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Ever find yourself craving something sweet, creamy, and utterly comforting? Well, this easy single serve vanilla pudding recipe is just the ticket! It’s a classic dessert that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. No more wrestling with instant mixes or settling for store-bought options. With a handful of basic ingredients and a little time, you can whip up a dessert that’s not only delicious but also feels a bit nostalgic.
Discover a variety of exquisite single serving pudding recipes, including our decadent Chocolate Pudding, smooth Butterscotch Pudding, classic Rice Pudding, indulgent Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce, and delightful Banana Pudding.
Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Pudding Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This single serve pudding recipe is straightforward and takes minimal time to prepare. Perfect for a quick dessert fix!
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
- No Artificial Flavors: Say goodbye to artificial thickeners and flavors – this pudding is all about natural, wholesome goodness.
- Perfect Portion: Ideal for one or two servings, so you won’t be left with an overwhelming amount of leftovers. Want to make vanilla pudding for two? Just double the ingredient amounts.
- Creamy and Comforting: The end result is a creamy, rich pudding that’s bound to bring a smile to your face.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this homemade vanilla pudding recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Whole Milk: The base of the pudding. Whole milk yields a thicker, creamier texture. You can substitute with 2% milk or half-and-half, but the pudding will be less thick.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness to the pudding. Heavy whipping cream is a suitable alternative. We use heavy cream in many of our single serving and small batch recipes like a mini White Cake, Vanilla Ice Cream, Nanaimo Bar, and a No-Bake Cheesecake.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the pudding. Adjust the amount to your preference.
- Salt: Enhances flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: For that classic vanilla flavor. Pure extract is recommended for the best taste.
- Cornstarch: The thickening agent. Ensures the pudding sets properly without eggs.
- Butter: A small amount of butter is stirred in at the end for added richness. Salted butter is preferred for a balanced flavor.
How To Make Vanilla Pudding For One
The photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make a small batch of vanilla pudding. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Start with Milk: In a 1-quart saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium-low heat. Mix in sugar and salt. Allow it to cook, stirring now and then, until it starts to steam, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Cornstarch Mixture: As the milk heats, in a separate small bowl, whisk together the cream and cornstarch until smooth.
Pro Tip: Avoid adding cornstarch directly to the milk. Instead, make a slurry with cream and cornstarch to prevent clumping. Cornstarch must reach boiling to activate and thicken the pudding.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the warm milk. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to simmer, about another 5 minutes.
- Thicken the Pudding: Lower the heat and stir for 5 minutes, until the pudding thickens to the desired consistency.
- Add Flavor: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and butter until the butter is fully melted.
- Cool and Set: Let the pudding cool to lukewarm. Then transfer it into a small ramekin or dessert bowl. Cover it and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
Expert Tips
- Whisk Thoroughly: Be sure to whisk the cornstarch with the cream until it’s completely smooth before adding it to the pot. This step is crucial for a lump-free pudding.
- Add Flavor Post-Cooking: Stir in the butter and vanilla extract after removing the pot from heat. This technique enhances the richness and intensity of the vanilla flavor.
- Versatile Topping Ideas: This vanilla pudding serves as an excellent foundation for various toppings. Classic options include a dollop of whipped cream and fresh fruit. For a creative twist, try it in a mini trifle or topped with crushed butter cookies, graham crackers, or nuts for added texture.
- Recipe Adaptations: Use this simple vanilla pudding recipe as a base to create delightful desserts like a mini banana pudding or a single serving banana cream pie.
RELATED: 15 Easy Dessert Recipes For One
Frequently Asked Questions
While both pudding and custard start with a sweetened cream or milk base, the key distinction lies in their thickening agents. Puddings typically use cornstarch or flour for thickening, whereas custards rely on eggs to achieve their thicker consistency.
Properly stored, it can last up to 3 days.
Absolutely, just double the ingredients and follow the same steps.
Ensure the heat is medium-low and give it enough time to thicken, sometimes it takes an extra few minutes.
Yes, this is a gluten-free vanilla pudding recipe.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this vanilla pudding recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
RELATED: Comfort Food Recipes For One
If you’ve tried this homemade vanilla pudding or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Vanilla Pudding For One
Watch How To Make This
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup heavy cream , or heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ tablespoon butter
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- optional toppings: whipped cream and fresh berries
Instructions
- Start with Milk: In a 1-quart saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium-low heat. Mix in sugar and salt. Allow it to cook, stirring now and then, until it starts to steam, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Cornstarch Mixture: As the milk heats, in a separate small bowl, whisk together the cream and cornstarch until smooth.Pro Tip: Avoid adding cornstarch directly to the milk. Instead, make a slurry with cream and cornstarch to prevent clumping. Cornstarch must reach boiling to activate and thicken the pudding.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the warm milk. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to simmer, about another 5 minutes.
- Thicken the Pudding: Lower the heat and stir for 5 minutes, until the pudding thickens to the desired consistency.
- Add Flavor: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and butter until the butter is fully melted.
- Cool and Set: Let the pudding cool to lukewarm. Then transfer it into a small ramekin or dessert bowl. Cover it and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.Top with berries or whipped cream or enjoy as-is.
Notes
- Whisk Thoroughly: Be sure to whisk the cornstarch with the cream until it’s completely smooth before adding it to the pot. This step is crucial for a lump-free pudding.
- Add Flavor Post-Cooking: Stir in the butter and vanilla extract after removing the pot from heat. This technique enhances the richness and intensity of the vanilla flavor.
- Versatile Topping Ideas: This vanilla pudding serves as an excellent foundation for various toppings. Classic options include a dollop of whipped cream and fresh fruit. For a creative twist, try it in a mini trifle or topped with crushed butter cookies, graham crackers, or nuts for added texture.
- Recipe Adaptations: Use this simple vanilla pudding recipe as a base to create delightful desserts like a mini banana pudding or a single serving banana cream pie.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Hi there,
This looks great, can I get the specific measurements? (ounces, teaspoons) please?
Sincerely,
Cathy E.
Hi Cathy,
The measurements are all in the recipe. Here is the link – https://onedishkitchen.com/vanilla-pudding-for-one/. Hope you enjoy the pudding.
Joanie
I absolutely love getting your emails! When I can make it for one and not have to eat it until the sun doesn’t shine is a blessing. Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write, Jacquie. I’m so happy you are enjoying the recipes.
Have a wonderful week!
Joanie
I make sugar free pudding for a diabetic using whole milk in a recipe that is identical except for the amounts listed here, using Splenda sweetener, and it is wonderful! I fully intend to use this recipe, adding coconut, to make myself a coconut cream pie! Thank you! I look forward to trying a LOT of your recipes, and I will share your site with some single friends, too.
Hi – I never have heavy cream in hand either. Will half and half have same results and will I need to change anything else?
Thanks.
Yes, half and half will work in this recipe. No additional changes are necessary.
This recipe will work pretty well using whole milk too. I never have heavy cream around my house but I’ve made puddings several times using whole milk instead.
Thank you for your comment, great tip!
Terrific recipe.
Thank You, thank you, thank you for this site.
You’re welcome, Carol. I hope you find many recipes you love here.
What kind of cream is used for this recipe? You didn’t specify in the recipe. Thanks!
Hi Lisa,
Use heavy cream or heavy whipping cream.
I made it last week and making it again…perfect!!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Mary. I love how easy it is to make this pudding, thank you so much for taking the time to let me know you loved it!
I'm crazy about pudding! I love that this recipe is for one! Perfect for a late night craving!
Perfect and I love that the ingredients are so simple!