There is nothing that beats the richness of a homemade pudding. This decadent recipe for a creamy vanilla caramel pudding is one of those dessert recipes your grandma would have made to wow a crowd. Using only 6 ingredients you already have on hand, this is one dessert that is no-bake and easy to make for a surprisingly delicious and dessert with simple flavors.
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Creamy Caramel Pudding
You've probably mastered the art of making a package of instant pudding. It's easy, tasty, and works like a charm. But have you ever made homemade? If not, this is the perfect recipe to begin your journey into homemade puddings. It is just as delicious as that pudding your grandma made, and while excellent just as it is shown, can be used for many different desserts.
A basic vanilla pudding base is topped with a simple thickened homemade caramel for a decadent dessert that is simple while being fancy enough to serve guests. This can be served in individual dessert cups or simply layered together in a trifle dish for a perfect dessert that is ideal for serving with any meal.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Milk
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cornstarch
Kitchen Tools Needed
How to Make Vanilla Pudding
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour.
When the butter and flour have combined, begin adding in the milk gradually.
Stir continually until all of the milk has been combined with the flour roux.
Then add in the sugar and vanilla and stir to combine.
Cook for 2 more minutes on low heat until the mixture has thickened.
Pour the vanilla pudding into dessert glasses then let cool to room temperature before topping with the caramel.
How to Make Caramel Topping
In a small saucepan, over low heat, add the sugar and 1 teaspoon water. Stir to combine.
Let it cook until it begins turning brown, then add in the remaining 1 teaspoon water and stir.
In a small bowl, combine water and cornstarch to create a slurry.
Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the caramel.
Cook for 2 minutes or until the mixture has thickened.
Remove from the heat.
How to Assemble Creamy Caramel Pudding
Pour the caramel over the top of the vanilla pudding.
Let cool to room temperature then cover loosely and refrigerate for 1 hour or until chilled completely before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While they are similar, this particular pudding is not a flan and is indeed simply a classic base of vanilla pudding with a caramel topping.
No. While you can make some puddings using condensed milk or sweetened condensed milk, this particular recipe instead uses regular milk with sugar.
If you need to chill the vanilla pudding layer fast, you can pour it into a shallow dish such as a baking pan or sheet pan. This will cool it faster. Then you can pour it into individual glasses. Another option is to place the dessert glasses into a shallow bowl or baking dish then add ice around the glasses to cool it faster.
While it will thicken some as it cools, if your pudding mixture is very thin still, you can add in an additional 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour mixed with 1 tablespoon milk to help thicken the mixture. Additionally, you may need to cook it for 3 to 5 minutes longer.
Ideally, you would serve this the same day or within 2 days of making. However, it is technically good for up to 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. If serving in dessert glasses, make sure that you cover it tightly when refrigerating so it does not take on other food flavors or smells.
Serving Tips for Homemade Pudding
Homemade pudding is delicious all by itself, and this caramel topping turns it into a truly decadent treat, but you may still want to dress it up a bit. Below are some handy tips for serving this to guests and making it a real show-stopping dessert!
- Top with a swirl of whipped cream and drizzle of caramel syrup.
- Add fresh sliced strawberries or other seasonal fruit to the top of the pudding.
- Layer this in a trifle dish with ladyfingers that have been soaked in your favorite liquer.
- Top with crushed candy pieces such as toffee, Heath bar bits, or even just shaved chocolate.
- Serve with hardened sugar or caramel accent on top of the pudding.
- Top with a sprig of fresh mint.
- Use this pudding in place of your normal option for a homemade banana pudding.
The main thing is to make this work for you and your guests. Sometimes that means serving as is, and other times you may want to make it a bit more upscale with additions or even just supply optional mix-in's like fresh fruit for your guests.
More No-Bake Desserts
If you are in love with the idea of no-bake desserts, then you are going to adore my favorites below. Just a few unique flavors combine to make a tasty dessert that you can serve up any time. I love not having to crank up the oven for dessert, and these recipes are a great example of that! Make sure that you bookmark or print the recipes to make soon!
- No-Bake Chocolate Oreo Lasagna Recipe
- Vegan Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Balls Recipe
- No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake Recipe
Recipe
Decadent Vanilla Caramel Pudding Recipe
Make your own delicious homemade vanilla caramel pudding with just a few simple ingredients. This is ready in no time and once chilled is a delightful dessert everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Vanilla Pudding
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredients for Caramel
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon water, divided
Ingredients for Cornstarch Slurry
- 1 tablespoon corntarch
- 1 cup water
Instructions
How to Make Vanilla Pudding
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour.
- When the butter and flour have combined, begin adding in the milk gradually.
- Stir continually until all of the milk has been combined with the flour roux.
- Then add in the sugar and vanilla and stir to combine.
- Cook for 2 more minutes on low heat until the mixture has thickened.
- Pour the vanilla pudding into dessert glasses then let cool to room temperature before topping with the caramel.
How to Make Caramel Topping
- In a small saucepan, over low heat, add the sugar and 1 teaspoon water. Stir to combine.
- Let it cook until it begins turning brown, then add in the remaining 1 teaspoon water and stir.
- In a small bowl, combine water and cornstarch to create a slurry.
- Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the caramel.
- Cook for 2 minutes or until the mixture has thickened.
- Remove from the heat.
How to Assemble Creamy Caramel Pudding
- Pour the caramel over the top of the vanilla pudding.
- Let cool to room temperature then cover loosely and refrigerate for 1 hour or until chilled completely before serving.
Notes
Let the pudding and caramel come to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation on top of the pudding.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 485Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 80mgCarbohydrates: 90gFiber: 1gSugar: 75gProtein: 8g
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