Description
This classic Vanilla Pudding with Fresh Fruit is a creamy, comforting dessert that combines smooth homemade pudding with a vibrant mix of fresh berries and tropical fruits. It’s an easy-to-make, stovetop recipe perfect for summer gatherings or a simple sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Fruit and Garnish:
- 2 cups mixed fresh fruit (such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, or mango)
- Optional mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Add milk: Slowly whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Cook the pudding base: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 6–8 minutes.
- Temper the egg yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add a few spoonfuls of the hot pudding mixture to the yolks while whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Incorporate yolks: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining pudding base.
- Finish cooking: Continue cooking over medium heat for another 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the pudding is thick and smooth.
- Add flavor and richness: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Chill the pudding: Pour the pudding into individual serving cups or a large bowl. Let cool slightly, then press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
- Refrigerate: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until fully set and cold.
- Serve: Top the chilled pudding with mixed fresh fruit and garnish with mint leaves if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use any fresh fruit you prefer; berries and tropical fruits particularly complement the vanilla pudding flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk, and use vegan butter instead of unsalted butter.
- This pudding can be made a day ahead, making it ideal for preparing in advance for parties or gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
