September 2022 ~ We Love delicious Food, Recipes, and Cooking Techniques

Homemade Vanilla Pudding

Uzma AhsanSeptember 30, 2022Fine Cooking Recipes No comments:

If you’re looking for a tried and true vanilla pudding recipe, this is it! This homemade vanilla pudding is perfectly sweet, silky smooth, and really easy to make!

When you’re craving something sweet, nothing is quite as satisfying as some creamy homemade pudding! Try this homemade tapioca pudding, rice pudding, or copycat Magnolia Bakery banana pudding next!

The Best Homemade Vanilla Pudding Recipe

I admit, one of my guilty pleasures is snacking on those little pudding cups you get from the store. I always get them for my kids’ lunches but end up eating them when I get a craving for something sweet. Today, we’re moving on from the pudding cups and making something a million times better. A good old batch of creamy, delicious homemade vanilla pudding. If you’ve never tried making it from scratch, here’s your sign to! It’s so easy and will knock your socks off with its smooth texture and sweet flavor.

This homemade vanilla pudding is amazing on its own or served with some berries, cookies, or chopped nuts! It’s a classic dessert that will have the whole family wanting more. As simple as it may be, it’s so irresistible! Vanilla is a highly underrated dessert flavor and deserves more love! These vanilla cupcakes and vanilla fudge are a couple more sweet treats that you’re going to want to add to your dessert lineup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Given how simple these ingredients are, you probably have everything you need to make yourself a batch of vanilla pudding in your pantry right now! Measurements for each ingredient can be found below in the recipe card. You’re going to LOVE the flavor and silky-smooth texture these ingredients create.

Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to your pudding.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent to create the perfect texture. You can also use all-purpose flour as a substitute.
Salt: You only need a pinch to enhance the overall flavor of the pudding.
Whole Milk: The fat content in whole milk gives the pudding a creamier texture.
Egg Yolks: Add smoothness and help the ingredients to bind together.
Unsalted Butter: A must-add for vanilla pudding that is rich and delightfully creamy!
Vanilla Extract: Since vanilla is the main flavor here, I recommend using pure vanilla extract for best results!

3-photo collage of pudding ingredients being whisked together and cooked.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Pudding

Trust me, it’s as easy as making store-bought pudding mix! (Save your box of instant pudding mix for these amazing chocolate chip cookies!) One thing to keep in mind is that this homemade vanilla pudding needs plenty of time to chill so it’s not the best dessert to make if you need something last minute!

Mix Ingredients Together: Mix the sugar, cornstarch, and salt together in a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan. Whisk in the milk and egg yolks.
Cook: Heat over medium, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles, which takes about 5-8 minutes. Once thickened, continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes all while still whisking constantly.
Add Butter and Vanilla Extract: Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla. Pour into a heat-proof container and press a layer of plastic wrap to the top of the pudding, making sure the plastic wrap makes contact with all of it in order to prevent a film forming as it cools.
Chill: Chill in the fridge for 4 hours, or overnight.
Serve: Before serving, stir the pudding well. Transfer to serving bowls, if desired. Top with toppings of your choice. I always like serving it with fresh berries and Nilla Wafers!

Vanilla pudding served in small glass cups garnished with sliced strawberries and cookies.

Extra Tips and Tricks

Keep these simple tips in mind with your next batch of homemade vanilla pudding and you’ll be cooking like a pro!

Mix, Mix, Mix! Whisk constantly while on the heat to avoid the eggs and milk burning.
Let Your Pudding Thicken: Once the mixture begins to bubble, be sure to continue to cook for a minute or two to ensure the pudding thickens properly. Undercooked pudding will turn out soupy.
Cover With Plastic Wrap: Press the plastic wrap directly to the surface of the pudding (careful, it’s going to be hot!) to prevent a film from forming on top of it as it cools. Once it is completely cooled, it won’t need the plastic wrap directly on it again.
The Best Vanilla Flavor: High-quality vanilla will lend a richer flavor to your pudding! If you feel adventurous, add some vanilla bean paste or the caviar from inside a vanilla bean.
Topping Ideas: Sliced strawberries, sliced bananas, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, granola, mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, Nilla Wafers, and graham crackers are just a few of my many favorites! The possibilities are endless. If you really want to make your pudding indulgent, try a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel on top!

Top-down view of vanilla pudding in a glass cup being scooped with a gold spoon.

Storing Leftover Pudding

The best thing about making a big batch of homemade vanilla pudding is that you can keep it in the fridge and enjoy it for days to come!

In the Refrigerator: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Top-down view of vanilla pudding in a glass cup, garnished with a sliced strawberry and Nilla Wafer.

