If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort in a bowl, you’re in for a treat with this Soft and Sweet Vanilla Dessert. Creamy, silky, and kissed with the warmth of real vanilla, it’s the kind of pudding-meets-custard dish that never fails to make everyone’s eyes light up. Whether served on its own, layered with fresh fruit, or topped with pillowy whipped cream, this dessert deserves a special spot in your recipe collection. Get ready for a spoonful of pure joy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a handful of simple ingredients can transform into such a luxurious treat! Each one plays a starring role, giving the Soft and Sweet Vanilla Dessert its luscious texture and dreamy flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a little tip for each:
- Whole milk: Delivers that essential creamy backbone and helps the pudding set to the perfect softness.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and gives an irresistibly silky mouthfeel to each bite.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dessert just right without overpowering the delicate vanilla notes.
- Cornstarch: This is the key thickener, ensuring your dessert is spoonable but luxuriously soft.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors and rounds everything off beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Swirled in at the end for a glossy finish and extra smoothness.
- Pure vanilla extract: The star ingredient that infuses the whole dessert with the classic, comforting vanilla taste.
How to Make Soft and Sweet Vanilla Dessert
Step 1: Whisk Together the Base
Start by adding the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt straight into a medium-sized saucepan. Whisk them together thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps of cornstarch remain. This step is essential so that the end result is silky-soft instead of grainy.
Step 2: Bring to a Gentle Boil
Set your saucepan over medium heat. Continue whisking non-stop as the mixture heats up; this not only keeps everything combined but also prevents any scorching at the bottom. Watch closely as after about 8 to 10 minutes, you’ll see it start to thicken and slow bubbles will pop up around the edges — that’s when you know it’s ready for the final thickening.
Step 3: Finish Cooking and Thicken
Keep whisking for another minute or two as we want the Soft and Sweet Vanilla Dessert to reach that perfect, pudding-like consistency. Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat. The mixture should coat the back of your spoon luxuriously.
Step 4: Stir in Butter and Vanilla
Drop in the butter and pour in that fragrant vanilla extract. Stir until the butter melts completely and you have a smooth, shiny, and gloriously vanilla-scented pudding. This last step is what gives the dessert its unmistakable flavor and creamy finish.
Step 5: Pour and Chill
Divide the mixture among individual bowls or pour it all into one large dish, depending on how you’d like to serve. Let it cool for a few minutes, then press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dessert to prevent a skin from forming. Pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours so it sets up perfectly — patience pays off here!
How to Serve Soft and Sweet Vanilla Dessert
Garnishes
Serving this Soft and Sweet Vanilla Dessert with a flourish is half the fun! Try a dollop of whipped cream, a handful of fresh berries, a sprinkle of crumbled cookies, or even a touch of grated chocolate. Each topping adds its own charm and makes every serving feel like a special treat.
Side Dishes
This dessert is right at home with buttery shortbread cookies, crisp biscotti, or a spoonful of fruit compote on the side. The gentle vanilla notes complement tart sides beautifully, making each bite feel like a little party for your taste buds.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your imagination run wild! Layer the Soft and Sweet Vanilla Dessert in glasses with fruit and crumble for a parfait, serve in tea cups for a vintage vibe, or pipe it into mini tart shells for elegant bites. If you’re hosting, try offering a toppings bar and let everyone customize their bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Soft and Sweet Vanilla Dessert is a wonderful treat for the next day (if you have any!). Simply keep it covered with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to avoid any skin, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It keeps its flavor and smoothness beautifully.
Freezing
If you find yourself with more than you can finish, freezing can be an option. Divide into portions and cover tightly, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator — the texture may soften, but the flavor will still be dreamy.
Reheating
While this dessert is best enjoyed chilled, if you prefer it slightly warm, you can gently reheat a portion in the microwave on low power in 10-second intervals, stirring until just warmed through. Take care not to overheat, or it might lose its lovely delicate texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Soft and Sweet Vanilla Dessert dairy free?
Absolutely! Swap in almond or oat milk for the whole milk and heavy cream, and use a plant-based butter. The result will still be silky and satisfying, perfect for anyone avoiding dairy.
Why do I need to whisk constantly?
Whisking constantly prevents lumps of cornstarch and keeps the mixture from sticking or scorching on the bottom. It’s the secret to that smooth, cloud-like consistency we all love in a Soft and Sweet Vanilla Dessert.
How do I prevent a skin from forming on top?
The trick is to press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dessert before refrigerating. This stops any air from drying out the top, keeping your Soft and Sweet Vanilla Dessert perfectly silky.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and follow the same process. Use a bigger saucepan and whisk thoroughly. The chilling time might be a bit longer, but it’s just as delicious served in larger quantities.
What can I use instead of vanilla extract?
If you want to bump up the flavor, try using vanilla bean paste or scraping the seeds from half a vanilla pod. This will give your Soft and Sweet Vanilla Dessert an even more intense aroma and those beautiful little flecks of real vanilla.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm, familiar hug every single time, you can’t go wrong with this Soft and Sweet Vanilla Dessert. It’s easy, dependable, and always a crowd-pleaser — a perfect excuse to treat yourself and those you love. Give it a try and enjoy every spoonful!
Print
Soft and Sweet Vanilla Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and comforting goodness of this Soft and Sweet Vanilla Dessert. This easy stovetop vanilla pudding is a delightful treat that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken and comes to a gentle boil, about 8–10 minutes. Continue whisking for another 1–2 minutes until fully thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour the mixture into individual serving dishes or one large bowl. Allow to cool slightly, then cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set. Serve chilled, optionally topped with whipped cream or fresh berries.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter.
- To make it extra fancy, layer with fruit compote or crumbled cookies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 small bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
