17 Irresistibly Creamy Pudding Recipes

updated Sep 30, 2020

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Credit: Faith Durand

When was the last time you made pudding for dessert? It’s probably been a while, right? I’m here to help you change that. This is my friendly reminder to you (and myself!) to make more pudding. And if you’ve never made homemade pudding before, I’ll start by telling you that it’s actually a whole lot easier than you might expect.

It doesn’t matter how it’s flavored or whether I’m serving it to friends and family or just myself: Homemade pudding feels and tastes like a totally impressive dessert. It usually doesn’t require turning on the oven, and sometimes you can even whip up a batch without heating up the stove.

Whether you go for butterscotch, banana, or even rice pudding, there’s no question that creamy pudding is irresistible and offers the most comforting dose of nostalgia. Ready to get cooking? Here are 17 irresistibly creamy pudding recipes to get you started.

1 / 17

Contrary to many recipe's suggestions, banana pudding is not a good use for overripe bananas. Sticking with slightly underripe bananas will help the pudding last longer in the refrigerator.

2 / 17

Chocolate Avocado Pudding

This chocolate avocado pudding is rich and luscious. But surprisingly, it’s vegan and gluten-free!

3 / 17

Classic Chocolate Pudding from Scratch

Knowing how to make pudding from scratch is like having the golden key to winning dessert.

4 / 17

Butterscotch Pudding

Homemade butterscotch pudding is just as easy to make as it is impressive. It simply relies on a duo of butter and brown sugar cooked together.

5 / 17

Easy Rice Pudding

You're just five ingredients away from the creamiest, dreamiest rice pudding.

6 / 17

Chocolate Coconut Pudding

Canned coconut milk keeps this dairy-free pudding rich and creamy without overpowering the chocolate.

7 / 17

Padma Lakshmi's Rice Pudding

A recipe for kheer, a classic Indian rice pudding studded with raisins and nuts and spiced with cardamom.

8 / 17

Raspberry Rose Pudding

Move over, chocolate! This fruity pudding is tangy, creamy, and completely dairy-free.

9 / 17

Fennel Rice Pudding

Sweet caramelized fennel really ups the ante of regular rice pudding with a smooth, gentle hint of anise.

10 / 17

Lemon Rice Pudding

Rice pudding is the ultimate comfort food. This one is scented with lemon and not very sweet, so it's perfectly acceptable for breakfast.

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How To Make Chia Pudding

We promise no fuss and no slimy texture in this classic chia seed pudding.

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Vegan Chocolate-Almond Chia Pudding

With a double dose of almonds and cocoa powder, you're in for an irresistibly rich and creamy dairy-free treat.

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Vegan Chocolate Pudding Cups with Coconut Cream

The coconut cream topping will definitely remind you of those pudding cups you loved as a kid.

14 / 17

Coconut Black Rice Pudding

Made with sticky whole-grain black rice, coconut milk, and toasted coconut, this warm rice pudding is creamy, sweet, a little savory, and very coconutty.

15 / 17

Cashew–Cardamom Chia Pudding

A fragrant combination of cardamom and creamy nut milk makes for a dairy-free pudding that's satisfying and just sweet enough.

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Rice Pudding in a Mug

This quick dessert for two starts with leftover cooked rice and some basic pantry staples.

17 / 17

Coconut Tapioca Pudding with Smoked Sesame Seeds

This version of creamy tapioca pudding ditches the traditional milk and egg for a coconut milk base.

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