How to Make Pudding: The Complete Guide to the Perfect Pudding

Pudding is a dessert loved by many in Brazil, famous for its creamy texture and unmistakable sweet flavor.

Although it is a traditional and simple recipe, some details can make a difference in the final result.

This article provides a detailed step-by-step guide to help you learn how to make the perfect pudding, as well as tips and variations that can make this treat even more special.

Ingredients for Traditional Milk Pudding

Traditional condensed milk pudding is made up of just a few ingredients, but together they create an irresistible dessert. Here are the ingredients you will need:

For the pudding:

• 1 can of condensed milk (395g)
• 2 cans of whole milk (use the can of condensed milk as a measurement)
• 3 large eggs

For the syrup:

• 1 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup water

Necessary Equipment

In addition to the ingredients, you will need the following kitchen utensils:

• Pudding mold (preferably aluminum with a hole in the middle)
• Blender or hand mixer
• Pan for making the syrup
• Baking pan or baking tray for the bain-marie
• Aluminum foil

Step by Step to Make the Pudding

1. Preparing the syrup

Caramel sauce is an essential part of the pudding. Not only does it give the pudding a beautiful look when it is unmolded, but it also adds a caramelized flavor that complements the smoothness of the custard.

• Place the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until it melts completely and turns a golden color. Be careful not to burn the sugar, as this can leave a bitter taste.
• Once the sugar is completely melted, add the water carefully as it may splash. Continue stirring until the caramel dissolves and becomes smooth.
• Pour the caramel immediately into the pudding mold, swirling it to coat the entire bottom and sides. Set aside.

2. Preparing the Pudding Mixture

While the caramel cools and hardens in the pan, prepare the pudding mixture:

• In a blender, add the eggs, condensed milk and milk. Blend well until the mixture is smooth. The tip here is to blend for about 2 to 3 minutes to ensure that there is no strong egg smell in the pudding.
• If you don't have a blender, you can also mix the ingredients by hand with a wire whisk. Make sure to mix well to get a smooth consistency.

3. Assembly and Cooking

Now that the caramel and pudding mix are ready, it's time to put it all together and cook:

• Carefully pour the pudding mixture over the syrup in the pan.
• Cover the pan with aluminum foil, sealing the edges well.
• Place the pudding mold in a larger baking dish and fill the dish with hot water until it comes about halfway up the pudding mold. This is the bain-marie method of cooking, which ensures slow, even cooking.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. To check if it is ready, insert a toothpick into the center of the pudding – it should come out clean.

4. Cooling and Unmolding

Once baked, remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool completely before unmolding. This is important to ensure that it sets properly and holds its shape.

• Once cool, refrigerate for at least 4 hours (ideally overnight).
• To unmold, run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the pudding. Place a plate on top of the pan and turn it over. The pudding should slide out easily, and the syrup will run over the top.

Tips for the Perfect Pudding

• Use of fresh eggs: The freshness of the eggs makes a difference in the flavor and final texture of the pudding. Check the expiration date of the eggs before starting the recipe.
• Correct bain-marie: A double boiler is crucial for the pudding to cook evenly. Always use hot water and check the water level during cooking. If necessary, add more hot water to maintain the correct level.
• Uniform mixing: Beating the pudding ingredients until they are completely smooth is essential to avoid air bubbles or lumps.
• Avoid egg smell: A tip to avoid a strong egg smell in the pudding is to strain the egg yolks before beating them or beat them well in a blender.

Variations of Traditional Pudding

If you want to innovate, you can try some variations of the classic recipe. Here are some ideas:

• Coconut Pudding: Add 100g of grated coconut to the mixture for a tropical touch.
• Chocolate pudding: Replace 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 cup cocoa powder for a creamy chocolate pudding.
• Dulce de Leche Pudding: Swap the condensed milk for dulce de leche and follow the same process for a more caramelized and dense flavor.

Conclusion

Making pudding at home is a rewarding experience, which allows you to recreate one of the most iconic desserts in Brazilian cuisine.

With few ingredients and a simple process, you can impress your friends and family with a delicious and creamy dessert.

Be the traditional one milk pudding or its variations, the important thing is to follow the tips and step by step to ensure that your pudding comes out perfect!