Vanilla Pudding

N/A Dessert, Dairy Product (usually)

Vanilla Pudding Dessert, Dairy Product (usually)

At a Glance

  • Category Dessert, Dairy Product (usually)

The Forktionary Angle

"The comforting canvas of desserts, humble yet capable of pure vanilla bliss or complex flavor layering."

Definition

A creamy, sweet dessert typically made with milk, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla flavoring, served chilled.

Global Pudding Market Share (2022 est.) ~35% (dairy-based)
Primary Thickening Agent (classic) Cornstarch or Egg Yolks
Shelf Life (refrigerated, homemade) 3-4 days

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Vanilla Pudding are:

Sweet Creamy Vanilla

Chef’s Secret

For an incredibly rich and smooth vanilla pudding, infuse the milk with a split vanilla bean overnight before cooking, then remove the bean before adding to the mixture.

Best Substitutes

Custard

Ratio 1:1

Tapioca pudding

different texture
Ratio 1:1

Yogurt

healthier alternative
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

For convenience, instant or ready-to-eat versions are available. For best flavor, prepare from scratch using real vanilla extract or bean.

Recipes Using Vanilla Pudding

North American Preparation American Course

Cookie Salad

This incredibly easy No-Bake Cookie Salad is the perfect make-ahead dessert! Layers of creamy vanilla pudding, sweet mandarin oranges, and crunchy fudge cookies create a delightful flavor combination that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or any summer gathering.

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Equipment Time To Make Desserts Sweet

Angel Lush Cake With Pineapple

This luscious Angel Lush Cake with Pineapple is a delightful twist on a classic! Using a store-bought angel food cake (or baking your own!), this recipe is surprisingly easy and delivers incredible flavor. Layers of fluffy angel food cake are generously filled with a creamy pineapple pudding and topped with fresh berries. Prepare to be amazed by this simple yet elegant dessert – perfect for any occasion!

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Presentation Fruit Kid Friendly Pineapple

Cool Fruit Salad With Light Sauce

Escape the heat with this refreshing fruit salad! A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits tossed in a light, zesty citrus dressing. Easy to customize – use your favorite fruits and adjust sweetness to your liking. Perfect for a light lunch, summer BBQ, or a healthy dessert. This recipe uses sugar-free pudding for a lighter option, but feel free to use regular pudding. Get ready for a burst of flavor in every bite!

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60 Minutes Or Less Fruit 60 Minutes Or Less Preparation

Banana Split Ice Cream

Indulge in the taste of Texas with this creamy, dreamy Banana Split Ice Cream recipe! Inspired by the FFA/HERO's "A Taste of Texas" cookbook, this recipe recreates the classic banana split in a delightful frozen treat. Perfect for hot summer days or any time you crave a sweet, nostalgic dessert.

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Time To Make Easy Puddings And Mousses Low Fat

Banana Delight Dessert

Creamy, dreamy Banana Delight Dessert! This quick and easy recipe combines the sweetness of bananas with the richness of pudding for a delightful treat that's ready in minutes. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!

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Beginner Cook 15 Minutes Or Less Beginner Cook Desserts

Bananas Foster Crepes

Indulge in a decadent Bananas Foster Crepes dessert! This quick and easy recipe uses Melissa's pre-made crepes as a shortcut to creamy, caramelized banana perfection. Perfect for a weeknight treat or a special occasion, this recipe offers customizable variations to suit your taste.

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Brunch Brunch Course Dinner Party

4 Layer Pie

This irresistible 4-layer pie was a potluck sensation, and for good reason! Layers of buttery crust, creamy cream cheese, dreamy pudding, and fluffy Cool Whip create a flavor explosion. Customize it with your favorite pudding flavors – lemon, butterscotch, banana cream, chocolate, or get creative with your own combinations! This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any special occasion.

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South West Pacific Preparation Oven 5 Ingredients Or Less

Mandarin Orange Coffee Cake

This unbelievably moist and delicious Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake is perfect for brunch, dessert, or any special occasion! Bursting with juicy mandarin oranges and a tender crumb, this easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Jewish Ashkenazi Pies And Tarts Fruit 4 Hours Or Less

Banana Meringue Delight

Indulge in this heavenly Banana Meringue Delight, a kosher dessert sensation! This recipe, inspired by the Zaar World Tour '05, features a crisp meringue crust cradling a creamy banana pudding filling. Perfect for potlucks, special occasions, or a simple weeknight treat. Get ready for a taste of pure bliss!

