Homemade Vanilla Pudding is a simple treat that should start with the best ingredients. Farm fresh eggs, high-quality vanilla, and milk are the beginnings of a crowd-pleaser. The final product can be used in a banana pudding or served with seasonal fruit. You can also serve these in little individual mason jars with toppings and let everyone create a dessert bar that guests will love.

Ingredients

• 4 1/2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/3 cup cornstarch

• Kosher salt

• 5 large egg yolks, beaten

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. Heat 4 cups of the milk in a large saucepan over medium heat until steaming.

2. Whisk the sugar, cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Whisk in the egg yolks and the remaining 1/2 cup milk.

3. Whisk half of the hot milk into the egg mixture until smooth, then gradually whisk the egg milk mixture into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture boils. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until it has thickened to a pudding-like consistency, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.

4. Cool slightly, stirring a few times to prevent a skin from forming. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the pudding and refrigerate until completely cooled and thickened, about 4 hours.

Serve with your desired toppings, whipped cream, cookies or other items guests will enjoy!

This recipe was originally published at The Food Network. Be sure to stop by Fulmer’s Farmstead for fresh eggs and milk to make this sweet treat for your family and friends!