Homemade Vanilla Pudding

If you're looking for a tried and true vanilla pudding recipe, this is it! This homemade vanilla pudding is perfectly sweet, silky smooth, and really easy to make!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword homemade pudding recipe, homemade vanilla pudding recipe, vanilla pudding recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Chill Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes

Servings People

Calories 285kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

½ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
¼ teaspoon salt
2 ¼ cup whole milk
2 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

Mix the sugar, cornstarch, and salt together in a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan. Whisk in the milk and egg yolks.
Heat over medium, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles, which takes about 5-8 minutes. Once thickened, continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes all while still whisking constantly.
Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla. Pour into a heat-proof container and press a layer of plastic wrap to the top of the pudding, making sure the plastic wrap makes contact with all of it in order to prevent a film forming as it cools.
Chill in the fridge for 4 hours, or overnight.
Before serving, stir the pudding well. Transfer to serving dishes, if desired. Top with toppings of your choice.

Nutrition

source https://therecipecritic.com/homemade-vanilla-pudding/

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

Uzma AhsanSeptember 30, 2022Fine Cooking Recipes No comments:

These pumpkin chocolate chip bars are the perfect fall treat! They bring in that classic pumpkin flavor with their soft and delicious texture and chocolaty taste. I bet you won’t be able to stop at just one!

I love a good pumpkin treat… It may actually be the entire reason why fall is a favorite season of mine! If you love pumpkin treats too then, you have to try out these super easy pumpkin cookies, this delicious pumpkin dump cake, and these pumpkin cinnamon rolls!

What is a Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bar?

This pumpkin chocolate chip bar recipe is SO good!! If you love a soft and delicious dessert that melts in your mouth and is delicious and sweet… Then these dessert bars are for you! They are easy to make and similar to pumpkin chocolate chip cookies but in a bar form! Not only that, they are even easier to make!

This recipe is simple, and you probably already have all of the ingredients in your pantry! Especially if you are like me and stock up on pumpkin puree at the beginning of every fall season! These are perfect for bringing to any gathering because you can cut them up to be whatever size you want! My kids love helping me bake these, but they love eating them with me even more!

Ingredients in Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

Aside from the obvious ingredients of pumpkin and chocolate chip, these delicious dessert bars have pantry staple ingredients. They are so simple, yet they pack a punch with the flavor! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

Butter: I used unsalted butter when baking this recipe.
Dark Brown Sugar: Brown sugar always needs to be packed when you measure it. And trust me, you don’t want to miss out on one bit of this delicious flavor!
Granulated Sugar: This brings in an added sweet flavor to the pumpkin puree.
Ground Cinnamon: Can you even have a fall dish without some cinnamon??
Ground Ginger: The ginger brings in that deep, earthy flavor that goes so well with the other spices.
Ground Cloves: They bring in that warm, spice flavor that we see make its debut every year around fall.
Salt: This enhances all of the flavors in the bars.
Vanilla Extract: I love adding in a splash of vanilla flavor!
Baking Powder: This helps achieve that deliciously soft texture.
Egg: I use large eggs that are at room temperature before mixing them in.
Pumpkin Puree: You do NOT want to mix this up with pumpkin pie filling! Make your own pumpkin puree with this recipe or stock up at the beginning of the season!
Flour: I used all-purpose flour in this recipe.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: You can also use milk chocolate chips or even dark chocolate if that’s what you prefer!

How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

If you are looking for a delicious pumpkin chocolate chip cookie variation, then you have come to the right place! This recipe has all of your favorite fall spices that will keep you coming back for more!

Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the sides. Spray the parchment with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
Whisk and Combine: Whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Add the cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt, vanilla, baking powder, egg, and pumpkin puree. Mix until combined.
Stir in Chocolate Chips: Add the flour and mix again until thoroughly combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and use a spatula to stir until the chips are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out the center leaving only a few crumbs behind.
Cool: Let cool completely before slicing to allow them to finish setting up.

4 pictures showing how to mix the batter and add in chocolate chips.

Variations

There are a few things that you can do to change up these pumpkin chocolate chip bars. I like to make them often, so it’s nice to have a few tricks in my pocket to make them different every time!

Chocolate Chips: I love using mini chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even dark chocolate chips in these dessert bars! They taste so delicious.
Add some Frosting: You can never go wrong with adding a glaze to a dessert; these are no exception! Try making this delicious cream cheese frosting and drizzling some on top. It will add in a delicious flavor!

A close up of a pan of cooked pumpkin chocolate chip bars. One bar is slightly moved so that you can see the side of it.

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes! I love making these pumpkin chocolate chip bars ahead of time. They are so easy and they store well in the freezer!

