Ingredients
Pudding Base
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- pinch salt
- 1 large egg
Liquid Ingredients
- 2 cups milk (whole milk or 2%)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, salt, and egg until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Whisk In Milk and Cook Pudding: Place the saucepan over medium heat and gradually whisk in the milk. Stir continuously as the mixture heats, bringing it to a boil. Continue stirring as it thickens, about 10 minutes, then cook and stir for an additional minute to ensure the pudding is fully thickened.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the pudding warm for a comforting dessert or transfer to a bowl, cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate. Chilling overnight will result in a thicker pudding.
Notes
- Use whole milk or 2% milk for a creamier texture.
- Constant stirring is crucial to prevent lumps and scorching on the bottom of the pan.
- Cover the pudding surface with plastic wrap to avoid a skin forming when chilled.
- Pudding thickens further if refrigerated overnight.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
