🍮 No-Bake 3-Ingredient Milk Pudding
Smooth • Creamy • Simple Custard-Style Dessert
This easy milk pudding is a soft, creamy dessert made with just milk, sugar, and eggs. It sets gently in the refrigerator and has a smooth, comforting texture similar to classic custard. With careful low-heat cooking and constant stirring, you get a silky pudding without baking or complicated steps.
Recipe Overview
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
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Chill Time: 2–3 hours
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Servings: 4 small bowls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
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2 cups (500 ml) milk
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⅓ cup (70 g) sugar
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2 large eggs
Optional (Recommended)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(adds aroma and smooth flavor)
Optional Toppings
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Chopped peanuts or walnuts
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Caramel drizzle
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Fresh fruit
Equipment Needed
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Medium saucepan
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Whisk or silicone spatula
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Fine-mesh strainer
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Serving bowls or ramekins
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Eggs and Sugar
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Place the saucepan on the counter (do not heat yet)
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Add eggs and sugar
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Whisk until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture looks slightly pale and smooth
2. Add the Milk
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Slowly pour the milk into the egg mixture
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Whisk continuously to keep everything smooth
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Add vanilla extract if using
3. Cook Gently
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Place the saucepan over low heat
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Stir constantly using a whisk or spatula
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Scrape the bottom and sides of the pan to prevent sticking
⚠️ Important: Keep the heat low. High heat can cause the eggs to cook unevenly.
4. Thicken the Pudding
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Continue stirring for 10–12 minutes
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The mixture will gradually thicken
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It is ready when it:
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Coats the back of a spoon
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Looks creamy but still pours easily
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(It will firm up more as it cools.)
5. Strain for Smoothness
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Remove from heat
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Pour the mixture through a fine strainer into a bowl or jug
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This step ensures a silky, lump-free texture
6. Chill and Set
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Pour the pudding into serving bowls or ramekins
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Let cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes
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Cover and refrigerate for 2–3 hours, until fully set
7. Serve
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Serve chilled
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Add nuts, caramel, or fruit just before serving if desired
Texture & Flavor
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Texture: Smooth, soft, custard-like
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Flavor: Lightly sweet, creamy, comforting
Helpful Tips
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Stir continuously for best texture
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Never let the mixture boil
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Use room-temperature eggs for smoother blending
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For extra richness, replace ¼ cup of milk with cream
Optional Variation (Firmer Texture)
If you prefer a firmer, pudding-style set:
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Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch into the cold milk before heating
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Proceed with the recipe as written
Storage
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Store covered in the refrigerator
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Best enjoyed within 2 days