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30 Minutes Or Less Number Of Servings 30 Minutes Or Less Puddings And Mousses

Banana Pudding Squares

This irresistible No-Bake Banana Pudding Squares recipe is a creamy, dreamy dessert perfect for potlucks or a special treat! Inspired by a classic Kraft recipe, this updated version uses an 8x8 inch pan for the perfect portion size. Layers of buttery wafer crust, creamy cream cheese filling, sweet bananas, and rich pudding are topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Preparation Desserts Main Ingredient Fruit

Apple Caramel Sundae Tart

Indulge in this decadent Apple Caramel Sundae Tart! Inspired by a cherished family recipe, this stunning dessert features a buttery crust filled with creamy pudding, sweet caramel, and juicy apples. A delightful twist on classic apple pie, perfect for holidays or any special occasion. Get ready to impress!

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Low Cholesterol Cakes Dietary Time To Make

123 Cake

This easy 123 Cake recipe, shared by Mary Knighton of Lakeshore United Methodist Church, is a delicious and surprisingly simple dessert! A moist cake base combines with a luscious pie filling for a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Get ready to wow your taste buds with this simple yet impressive recipe.

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Berries Strawberries Desserts Freezer

Bavarian Strawberry Pops

Cool down with these refreshing Bavarian Strawberry Pops! Adapted from J. Hilton's "The Once-a-Week Cooking Plan," this recipe creates a creamy, dreamy treat perfect for a hot summer day. Easily customizable using popsicle molds or DIY cups and sticks, these pops are as fun to make as they are to eat. Get ready for a burst of strawberry flavor in every bite!

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Breads Cuisine Coffee Cakes Breads

Aunt Fran's Coffee Cake

This heirloom recipe, passed down from my great aunt, delivers a moist and delicious coffee cake bursting with warm cinnamon and crunchy nuts. From scratch goodness, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat! Get ready to experience the magic of Aunt Fran's kitchen.

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Kid Friendly Course North American Desserts

Dirt Cake Ii

Get ready to dig into this unbelievably delicious Dirt Cake II recipe! Layers of crushed Oreo cookies and creamy vanilla pudding create a fun and surprisingly sophisticated dessert. Perfect for parties or a special treat, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It's almost too pretty to eat (almost!).

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For 1 Or 2 Fruit Occasion Course

Amaretto Bananas Foster

Elevate your dessert game with this irresistible Amaretto Bananas Foster recipe! A delightful twist on the traditional Bananas Foster, this recipe is guaranteed to impress at your next dinner party. Rich, caramelized bananas infused with the warm, nutty notes of amaretto are served over a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or pudding – pure decadence! Prefer a classic Bananas Foster? Simply substitute the amaretto with 1 oz dark rum and 1 oz banana liqueur. For experienced cooks, flambé the alcohol for a dramatic and flavorful finish. This easy recipe is ready in minutes and leaves everyone wanting more!

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Beginner Cook Served Cold Easy Low Protein

Apricot Parfaits

Indulge in these delightful Apricot Parfaits, a delectable recipe inspired by Real Simple Magazine! This elegant dessert is incredibly easy to customize – use apricot, strawberry, or raspberry preserves and your choice of shortbread or chocolate wafer cookies. Each layer of creamy vanilla pudding, sweet preserves, and crunchy cookies creates a symphony of flavors and textures in your mouth. Perfect for a quick dessert or an elegant treat for guests!

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Low In Something Low In Something Fall Dietary

Aunt Viola's Pumpkin Cream Pie

Indulge in the legendary pumpkin cream pie that's been the star of Thanksgiving gatherings for years! Aunt Viola's secret recipe delivers a luxuriously rich and creamy pie that's unbelievably easy to make – no baking required! This chilled delight is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, perfect for your next holiday or special occasion. Get ready for the most delicious pumpkin pie you've ever tasted!

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