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–+ servings

Tahitian Vanilla Pudding Recipe

This light and creamy dessert features the delicate flavor of Tahitian vanilla, creating a silky pudding that's perfect for winter or anytime you crave a comforting treat.
Made with egg whites for a uniquely smooth texture, this recipe is a refined take on classic vanilla pudding, offering several variations to suit your preferences.
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Active Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6 1/2 cups

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ cups milk any percentage
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 Tahitian vanilla bean
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 4 large egg whites ½ cup
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅛ teaspoon almond extract optional

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Variation:

  • Replace 1 cup sugar with 1 cup light brown sugar.
  • Add a 3-inch cinnamon stick while steeping the dairy.

Goat’s Milk Variation:

  • Replace the milk and cream with 2½ cups goat's milk.
  • Swap butter for goat butter or omit entirely.

Instructions
 

Steep the Dairy:

  • In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and cream over medium heat until it simmers.
  • Split the vanilla bean lengthwise, scraping out the seeds. Add the seeds and pod to the dairy, stirring gently.
  • Remove from heat once it starts to bubble, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes. Optionally, refrigerate for up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor.

Make the Pudding:

  • In a bowl, whisk together sugar, salt, and cornstarch. Add egg whites, whisking until smooth.
  • Reheat the steeped dairy, discard the vanilla pod, and gradually whisk ½ cup of hot dairy into the egg mixture to temper. Repeat with two more ladlefuls.
  • Return the tempered mixture to the saucepan, along with butter, and cook over medium heat. Stir constantly until thickened, about 3 minutes.
  • Cook for an additional minute while whisking vigorously, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Stir in vanilla and almond extract.
  • Allow steam to dissipate for 5 minutes, then serve warm or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Notes

Brown Sugar Cinnamon: Perfect for adding warm spice to your pudding.
Goat's Milk: Ideal for those seeking a lactose-friendly option with a tangy flavor.
Snow White Vanilla Mousse: Whip ¾ cup heavy cream and fold into chilled pudding for a mousse variation.
Keyword Creamy vanilla dessert, dessert recipes, Easy pudding recipes, Homemade pudding ideas, Silky pudding dessert, Vanilla pudding recipe
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