Why You’ll Love this Homemade Chocolate & Vanilla Pudding
Simplicity and comfort—that’s what this homemade pudding recipe delivers right to your kitchen table.
I’m talking about a dessert that comes together with just five basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. No artificial flavors, no preservatives, just pure pudding goodness.
What’s more, you can easily switch between chocolate and vanilla depending on your mood.
Feeling indulgent? Substitute milk for water to create a creamier texture.
And let’s be honest, there’s something deeply satisfying about watching those simple ingredients transform into silky, spoonable heaven.
Who needs store-bought when homemade tastes this good?
What Ingredients are in Homemade Chocolate & Vanilla Pudding?
When it comes to homemade pudding, simplicity reigns supreme. This recipe relies on pantry staples that combine to create that nostalgic, comforting dessert we all remember from childhood.
The beauty of making your own pudding mix is that you can control exactly what goes into it—no mysterious ingredients or unpronounceable additives. Just wholesome components that transform into something magical when brought together.
- 4 cups nonfat dry milk powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cocoa (for chocolate pudding)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla (for vanilla pudding)
- 1 cup water (or substitute with skim milk for richer pudding)
What I love about these ingredients is their versatility. The dry base mix (milk powder, sugar, and cornstarch) can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a month, making it perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings.
And depending on your mood, you can go chocolate or vanilla with just a simple ingredient swap. For those special occasions when you want something extra indulgent, swapping the water for skim milk creates a creamier, more luxurious texture that pairs perfectly with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Who knew such humble ingredients could create something so satisfying?
How to Make this Homemade Chocolate & Vanilla Pudding
Making homemade pudding is surprisingly simple and starts with creating a versatile base mix that you can store for whenever the dessert craving strikes. Begin by combining 4 cups nonfat dry milk powder, 1 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup cornstarch in a large bowl.
Mix these ingredients thoroughly to guarantee even distribution—nobody wants pockets of cornstarch in their pudding later. Once everything is well combined, transfer this mixture to an airtight container or jar and refrigerate it. This magical base mix will stay fresh for up to a month, ready for your pudding emergencies (and we all have those moments when only pudding will do).
When you’re ready to make chocolate pudding, take 1 cup of your prepared base mix and add 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder in a double boiler. If you don’t have a proper double boiler, don’t worry—a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water works perfectly. Gradually stir in 1 cup of water, mixing continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.
Now comes the patience part: cook the mixture for about 10 minutes or until it thickens to that perfect, glossy pudding consistency. For vanilla pudding, follow the exact same process but swap the cocoa for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. I find that adding the vanilla at the end of cooking preserves more of its delicate flavor, but that’s just my preference.
Want to take your pudding to the next level? Replace the water with 1 cup of skim milk for a richer, creamier texture that feels more indulgent without adding significant calories. For professional-quality results, consider investing in a premium soup pot which provides perfect heat distribution for silky-smooth pudding without scorching. For an absolute gourmet experience, you could use a premium deep fryer to create delicious fried dough balls to serve alongside your homemade pudding.
Once your pudding has thickened, pour it into individual dessert bowls for a classic presentation, parfait glasses for something a bit fancier, or even into a pre-baked pie shell for an instant pudding pie. Allow your creation to chill completely in the refrigerator—this is where the magic happens as the pudding sets to perfection.
Before serving, top with a dollop of Dream Whip or fresh whipped cream for that picture-perfect finish that makes homemade pudding feel like a special occasion, even on a random Tuesday night.
Homemade Chocolate & Vanilla Pudding Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of homemade pudding lies in its flexibility—you can easily adapt the basic recipe to suit your dietary needs, pantry limitations, or flavor cravings.
Want a richer, creamier texture? Simply swap the water for skim milk as suggested in the recipe. For dairy-free options, try almond or coconut milk instead.
Beyond the basic chocolate and vanilla variations, why not experiment with mix-ins? Think crushed cookies, fresh berries, or a swirl of caramel.
You could also adjust the sweetness by reducing the sugar or using alternatives like honey or maple syrup.
The possibilities are endless, which is why homemade pudding never gets boring.
What to Serve with Homemade Chocolate & Vanilla Pudding
A delicious homemade pudding deserves the perfect accompaniment to elevate it from simple dessert to memorable treat. I recommend topping with fresh whipped cream (the recipe even mentions Dream Whip as an option) or a dollop of mascarpone for richness.
Fresh berries create a beautiful contrast—strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries work wonderfully.
Want something crunchy? Sprinkle on toasted nuts, crushed cookies, or chocolate shavings.
For presentation, serve in parfait glasses layered with fruit, or go traditional with small dessert bowls. Mint leaves add a pop of color.
Need a truly decadent option? Drizzle with caramel sauce. Divine.
Final Thoughts
While homemade pudding paired with delightful toppings creates a wonderful dessert experience, I’d like to share some final reflections on this simple yet versatile recipe.
This budget-friendly dessert transforms humble pantry staples into something truly special. What’s more impressive than telling guests you made pudding from scratch?
The beauty lies in its adaptability—vanilla for the purists, chocolate for the indulgent souls among us.
And remember, you can store the dry mix for up to a month in your refrigerator, ready whenever a pudding craving strikes.
Homemade pudding isn’t just dessert; it’s comfort in a bowl, nostalgia in every spoonful. Much like a well-prepared chicken and rice dish, the secret to exceptional pudding lies in taking time with each step of the process.
For those wanting to experiment beyond traditional pudding, consider trying a Sushi Bake which offers the same comfort food appeal but in a savory format.
