, I got the answer that “I’m already subscribed!”
Julie Pelletier
Hi Julie, I don’t have a pudding e book, I think what you’re referring to is the photo on the sign up prompt at the bottom of the page? If you got my “Celebrate ~ Simple Cakes for Every Season”, that was my most recent freebie. Let me know if you need that one. I’ll be releasing a new book soon, and will leave links to it in my emails so you won’t miss it! Thanks for subscribing 🙂
Love all of your recipes.
🙂 thanks so much!
Thankyou for the e-book on cakes. I love it! The cakes all look so beautiful and we all need more beauty,peace and love. You are doing this.
Thank you Randa ~ there’s a new one coming out soon and you’ll have access to that one, too.