Decadent Vanilla Pudding with Crunchy Cracker Crumble
Updated on 2 min read
A velvety homemade vanilla pudding layered (or topped) with a sweet, buttery cracker crumble that adds a delicious crunch to every bite. Simple ingredients, classic flavor, and pure indulgence.
Ingredients
Ingredient
Amount
Notes
Milk
2 cups
Whole milk preferred for creaminess
Granulated sugar
½ cup
Adjust for sweetness
Cornstarch
3 tablespoons
Thickens the pudding
Salt
Pinch
Balances flavor
Egg yolks
2 large
Adds richness
Butter
2 tablespoons
Unsalted
Vanilla extract
2 teaspoons
Pure vanilla for best flavor
Whipped cream
Optional
For topping
Cracker Crumble
Ingredient
Amount
Notes
Butter
3 tablespoons
Melted
Crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
1 cup
About 20 crackers
Brown sugar
2 tablespoons
Adds caramel flavor
Cinnamon
½ teaspoon
Optional
Instructions
Prepare the Crumble: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine crushed crackers, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 6–8 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden and crisp. Let cool.
Make the Pudding: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken (about 5–7 minutes).
Temper the Eggs: In a small bowl, beat egg yolks. Slowly pour about ½ cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly. Then return the yolk mixture to the saucepan.
Thicken and Finish: Continue cooking over medium heat for another 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thick and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract.
Assemble: Spoon the warm pudding into serving dishes. Top with the cracker crumble (or layer it at the bottom and top for extra crunch).
Chill or Serve Warm: Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface (to prevent a skin) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or enjoy warm for instant comfort.
Optional Garnish: Top with whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of crumble before serving.
Tips
For extra richness, replace half the milk with heavy cream.
Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra-decadent version.
Try crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits instead of Ritz for variation.
