• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Bless this Mess
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Sides
  • Desserts
  • Snacks
  • Holidays
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Start Here
  • All Recipes
  • Recipe Filter
  • Cookbooks!
  • Our Story
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Start Here
    • All Recipes
    • Recipe Filter
    • Cookbooks!
    • Our Story
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Bless This Mess > Recipes > Desserts > No Bake Desserts

    Homemade Vanilla Pudding Cups

    Published: Feb 10, 2022 · Modified: Aug 13, 2022 by Melissa · 22 Comments

    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Mail
    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    pinterest pin text that reads "homemade vanilla pudding" - mason jar close up with white pudding and rainbow sprinkles
    pinterest pin text that reads "homemade vanilla pudding" - mason jar close up with white pudding and a spoon
    pinterest pin text that reads "homemade vanilla pudding" - mason jar close up with white pudding and a spoon
    pinterest pin text that reads "homemade vanilla pudding" - mason jar close up with white pudding and rainbow sprinkles

    Homemade Vanilla Pudding Cups that are easy to make and tastier than pre-packaged pudding cups. They are such a cute and fun dessert to make and filled with wonderful vanilla flavor!

    I started making homemade pudding cups a year or so ago and we love them. I’ll whip up a batch of pudding, stick them in the half-pint wide mouth jars with the lids and then pop them in the fridge. They make a perfect snack and save on plastic. Win-win!

    Make homemade vanilla pudding with milk or half-and-half, egg yolks, corn starch, and sugar! It's easy, and so cute as pudding cups, just serve the pudding in individual cups! Sprinkles don't hurt anything.

    jars of homemade vanilla pudding

    Homemade Vanilla Pudding

    You know those little puddings in a cup? My kids think that they love them. They always ask for them at grandma’s house and when they have them, they never eat them. They are so yucky and packed with a million different ingredients. And why aren’t they refrigerated?! That is just odd isn’t it?

    Between the fake flavors and the gloppy texture half of the contents in that magical little cup end up in the trash (sad, but true). But the appeal of eating those little individual puddings is always there.

    Cue homemade vanilla pudding cups! Making your own vanilla pudding at home is really simple and tastes delicious. The texture is smooth, creamy, and it’s just plain good. Once you taste the difference of homemade, you won’t go back to the store bought version. 

    left side is a picture of ingredients for vanilla pudding, top right picture is a pot of ingredients for vanilla pudding, and bottom right picture is of a pot of vanilla pudding

    How long does it take for pudding to set?

    It typically takes about 3 hours to become firm in the fridge.

    What can I use if I don’t have half and half?

    You can replace 1 cup of half and half with a mixture of butter and whole milk. Add 1 Tablespoon melted butter to about a cup of milk to make this substitute.

    jars of vanilla pudding

    Why is my homemade pudding grainy?

    The pudding can turn out grainy if you weren’t constantly whisking  it. You can try adding a tiny bit of cornstarch to create a smooth, silkier texture. Remember to whisk continuously but gently. 

    How do I serve homemade vanilla pudding?

    There are so many ways to enjoy homemade vanilla pudding. You  can package the pudding in individual servings dishes topped with sprinkles. Or you can serve the pudding with crushed up Nilla wafers. You can also serve it with berries or whipped cream. 

    jar of vanilla pudding with rainbow sprinkles on them

    More pudding recipes:

    • Instant Pot Rice Pudding
    • Homemade Double Chocolate Pudding
    • Easy Rice Pudding
    • Homemade Pumpkin Pie Pudding

    If you’ve tried this Homemade Vanilla Pudding recipe or any other recipe on Bless this Mess, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some pictures of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories AND add your photo to your comment so that other can see your creation.

