Decadent Vanilla Pudding with Crunchy Cracker Crumble
A smooth, creamy vanilla pudding topped with a buttery, golden cracker crumble — simple ingredients, luxurious taste.
When I was a kid, my grandma made this treat after dinner on warm summer nights. While the pudding was always silky and rich, it was the buttery cracker topping that made it unforgettable. Sweet and salty, soft and crunchy — this dessert is comfort in a bowl.
The best part? It comes together easily with pantry staples, yet feels like something you’d get in a fancy bakery.
Ingredients
| Whole milk | 2½ cups |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
| Cornstarch | ¼ cup |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Egg yolks | 2 large |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Pure vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Salted crackers (like Ritz), crushed | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter (for crumble) | 2 tablespoons, melted |
Instructions
- In a saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat until warm.
- In a small bowl, beat egg yolks. Slowly whisk some warm milk into the yolks, then pour back into saucepan.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Stir in butter and vanilla extract. Pour pudding into serving glasses or bowls. Chill 2+ hours.
- For the crumble: Mix crushed crackers with brown sugar and melted butter. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes until golden.
- Let crumble cool, then sprinkle over chilled pudding before serving.
Pro Tips
- Add a layer of sliced bananas for a pudding pie feel.
- Make it extra fancy by piping the pudding into glasses and topping with whipped cream.
- For deeper flavor, use vanilla bean paste instead of extract.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 310 |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Sugar | 22g |
Printable Summary
| Vanilla Pudding with Cracker Crumble | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 mins |
| Cook Time | 15 mins |
| Chill Time | 2 hrs |
| Servings | 4 |
FAQs
Q: Can I make this with instant pudding mix?
Yes, but homemade gives a richer, more authentic flavor.
Q: What other crackers can I use?
Try graham crackers for more sweetness or saltines for extra crunch.
Q: How long will it last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
