The Best Pudding and Custard Recipes to Try

Pudding and custard are beloved desserts that can delight your taste buds and evoke nostalgia. These creamy treats are versatile, perfect for any occasion, and can easily be made from scratch or with minimal fuss. Here are some of the best pudding and custard recipes to try that will impress your family and friends.

Classic Vanilla Pudding

This timeless recipe is smooth, creamy, and incredibly satisfying.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Instructions:
  1. In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
  4. Pour into serving dishes and refrigerate until chilled. Serve as is or topped with whipped cream.

Chocolate Custard

This rich and indulgent chocolate custard is a chocolate lover’s dream.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. In a saucepan, heat the cream and sugar over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
  3. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks and cocoa powder until smooth.
  4. Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
  5. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve, then stir in vanilla.
  6. Pour into ramekins and place them in a baking dish. Fill the dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, or until set. Cool before serving.

Banana Pudding

Nothing beats a classic banana pudding made with layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 batch of vanilla pudding (recipe above)
  • 3 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 cup vanilla wafers
  • Whipped cream for topping
• Instructions:
  1. Prepare the vanilla pudding according to the classic recipe.
  2. In a trifle bowl or individual serving cups, layer pudding, banana slices, and vanilla wafers.
  3. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, finishing with pudding.
  4. Top with whipped cream and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Lemon Custard Tart

This tangy lemon custard tart is perfect for those who love citrus desserts.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pre-made tart crust
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.