13 Creamy Holiday Pudding Recipes That End Meals Perfectly

The holidays are a magical time filled with joy, laughter, and delicious feasts. And what could close a meal better than a creamy pudding? These 13 recipes bring comfort and delight, providing the perfect sweet ending to your festive gatherings. Let’s dive into these delightful treats that will have your guests asking for seconds!

Chocolate Hazelnut Pudding

Indulge in this decadent chocolate treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Process:

1. Whisk together milk, cream, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Once heated, stir in the chocolate hazelnut spread until smooth.
3. Cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat and add vanilla.

Make it Unique:

Try using almond butter instead of hazelnut spread for a different flavor twist.

Vanilla Bean Pudding

A classic dessert that never goes out of style.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 vanilla bean, split
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Process:

1. Heat milk and vanilla bean in a saucepan until just boiling.
2. In a bowl, mix sugar, cornstarch, and salt; add to heated milk mixture.
3. Stir constantly until thickened. Remove the bean and stir in vanilla extract.

Make it Unique:

Add a splash of rum for an adult version.

Spiced Pumpkin Pudding

Embrace the flavors of fall in this creamy dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Process:

1. Combine pumpkin puree, milk, sugar, and spices in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch with a bit of cold milk and combine with the pumpkin mixture.
3. Stir until thickened and smooth.

Make it Unique:

Top with crushed ginger snap cookies for extra crunch.

Chocolate Mint Pudding

A delightful combination of chocolate and mint for a refreshing finish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup cream
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon peppermint extract
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Process:

1. Heat milk, cream, and sugar in a saucepan until warm.
2. Stir in chocolate chips until melted, then add peppermint extract.
3. Whisk in cornstarch until thickened.

Make it Unique:

Add crushed candy canes on top for extra flavor and festive charm.

Coconut Cream Pudding

A tropical twist to your holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut

Process:

1. In a saucepan, stir combined milks, sugar, and shredded coconut over medium heat.
2. Add cornstarch mixed with a bit of cold water, stirring until thick.
3. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.

Make it Unique:

Replace shredded coconut with chopped pineapple for a tropical delight.

Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce

A comforting dish with a boozy twist.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed bread
• 2 cups milk
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup rum
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and pour into a greased baking dish.
3. Bake for 45 minutes or until set and golden.

Make it Unique:

Add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a festive touch.

Maple Bourbon Pudding

A rich, sophisticated dessert with a hint of warmth.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup cream
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons bourbon

Process:

1. Heat milk and cream with maple syrup in a saucepan.
2. In a bowl, whisk cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir into the mix.
3. Cook until thick and stir in bourbon before serving.

Make it Unique:

Top with candied pecans for added texture.

Gingerbread Pudding

Bring the warmth of gingerbread to the table.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Process:

1. In a pot, heat milk and sugar until warm.
2. Whisk together cornstarch, ginger, and cinnamon, then add to the pot.
3. Stir until thick and remove from stove.

Make it Unique:

Add finely chopped crystallized ginger for an extra kick.

Hazelnut Crème Pâtissière

Perfect for filling pastries or just enjoying on its own.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup hazelnut spread

Process:

1. In a saucepan, heat milk and sugar until bubbling.
2. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and cornstarch, then pour heated milk slowly into the mix.
3. Return to pot and cook until thickened, then stir in hazelnut spread.

Make it Unique:

Use dark chocolate instead of hazelnut spread for a richer taste.

Rice Pudding with Cranberries

A cozy classic that brings back memories.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Process:

1. Combine cooked rice, milk, and sugar in a saucepan and warm through.
2. Stir in cranberries and vanilla, and heat until thickened.

Make it Unique:

Swap cranberries for raisins or add a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Eggnog Pudding

A perfect festive treat for eggnog lovers!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 3/4 cup eggnog
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Process:

1. In a saucepan, combine milk and eggnog, heating until warm.
2. Mix sugar and cornstarch, then add to the warm mixture.
3. Cook, stirring until thickened, then remove from heat.

Make it Unique:

Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair.

Chocolate Banana Pudding

Deliciously indulgent with the perfect banana flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup chocolate pudding mix
• 2 cups whipped cream

Process:

1. In a bowl, mash bananas and combine with milk and pudding mix.
2. Layer in a glass with whipped cream, repeating until all ingredients are used.

Make it Unique:

Add a layer of crushed graham crackers for a crunchy texture.

Strawberry Shortcake Pudding

A fruity delight that captures the essence of summer in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup whipped cream

Process:

1. Heat the pureed strawberries with milk and sugar.
2. Slowly whisk in cornstarch until thickened.
3. Remove from heat and fold in whipped cream.

Make it Unique:

Swap strawberries with blueberries or peaches for a different fruit experience.

Meringue Topped Lemon Pudding

Tangy and sweet, a burst of flavor in every spoonful.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 egg whites

Process:

1. Combine milk, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan, heating until just warmed.
2. Mix cornstarch with water and pour into saucepan, stirring until thick.
3. Whisk egg whites to soft peaks and layer on top, then bake until golden.

Make it Unique:

Add a sprinkle of zest for extra lemon flavor.

Peanut Butter Cup Pudding

Rich and satisfying for peanut butter lovers everywhere.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Process:

1. In a saucepan, warm milk and sugar.
2. Stir in peanut butter until melted, then add cornstarch mixed with a bit of water.
3. Cook until thick and creamy.

Make it Unique:

Top with mini chocolate chips for added texture.

White Chocolate Raspberry Pudding

A beautiful combination of flavors to impress guests.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup cream
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup raspberry puree

Process:

1. Heat milk and cream until warm, then stir in white chocolate until melted.
2. Pour into serving dishes and chill until set; swirl raspberry puree before serving.

Make it Unique:

Add a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for added crunch.

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Now that you have 13 creamy pudding recipes at your fingertips, it’s time to gather your ingredients and spread joy through dessert. Whether it’s a gathering with family or a cozy night in, these puddings promise to add a sweet finale to your holiday meals. Enjoy creating these comforting desserts and have a wonderful holiday season!