Creamy Vanilla Pudding Berries

Featured in: Simple Homemade Desserts

This silky vanilla pudding combines whole milk, cream, and eggs, slowly cooked until thickened to create a creamy texture. It's chilled for a smooth finish, then garnished with a fresh medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. The berries are lightly macerated with sugar and lemon juice to enhance their natural sweetness. This dessert balances rich vanilla flavors with the freshness of berries, making it a refreshing yet indulgent delight.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 13:55:00 GMT
Creamy vanilla pudding topped with fresh berries offers a delightful dessert experience.  Save to Pinterest
Creamy vanilla pudding topped with fresh berries offers a delightful dessert experience. | flourhollow.com

A luscious, silky-smooth vanilla pudding served chilled and topped with a vibrant medley of fresh berries—a classic, comforting dessert perfect for any occasion.

This pudding has been a favorite in my family for years, always bringing smiles at dessert time.

Ingredients

  • For the Vanilla Pudding: 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (30 g) cornstarch, 1/4 tsp fine sea salt, 2 large egg yolks, 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • For the Berry Topping: 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries hulled and sliced, 1/2 cup (75 g) fresh blueberries, 1/2 cup (75 g) fresh raspberries, 1 tbsp (12 g) sugar optional for macerating berries, 1 tsp fresh lemon juice optional

Instructions

Step 1:
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
Step 2:
Gradually whisk in the milk and cream until smooth.
Step 3:
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and just begins to bubble about 68 minutes.
Step 4:
In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to temper.
Step 5:
Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking continuously. Cook for another 23 minutes, until the pudding is thick and smooth.
Step 6:
Remove from heat. Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 7:
Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill for at least 2 hours.
Step 8:
Meanwhile, prepare the berries In a bowl, combine strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice if using. Toss gently and let sit for 1015 minutes.
Step 9:
To serve, top each pudding with a generous spoonful of fresh berries.
Chilled silky vanilla pudding garnished with vibrant, juicy berries for a refreshing treat.  Save to Pinterest
Chilled silky vanilla pudding garnished with vibrant, juicy berries for a refreshing treat. | flourhollow.com

Enjoyed by all generations at family gatherings, this pudding always brings warmth to the table.

Notes

Use almond or oat milk and plant-based butter for a dairy-free version

Required Tools

Medium saucepan, whisk, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, plastic wrap, serving dishes

Allergen Information

Contains milk, eggs, and dairy products. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.

Indulgent creamy vanilla pudding paired with colorful fresh berries for a perfect finish. Save to Pinterest
Indulgent creamy vanilla pudding paired with colorful fresh berries for a perfect finish. | flourhollow.com

This creamy vanilla pudding is sure to impress guests with its rich texture and fresh berry topping.

Recipe FAQs

How do I achieve a silky texture in this pudding?

Constant whisking during cooking and gradual tempering of the egg yolks with the hot milk mixture ensures a smooth, lump-free pudding.

Can I use different berries for the topping?

Yes, you can mix seasonal berries or substitute with any fresh fruit to suit your taste preferences.

What is the purpose of chilling the pudding?

Chilling helps the pudding set firmly, enhancing its creamy texture and allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Is there a way to lighten the pudding?

Substituting half-and-half for heavy cream reduces richness while maintaining smoothness.

How can I prevent a skin from forming on the pudding surface?

Cover the pudding surface directly with plastic wrap before chilling to keep the texture smooth and skin-free.

Creamy Vanilla Pudding Berries

Luscious vanilla pudding chilled and topped with vibrant fresh berries for a delicious treat.

Prep Duration
10 mins
Cook Duration
15 mins
Overall Time
25 mins
Created by Megan Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Serves 4 Servings Count

Dietary Details Meat-Free, Free of Gluten

Ingredient List

Vanilla pudding

01 2 cups whole milk
02 1/2 cup heavy cream
03 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 1/4 cup cornstarch
05 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
06 2 large egg yolks
07 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Berry topping

01 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
02 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
03 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
04 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
05 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Steps

Step 01

Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan.

Step 02

Add liquids: Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream until mixture is smooth.

Step 03

Cook pudding base: Place saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 04

Temper yolks: Lightly beat egg yolks in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture to temper the yolks.

Step 05

Finish cooking: Pour tempered yolks back into saucepan, whisk continuously, and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until thick and smooth.

Step 06

Incorporate butter and vanilla: Remove from heat, then stir in unsalted butter and vanilla extract until fully blended.

Step 07

Chill pudding: Transfer pudding to individual serving dishes and cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Step 08

Prepare berry topping: In a bowl, combine strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, optional sugar, and lemon juice. Toss gently and let macerate for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 09

Serve: Top each chilled pudding with a generous spoonful of the fresh berry mixture.

Equipment Needed

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Plastic wrap
  • Serving dishes

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient to spot potential allergens. Always confirm with your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains milk, eggs, and dairy (butter, cream).

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)

Nutrition details are for reference and can't substitute for professional advice.
  • Caloric Value: 275
  • Fat content: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Protein Amount: 5 g