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    jars of homemade vanilla pudding

    Homemade Vanilla Pudding Cups


    • Author: Melissa Griffiths- Bless this Mess
    • Total Time: 12 minutes
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    These Homemade Vanilla Pudding Cups are such a cute and fun dessert. Better yet, they're easy to make and filled with wonderful vanilla flavor!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar
    • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • 3 ½ cups half-and-half
    • 3 large egg yolks
    • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

    Instructions

    1. In a medium sauce pan add the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk to combine.
    2. While whisking, slowly add the half-and-half until till combined.
    3. Add the egg yolks and whisk to combine.
    4. Over medium-high heat bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly but gently. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 2 minutes.
    5. Remove from the heat and add the butter and vanilla, stir to combine. Pour the hot pudding into six 1-cup wide-mouth mason jars, filling the jars an inch from the top. Add a flat lid and then screw on the ring to close the jars.
    6. Refrigerate until the pudding is set, about 3 hours.
    7. Eat the pudding right out of the mason jars. Add sprinkles before eating for extra smiles.

    Notes

    • You can swap the half and half for 3 cups of whole milk.
    • You don't have to add this to individual jars, it's just fun. You can place the pudding in a large bowl to serve instead of 6 individual containers. 
    • You can use salted butter, just omit the salt in the recipe. 
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 2 minutes
    • Category: Dessert
    • Method: Stove
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Calories: 149
    • Sugar: 7.1g
    • Sodium: 220mg
    • Fat: 6.2g
    • Carbohydrates: 15.1g
    • Protein: Protein
    • Cholesterol: 104.9mg

    Keywords: pudding recipe, vanilla pudding recipe, homemade pudding, homemade vanilla pudding, how to make pudding, easy dessert recipe, easy dessert recipe few ingredients, easy homemade dessert

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @blessthismessblog on Instagram and hashtag it #blessthismess

    Check out these sweet treats too:

    • Cake Batter Dessert Waffles with Ice Cream
    • 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Rice Pudding (dairy and egg free)
    • Quick and Easy Vanilla Sheet Cake
    • Vanilla Melt Away Cookies
    • Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats
    • The Best Caramel Dip
    • Cheesecake Ice Cream Recipe
    • Blueberry Pie Cookie Bars
    • Brownie Cheesecake Bars
    • Rich and Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe

    I know you’ll love these Homemade Vanilla Pudding Cups for a dessert, after school treat, or just for fun!

    « Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
    Pecan Sandies »
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Mail
    Craving More

    Take the hassle out of meal planning with: Dinner Made Easy, a FREE 1 week meal plan with full shopping list, easy dinners, nutrition information, serving suggestions for each meal, and more!

    Subscribe Now
    about me

    About Melissa

    Melissa is dedicated to helping parents figure out the nightly questions, "What's for Dinner?!" with her no-fuss approach to cooking. Read more...

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Wedding DJ Frisco Dallas Wedding DJ

      February 15, 2018 at 11:47 pm

      Just found this recipe while looking for healthy chocolate pudding recipes for my daughters’ lunchboxes. It spurred me to make it. Very excited to try it!

      Reply
    2. Ericka

      May 03, 2016 at 9:25 pm

      Does the pudding not get a film on it in the little mason jars?

      Reply
      • Melissa

        May 04, 2016 at 2:06 pm

        The steam from the pudding seemed to keep it a bay when the lid was put on while it was still hot. It does get a little bit of a film but it wasn't worth putting a layer of plastic in the jar in my opinion. You could totally press some plastic wrap on the top before sealing though. It's up to you.

    3. Jwalisha Amin

      October 25, 2015 at 4:28 am

      Do we have to use liquid cornstarch or powdered cornstarch?

      Reply
    4. Shelley Anderson

      February 17, 2015 at 2:27 pm

      This pudding is De-lish! And my favorite part was putting them in the tiny mason jars. They are the perfect size for lunchboxes and we are trying to get away from using so much plastic. Thanks for posting!

      Reply
    5. Samantha

      February 09, 2015 at 7:23 am

      I'm from Australia and I've never heard of half and half, I'm presuming this is an American product. Is it like cream? What could I substitute? I really enjoy your blog and would like to try the recipe but not sure what to use instead of half and half, please help.

