Creamy Vanilla Pudding with Cracker Crumble

Creamy Vanilla Pudding with Cracker Crumble

This dessert is the ultimate comfort food in a dish—rich, velvety vanilla pudding topped with a golden, buttery cracker crumble that adds the perfect contrast in every bite. It’s an old-fashioned favorite that never fails to please, whether served as a quick weeknight dessert or a chilled delight for special occasions. The smooth custard and crispy topping create a balance of textures that’s impossible to resist!

Ingredients:

For the Vanilla Pudding:

• 4 cups whole milk

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

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• ¼ cup cornstarch

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 4 egg yolks

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

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For the Cracker Topping:

• 1 ½ cups crushed butter crackers (like Ritz or Club)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for added sweetness and color)

Instructions:

1. Make the pudding base: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly whisk in the milk until fully dissolved.

2. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon until it thickens and begins to bubble gently (this takes about 8–10 minutes).

3. Temper the egg yolks: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Slowly pour a small amount of the hot pudding mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly. Then pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan.

4. Finish cooking for another 2–3 minutes while stirring, until the pudding is thick and smooth.

5. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

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6. Pour the pudding into a large serving dish or individual ramekins, smoothing the top.

7. Prepare the crumble topping: In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter and optional brown sugar until evenly coated.

8. Sprinkle the cracker mixture generously over the top of the pudding while it’s still slightly warm.

9. Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 2–3 hours before serving to allow the pudding to set and flavors to meld.

Conclusion:

Creamy Vanilla Pudding with Cracker Crumble is a timeless dessert that brings the warmth of homemade cooking with a modern texture twist. The silky smooth custard and crunchy cracker topping are a match made in dessert heaven, making this dish a family favorite across generations. Easy to prepare and irresistibly good, it’s the perfect make-ahead treat to keep on hand for guests—or for when your sweet tooth calls!