DIY Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
Confession time. I really love the idea of making as much as possible from scratch. Not only do I know exactly what is in something, but 99.9% of the time, the homemade version contains significantly less processed ingredients (and usually none at all). From body scrubs to taco seasoning mix and hot chocolate mix, I’ve been working on transforming the convenience packages for homemade versions. The truth is, that the from-scratch versions of these things take literally minutes to make and are infinitely cheaper, not to mention healthier.
My search for a DIY instant pudding mix spun off of my search for a from-scratch version of a favorite family cake. The problem? The “recipe” was basically a box cake mix with a box of instant pudding and a few other ingredients. I knew I wanted to make the cake from scratch, but boy does that box of pudding do wonders to a cake, right? Makes it so moist and melt-in-your-mouth fantastic. I needed to somehow mimic those characteristics, when lo and behold, I actually found a formula for instant pudding mix!
Whether you want to make a cake that calls for pudding mix, banana pudding, an icebox cake or lush dessert, you’re going to love this DIY hack!
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I was able to throw this together in 5 minutes, and now I have a stash of instant pudding for whenever I see a recipe that calls for a mix. Not only do I not have to run to the store, but I can keep from-scratch recipes just that.
In addition to using it in your own recipes, this would make a great gift for the holidays. Maybe a basket of this, some homemade cocoa mix, homemade vanilla extract, and other goodies. I am working on a chocolate version as well, so stay tuned!
Now just wait until you see what I have up my sleeve. I think you’re going to love the cake that I used this mix in! It’s an oldie but a goodie, and reinvented to be completely homemade. Be sure to check back tomorrow!
If You Like This Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix, Try These Recipes:
- Banana Pudding
- Chocolate Pudding Recipe
- Best Butterscotch Pudding
- Pineapple Icebox Cake
- Grandma’s Icebox Cake
One year ago: Deviled Eggs
Three years ago: Pigu (Italian Gougeres)
DIY Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (96 g) cornstarch
- ¾ cup (96 g) nonfat dry milk powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 whole vanilla beans
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, milk powder, and salt; set aside.
- Split open the vanilla beans and use the back of a knife to scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds to the sugar mixture, and again whisk well to evenly combine, using a fork or the back of the spoon to break up any chunks of vanilla bean seeds. Cut the empty vanilla bean pods into two or three pieces each.
- Place the vanilla bean pieces into an airtight container or jar, and add the sugar mixture. Seal it, and then give it a few good shakes to distribute the vanilla bean pieces evenly. Store in a cool, dry place.
- To make pudding: Combine 2 cups of milk with ½ cup of the instant pudding mix in a medium saucepan over high heat, whisking constantly. Bring to a boil, and then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer and continue whisking until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 3 to 5 minutes). Let sit for at least 5 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @thebrowneyedbaker on Instagram so I can see it!
I noticed that someone wanted to attempt to make frozen pudding pops; if you[re going to do that, you need to substitute modified cornstarch for the regular cornstarch in the mix. Modified cornstarch is usually found under the name Clear-jel or Thermoflo. The substitution is necessary because regular cornstarch will break down when frozen, causing water seepage as the pop melts, as well as a really unpleasant texture. There is also an instant cornstarch, which requires no heat. I don;t know if it would work to substitute that measure for measure in this mix, though. I think the proportions needed might be different.
This is so clever and simple. Love this idea. Another post of yours I’m bookmarking.
A friend shared your link for this recipe with me today and I can’t wait to make this! EXCITED!
This is brilliant! Who knew you could make your OWN instant pudding mix?! Love the creativity and the “from scratch” touch! Well done!!!
This is awesome : ) I have a cake that my mother-in-law makes that I’m trying to make from scratch that calls for pudding mix – perfect timing. Thanks for sharing!
Oh, wow! This is great! I always skip over recipes that call for pudding mix because the list of ingredients on the packets is just scary, but this is perfect! I’ll be making a batch this weekend. :)
This is a simple and useful recipe for those who want to avoid boxed pudding mixes. Probably a whole lot cheaper too even with the added vanilla beans. Thanks!
yay! was wondering what to make for my sister as a gift and…ta-dah! here it is! She makes and awesome banana pudding that this just may come in handy for. Thank you for coming to the rescue…AGAIN! :)
Wait, how is this instant pudding if you have to cook it??
