Description
This creamy vanilla pudding with a delightful Oreo cookie crunch is a quick and easy dessert that combines smooth, homemade custard with the classic crunch of Oreos. Perfectly balanced with rich vanilla and a hint of buttery smoothness, it’s an indulgent treat to enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Base
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Toppings
- 10 Oreo cookies, crushed
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Combine dry and liquid ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Cook pudding base: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps or sticking, until it thickens and starts to bubble. This will take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Temper egg yolks: In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Gradually add about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper them, preventing curdling.
- Incorporate yolks and finish cooking: Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Whisk continuously and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the pudding thickens further and reaches a custard-like consistency.
- Add butter and vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract until fully melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, rich pudding.
- Cool pudding: Divide the pudding evenly into serving glasses or bowls. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, or refrigerate for at least 1 hour if you prefer a chilled dessert.
- Add toppings and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed Oreo cookies generously over the pudding. Add whipped cream on top if desired for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- Ensure constant whisking during cooking to avoid lumps and curdling.
- Tempering the egg yolks is key to maintaining a smooth pudding texture.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a slightly lighter pudding.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk, cornstarch, and a vegan butter substitute, and omit the egg yolks.
- Chilling the pudding allows flavors to develop and the texture to set firmly.
- Crush Oreos finely if you prefer a more integrated crunchy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: vanilla pudding, Oreo crush, homemade pudding, easy dessert, custard dessert
