Vanilla Pudding Mix Substitute? — NonTox U (2024)

October 20, 2008, written by Debra Lynn Dadd

Question from CJ

I have a recipe for Amish Friendship Bread that I have successfully reduced the sugar in, but it calls for a large box of instant vanilla pudding (which makes me question that it originated as an Amish recipe…). What would you suggest using instead of a large box of instant pudding. Even my 4-year-old son says “Mommy, we can’t buy that…it has artificial flavorings!

Debra’s Answer

Vanilla pudding mix is basically cornstarch, sugar, and artificial flavorings and coloring.

So to replace it in a recipe, you need cornstarch and sweetener and vanilla flavor.

A standard vanilla pudding recipe contains:

So thats 1 part cornstarch to 2 parts sugar. Find out how the amount of mix is in one package of dry vanilla pudding mix and mix that amount of cornstarch and sweetener with a 2:1 ratio. Then try to estimate the amount of vanilla to add.

This should work.

Toxic-Free Q&A

These are archives of Q&A asked by readers and answered by Debra Lynn Dadd (from 2005-2019) or Lisa Powers (from 2019-2020).Answers have been edited and updated as of December, 2020.

Vanilla Pudding Mix Substitute? — NonTox U (2024)

FAQs

What can be substituted for vanilla pudding mix? ›

The alternative mix is simply 1 part cornstarch to 2 parts fine sugar, plus 1 part vanilla. I used 1 TBSP. of cornstarch and 2 TBSP. of sugar.

How do you doctor up pudding mix? ›

Use Evaporated Milk

Replace the regular milk for a can of evaporated milk to make a creamier, more decadent pudding. Not only does it yield a luxurious texture, it dramatically improves the flavor of a pudding mix. For a tropical twist, reach for some canned coconut milk.

What can I use to thicken vanilla pudding? ›

Cornstarch: Three tablespoons of cornstarch thickens the vanilla pudding. Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor, but it won't make the pudding taste salty.

Can I substitute vanilla pudding mix for custard powder? ›

You can also use vanilla pudding mix, if you have some on hand. Simply swap in a one to one ratio. In other words, use 1 tablespoon of vanilla pudding in place of each tablespoon of custard powder.

What are the ingredients in instant vanilla pudding mix? ›

SUGAR, MODIFIED CORNSTARCH, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, SALT, DISODIUM PHOSPHATE AND TETRASODIUM PYROPHOSPHATE (FOR THICKENING), MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES (PREVENT FOAMING), ARTIFICIAL COLOR, YELLOW 5, YELLOW 6, BHA (PRESERVATIVE).

What to add to instant vanilla pudding? ›

You could stop at vanilla extract and be perfectly content, or you could add fun stir-ins like dulce de leche and pretzels. And if you ask us, the not-so-standard pudding combinations take the dessert from basic to amazing.

How to jazz up boxed pudding? ›

My personal all time favorite is to add chunks or slices of bananas into the pudding and adding either whole or crushed vanilla wafer cookies. It adds texture and flavor. You could also add chunks of or shaved chocolate, to imitate the flavor of chocolate covered bananas.

What is the thickening agent in instant pudding? ›

A key ingredient in instant pudding is gelatinized starch, a dried instant starch that readily absorbs liquids, which causes the pudding to gel when mixed with milk. Additional ingredients sometimes used as a thickener include gums that are soluble in cold water, such as carrageenans and alginates.

How to fix runny instant pudding? ›

If your pudding is too thin, you may thicken it by adding cornstarch. To properly thicken instant pudding with almond milk, but you don't want to use cornstarch, you need to add a quarter cup more of the powdered pudding mix than in the original recipe.

Which ingredient causes the pudding to thicken? ›

It typically contains milk or cream, although there are non-dairy puddings made with plant-based "milk." Pudding is similar to custard in that they both can contain eggs and milk, but pudding is usually thickened with a starch, whereas custard is thickened by the eggs.

Will cool whip thicken pudding? ›

However, I found that when you use the cool whip it helps to stabilize the rest of the ingredients and results in a thicker pudding. Using cool whip also help it last longer sitting out at room temperature, which is good for serving banana pudding at a party.

What can I use in place of vanilla pudding mix? ›

Vanilla pudding mix is basically cornstarch, sugar, and artificial flavorings and coloring. So to replace it in a recipe, you need cornstarch and sweetener and vanilla flavor.

How do you substitute pudding powder? ›

You can replace pudding mix in baked goods with alternatives like cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or custard powder for thickening. Additionally, using Greek yogurt, sour cream, or applesauce can add moisture and a similar texture to your recipes.

Is vanilla pudding just custard? ›

While most custard and pudding recipes both typically call for eggs, the main difference is that pudding uses a starch for thickening, whereas custard's thickening agent is the egg itself (or egg yolk, in most instances). Custard's texture also tends to be firmer than pudding.

Is pancake mix the same as pudding mix? ›

That's right, Yorkshire pudding mix and pancake mix are the exact same thing. Yorkshire pudding batter ALSO requires plain flour, eggs, milk and sunflower or vegetable oil. The only difference is the way you cook it. Yorkshire pudding batter is just pancake mix cooked in the oven.

Is angel delight the same as pudding mix? ›

British Classic - Angel Delight this is kinda sorta like jello and instant pudding mixed together but not really because its nowhere near as sweet and its super light and airy.

How is French vanilla pudding different from vanilla pudding? ›

Today, French vanilla technically refers to a style—custard thickened with egg yolks—rather than a true variety of vanilla.

Can you substitute almond milk in pudding mix? ›

To make Jell-O pudding with almond milk, whisk the Cook & Serve pudding mix into 2 cups of refrigerated unsweetened almond milk in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil on medium heat, whisking constantly. Remove from heat and let sit untouched for at least 5 minutes.

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