In the Freezer: Once your bars have cooled, you can put them in an airtight container. Put some parchment paper between each layer, so they don’t stick together. You can freeze them for about 2-3 months. Thaw them on the counter or overnight in your fridge!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

These pumpkin chocolate chip bars are the perfect fall treat! They bring in that classic pumpkin flavor with their soft and delicious texture and chocolaty taste. I bet you won't be able to stop at just one!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword pumpkin chocolate chip bars

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Servings Servings

Calories 384kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter melted
1 cup dark brown sugar packed
½ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg room temperature
1 cup pumpkin puree (Not pumpkin pie filling)
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the sides. Spray the parchment with nonstick spray and set aside.
Whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Add the cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt, vanilla, baking powder, egg, and pumpkin puree. Mix until combined.
Add the flour and mix again until thoroughly combined. Add the chocolate chips and use a spatula to stir until the chips are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out the center leaving only a few crumbs behind.
Let cool completely before slicing to allow them to finish setting up.

Nutrition

source https://therecipecritic.com/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-bars/

German Chocolate Pie

Uzma AhsanSeptember 29, 2022Fine Cooking Recipes No comments:

This decadent dessert is everything you love about German chocolate cake in one easy-to-make pie! Layers of chocolate custard, perfectly sweet shredded coconut, and salted pecans all in a golden, flaky crust. It’s the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table!

With the holidays just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about what desserts you want to serve alongside your meals! You really can’t go wrong with a delicious homemade pie. A few more incredible recipes to try are this banana cream pie, pistachio cream pie, and coconut cream key lime pie. They’re all creamy, delicious, and so easy to make!

German chocolate pie in a pie dish with a slice cut out of it.

Coconut Pecan German Chocolate Pie Recipe

German chocolate is one of my absolute favorite cake flavors. There’s just something about the combination of milky chocolate and sweet, shredded coconut that is to die for! When I first tried this pie I was blown away. It’s everything you love about German chocolate cake but in creamy, decadent pie form! (To be honest, I never thought that anything could be better than traditional German chocolate cake, but I think this pie has it beat.)

Honestly, this German chocolate pie is everything you could want from a dessert. It’s rich and chocolatey while still being light and fluffy! You’re going to absolutely love the custard filling! And did I mention that the topping is made with shredded coconut, butter, brown sugar, and condensed milk? It’s every dessert lover’s dream and the perfect remedy for a sweet tooth.

German Chocolate Pie Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to put this insanely good pie together! German chocolate pie uses a lot of standard baking ingredients to make your life a little easier! Note: exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Cooked Pie Crust: You can use a premade crust or make your own from scratch using my recipe here. Note: since this is a cream pie and there’s no baking involved, you’ll want to make sure your crust is blind-baked and not raw.
9-Inch Pie Pan: A deep pan is best for this recipe!

Filling

Milk Chocolate Chips: Give the custard its perfect chocolatey flavor. You can also use dark chocolate chips if you’d like!
Butter: Adds richness and makes the texture of the filling extra creamy!
Sugar: Granulated sugar makes the filling nice and sweet.
Cornstarch: Helps the filling solidify.
Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and makes the chocolate filling nice and smooth.
Egg Yolks: Bind all of the ingredients together and make the filling smooth and silky!
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla makes everything better! Add some in for a deeper, sweeter flavor.

Topping

Brown Sugar: For smoky, sweet flavor.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Coats the flaked coconut in creamy, fluffy goodness!
Sweetened Condensed Milk: You know the dessert is good if condensed milk is an ingredient. This adds flavor and a creamy texture to the topping!
Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
Large Egg Yolks: Help all of the topping ingredients to bind together.
Sweetened Coconut Flakes: A must-add for that classic German chocolate flavor!
Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract if you can for the best flavor.
Salted Pecans: Chopped pecans add a boost of flavor and texture. You can also use chopped walnuts if you’d like!

How to Make German Chocolate Pie

This German chocolate pie is so easy to make! It’s also perfect for making ahead – this gives it plenty of time to chill and set so you can cut it into nice, uniform pieces!

To Make the Filling:

Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave, melt the chocolate and butter together in 10-15 second increments, stir until smooth.
Prepare Hot Mixture: In a saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch, whisk in the whole milk, and cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
Add Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl mix a small amount of hot mixture with egg yolks. Once incorporated add the egg yolk mixture to the rest of the hot mixture in your pan and whisk constantly, bringing to a gentile boil. Mix for 2 additional minutes, remove from heat.
Combine: Whisk in your chocolate butter mixture and vanilla, stir until well combined. Pour into your baked pie crust. Let setup completely before putting the topping on.

To Make the Topping:

Sugar and Cream Mixture: In a small saucepan combine brown sugar, heavy whipping cream, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stir until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat.
Add Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl whisk egg yolks and a small amount of hot mixture together, once combined add it all back into the saucepan and return to the stove. Cook for 2-3 minutes on medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Remove from heat.
Mix In Remaining Ingredients: Add in your vanilla, shredded coconut, and salted pecans. Cool for 10 minutes then pour over the top of your chocolate filling.
Garnish: (Optional) Top with additional shredded coconut and chopped pecans.

6-photo collage of chocolate custard filling and coconut topping being prepared and added to a baked pie crust.