Creamy Vanilla Milk Pudding with Berry Syrup

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🍮 Creamy Vanilla Milk Pudding with Berry Syrup

Servings: 4–6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Chill Time: 2–4 hours

Total Time: ~4 hours 30 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

For the Vanilla Milk Pudding

  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch (or 2 tbsp for a softer pudding)
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1 tbsp unsalted butter for extra richness

For the Berry Syrup

  • 1½ cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen; blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries)
  • ¼ cup (50 g) sugar (adjust to sweetness of berries)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for thickening, optional)

🔥 Instructions

1. Make the Vanilla Milk Pudding

  1. In a medium saucepan (off heat), whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
  2. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth and lump-free.
  3. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble gently — about 5–7 minutes.
  4. Once thick, reduce heat to low and cook 1 minute more, stirring continuously.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract (and butter, if using).
  6. Pour pudding into individual cups or ramekins.
  7. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface (to prevent a skin from forming).
  8. Chill for at least 2–4 hours, or until set and creamy.

2. Make the Berry Syrup

  1. In a small saucepan, combine berries, sugar, and lemon juice.
  2. Cook over medium heat until berries release their juices and start to soften (about 5 minutes).
  3. For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the berry mixture.
  4. Simmer 1–2 minutes more, until slightly thickened and glossy.
  5. Remove from heat and let cool completely before serving.

3. Serve

  1. Once the puddings are chilled and set, spoon berry syrup generously over the top.
  2. Garnish with:
    • Fresh mint leaves 🌿
    • Extra berries 🍓🫐
    • A dusting of powdered sugar (optional)

🍽️ Serving Ideas

  • Serve cold, straight from the fridge, for a refreshing dessert.
  • For a fancier presentation, layer pudding and berry syrup in clear glasses for a parfait-style dessert.
  • Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted almonds on top.

💡 Tips & Variations

  • Vegan version: Use almond or oat milk + coconut cream, and replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder.
  • Make it extra vanilla-y: Steep a split vanilla bean in the milk while heating, then remove before thickening.
  • Flavor twist: Add a splash of lemon zest or a hint of almond extract for a new layer of flavor.
  • Berry swap: Use just one berry (like blueberries or strawberries) for a distinct flavor syrup.

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