      Reply
      • Melissa

        February 09, 2015 at 10:52 am

        Half-n-half is half milk and half cream, so use half cream and half whole milk! Done! You'll love it! We love this pudding!

    6. Alicia

      September 02, 2014 at 7:59 am

      HOw long will it last in the fridge?

      Reply
      • Melissa

        September 02, 2014 at 9:33 pm

        It will last 3 or 4 days. It starts to get watery after that for some reason.

    7. Johanny

      July 27, 2014 at 9:30 pm

      The pudding tasted great, but was very runny. What did I do wrong?

      Reply
      • Melissa

        July 28, 2014 at 1:30 pm

        Did you use the half and half or try milk? Also, if you don't cook it long enough it'll be runny! What do you think?

      • Johanny

        July 28, 2014 at 2:34 pm

        I used half and half, and I thought I cooked it for the allotted time. Will try again! Thanks Melissa. By the way, have really been enjoying the blog!

      • Johanny

        July 28, 2014 at 2:38 pm

        Melissa, I should have asked before. Do you have a link or location that I can find all of the previous 12's? Some really great recipes that I would love to try, but haven't been able to get back to them.

        thanks again!

      • shinehima

        August 24, 2019 at 8:47 pm

        Hello I want to know your jar size and where do you buy it? It's so cute,

      • Melissa

        August 26, 2019 at 11:50 am

        It's a half-pint (1 cup) wide mouth Ball jar. They are my FAVORITE and I use them allll the time. Great for packed lunches and little leftovers too.

    8. makeupgeekviolist

      July 17, 2014 at 9:21 pm

      I tried this today and it turned out great! I crumbled some chewy chocolate chip cookies over the top and it was heaven in a bowl!

      Reply
      • Melissa

        July 18, 2014 at 8:28 am

        Woohooo! And that DOES sound like heaven in a bowl. Thanks for commenting!

    9. Teresa

      July 15, 2014 at 10:44 am

      This looks so fabulous. Vanilla pudding is my favorite. I would love to make this for my family, but do not want to use something as rich as half and half (although I am sure it is wonderfully creamy). Have you tried to substitute 2% or 1% milk? Do you think I would have to up the cornstarch or maybe it would be just more of a looser pudding. Any thoughts? Thanks so much. I am new to your blog and just love exploring it! Thanks.

      Reply
      • Melissa

        July 15, 2014 at 5:18 pm

        I make this with 2% a lot! I just do 50% more corn starch. The texture isn't quiet as velvety but it is still delicious! Enjoy friend!

    10. Wendy | Around My Family Table

      July 14, 2014 at 1:59 am

      What a clever idea! My kids are always asking for those pudding cups, and I bet these are so much better!

      Reply
    11. Jenn Q

      July 13, 2014 at 2:15 pm

      I have never made my own pudding before. This looks like such an easy recipe!

      Reply
      • Melissa

        July 14, 2014 at 6:30 am

        I've only been making homemade pudding for a few years, but once you start you just can't go back to anything else 🙂 It's soooo good!

    Primary Sidebar

    I’M MELISSA, AND I WANT TO HELP YOU FEED YOUR FAMILY WHOLESOME FOOD.

    As a hobby farmer and mom of five, I’m all about keeping it simple in the kitchen. I want healthy meals that feed my family well, and then I want to get back to my (messy) life. Let’s work together to find something yummy for your dinner table.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Mexican Hot Chocolate
    • Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot
    • Rugelach
    • The Best Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
    Dinner Made Easy

    Get Recipes & More for Free!

    Get my FREE Dinner Made Easy meal plan, exclusive recipes, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes updates! Get my newsletter or a new recipe every day! Unsubscribe if you aren’t into it.

    Subscribe Now

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    SEEN ON

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Tools.
    • Terms Of Service.
    • Accessibility.
    • Bylaws.

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About Us
    • Cookbook FAQ
    • Find A Recipe!

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 blessthismessplease.com. All rights reserved.

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter