Confession time. I really love the idea of making as much as possible from scratch. Not only do I know exactly what is in something, but 99.9% of the time, the homemade version contains significantly less processed ingredients (and usually none at all). From body scrubs to taco seasoning mix and hot chocolate mix, Iโ€™ve been working on transforming the convenience packages for homemade versions. The truth is, that the from-scratch versions of these things take literally minutes to make and are infinitely cheaper, not to mention healthier.

My search for a DIY instant pudding mix spun off of my search for a from-scratch version of a favorite family cake. The problem? The โ€œrecipeโ€ was basically a box cake mix with a box of instant pudding and a few other ingredients. I knew I wanted to make the cake from scratch, but boy does that box of pudding do wonders to a cake, right? Makes it so moist and melt-in-your-mouth fantastic. I needed to somehow mimic those characteristics, when lo and behold, I actually found a formula for instant pudding mix!

Whether you want to make a cake that calls for pudding mix, banana pudding, an icebox cake or lush dessert, youโ€™re going to love this DIY hack!

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I was able to throw this together in 5 minutes, and now I have a stash of instant pudding for whenever I see a recipe that calls for a mix. Not only do I not have to run to the store, but I can keep from-scratch recipes just that.

In addition to using it in your own recipes, this would make a great gift for the holidays. Maybe a basket of this, some homemade cocoa mix, homemade vanilla extract, and other goodies. I am working on a chocolate version as well, so stay tuned!

Now just wait until you see what I have up my sleeve. I think youโ€™re going to love the cake that I used this mix in! Itโ€™s an oldie but a goodie, and reinvented to be completely homemade. Be sure to check back tomorrow!

If You Like This Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix, Try These Recipes:

One year ago: Deviled Eggs
Three years ago: Pigu (Italian Gougeres)

DIY Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix

Yield: 20 to 25 servings (enough for 5 batches of pudding)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
A make ahead mix for when you need pudding
4.44 (168 ratings)
Print Pin Rate

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ยพ cup (96 g) cornstarch
  • ยพ cup (96 g) nonfat dry milk powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 whole vanilla beans

Instructionsย 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, milk powder, and salt; set aside.
  • Split open the vanilla beans and use the back of a knife to scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds to the sugar mixture, and again whisk well to evenly combine, using a fork or the back of the spoon to break up any chunks of vanilla bean seeds. Cut the empty vanilla bean pods into two or three pieces each.
  • Place the vanilla bean pieces into an airtight container or jar, and add the sugar mixture. Seal it, and then give it a few good shakes to distribute the vanilla bean pieces evenly. Store in a cool, dry place.
  • To make pudding: Combine 2 cups of milk with ยฝ cup of the instant pudding mix in a medium saucepan over high heat, whisking constantly. Bring to a boil, and then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer and continue whisking until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 3 to 5 minutes). Let sit for at least 5 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Calories: 75kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 1g, Sodium: 142mg, Potassium: 86mg, Sugar: 12g, Vitamin A: 105IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 60mg

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Author: Michelle Lettrich
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American