Although a huge number have posted comments and questions about why this recipe for cooked pudding is listed as instant, none have received a response. Very confusing!!!
Vanilla pudding is one of my favorites. I hate doing anything from a box so this is perfect – totally starving artist friendly. Thanks for sharing!
Great idea! Vanilla pudding is my favorite.
I cant thank you enough for this recipe. This will come in handy when I make the Amish Friendship bread.
Love this – now how can we make it CHOCOLATE? ;)
coca power add to as much as it looks the right color
So, add about 1/2 cup cocoa? Do we reduce any other measurement to compensate for it? Or add extra milk if making it into a pudding?
I’m planning on using it as a cake mix anyway.
Being in Aus, I don’t know where to get instant pudding from but it’s in so many cake recipes!!
I love the idea of this. I would love a butterscotch version. My favorite.
I so love this!! Can’t wait to make some!
I would never think that making your own pudding mix could be so simple! Thanks for sharing, I can’t wait to try.
How cool!! You do realize, you’ve just changed the foodie world for the better ;) wooo-hoooo
Now you’re speaking my language. I’m always disappointed when I click on a recipe for a cake that sounds amazing only to find the directions telling me to take a box cake mix and add a box pudding mix. I’d so much rather get some flour, sugar, vanilla, etc., etc. Looking forward to the cake recipe!
I love this! I also prefer using homemade ingredients so it’s always great to find recipes like this one! Thanks!
My question is, is this really an instant where you can add it to recipes that call for instant pudding. I am wondering because you said you have to cook it. Doesn’t that mean it is a cook and serve, not an instant?
Hi Meaghan, I have used it in place of instant pudding mix for cake recipes, and have not had any issues at all; they turn out fantastic.
Thanks, I made the mix last night, may I say it takes not even 5 minutes?! And then I added the mix to M & M cookies. They turned out just fine! Thanks for the great recipe
Awesome to hear you already used it! Mmm cookies… !
This is awesome! I can’t wait for the chocolate version.
What is the ratio if I want to use the plain vanilla extract instead of the vanilla bean?
Hi Elaine, You would have to add the vanilla extract to the actual pudding, not the mix. I would probably do a 1/2 teaspoon per batch.
This is fantastic! I’ve been wondering how to wean myself off of my dependence on pudding mix. Looks like now I wont’ have to! And I don’t have to feel guilty about it. I’d love to try some different flavor variations of this…pistachio pudding anyone??
I too am concerned about processed food and what we consume. This is a great adaptation for regular, cooked pudding.
I’ve never even knew you could make a homemade pudding mix! Love this idea!! Is there anyway to substitute vanilla bean paste for the vanilla bean in this recipe?
Hi Asiya, You can use 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste as a substitute for the 2 vanilla beans.
Thx for your response! When would I add the paste? It doesn’t seem right to add it to the dry mix.
I would add it to the dry mix, just be sure to use the back of a spoon or a fork to make sure it’s broken up and evenly distributed. If you prefer not to, then just stir the appropriate substitution into the prepared pudding.
Thank you! Will be giving this a try soon!
This is such an awesome idea!! I’ve gotta make this!
Brilliant! I love making the famous Bacardi rum cake recipe, which does call for a box of vanilla instant pudding. Good to know that I can make my own!
have you tried this? I too make a Barcardi rum cake recipe… calls for yellow cake mix and vanilla instant pudding… have made it for years. as i get more and more into healthy ingredients, I’m trying to do this homemade… so I want to try it with homemade cake mix and homemade instant pudding… wondering if it turned out good
This is perfect. I am a huge fan of making things like this from scratch. There are so many unnecessary ingredients in the store-bought varieties! Thank you for this.
awesome! i’ve been on a pudding kick recently, making pudding pops now that the weather’s warming up. any suggestions on quantities and ingredients to make other flavors?
I am working on playing around with a few (chocolate first!) so stay tuned!
This is really great! I don’t buy pre-packaged food so this is really helpful! Thank you!