Sweet & Creamy Pudding Recipes

By Southern Living

You know that Southern mamas are fans of food-inspired terms of endearment—honey, sugar, sweetie pie, and pudding. Only the sweetest, most beloved desserts get to double as monikers for loved ones. And if you’ve never been called pudding by an affectionate mother, grandmother, or aunt, well, bless your heart. The key to their—or anyone’s—heart could be one of the delectable homemade pudding recipes, from the transcendentally tropical to classic—and super simple—chocolate. The base of many of these is comprised of supplies you probably have on hand, like eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Old standbys like our Real Banana Pudding recipe transport you back to meals at grandparents’ houses growing up. Or step things up a notch with a more unexpected dish like, Lemony Rice Pudding with Figs and Saba. (Which, might we add, is incredibly photogenic.)

Whichever you choose, these homemade puddings make for irresistible, super-simple desserts. Get even more quick and easy dessert ideas here.

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Tangerine Pudding

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Tangerine Pudding

You'll need about six to eight tangerines for the two cups of juice in this recipe. Feel free to substitute any variety of oranges or mandarins if you'd like.

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Chocolate Pudding

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Chocolate Pudding

This chocolate pudding is everything you dream of—chocolaty rich, silky smooth, and light on calories!

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Coconut-Banana Pudding

Hector M. Sanchez

Recipe: Coconut-Banana Pudding

This new take on classic Southern banana pudding offers a taste of the tropics. Make the whole recipe to feed a crowd, family-style, or halve and serve in individual bowls. Keep banana slices from turning brown by tossing with 2 tablespoons lemon juice.

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Luscious Orange Panna Cotta

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Prop Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell, Food Styling: Angela Sellers

Recipe: Luscious Orange Panna Cotta

Panna cotta is a silky custard made without eggs that’s often topped with a sauce. We infused orange rinds in this fresh and tasty version and then topped it with Buttery Orange Curd and sweetened orange pieces.

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Tropical Coconut Pudding

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Tropical Coconut Pudding

Top this pudding with any ripe fruit. If you're looking for crunchy texture, gild it with crushed banana chips or chopped macadamia nuts.

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Chocolate Parfait

Southern Living

Recipe: Chocolate Parfait

Sugar-free pudding layered with chocolate graham cracker crumbs and topped off with whipped cream, this pudding is both delicious and easy to make.

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Peanut Butter-Banana Pudding

Recipe: Peanut Butter-Banana Pudding

Layering pudding in half-pint jars gives you room to garnish and screw on the lids so you can place them in your cooler for easy transport.

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Buttermilk Peach Pudding

Photo: Squire Fox

Recipe: Buttermilk Peach Pudding

This juicy peach pudding recipe is perfect for a picnic or patio outdoor setting. Serve warm or cold with ice cream

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Chocolate Cookie Pudding

Recipe: Chocolate Cookie Pudding

Pecans, sandwich cookies, and cream cheese add a decadent touch to this dessert.

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Lemony Rice Pudding with Figs and Saba

Photo: Squire Fox

Recipe: Lemony Rice Pudding with Figs and Saba

Saba, an ancient sweetener traditionally made from grape juice, lends a subtle but complex flavor to this traditional dessert.

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Delta Velvet Pudding Dessert

Recipe: Delta Velvet Pudding Dessert

Pecans, toffee, and shaved chocolate top off this decadent dessert named for one of our favorite Southern spots.

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Real Banana Pudding

Recipe: Real Banana Pudding

Homemade vanilla pudding layered with vanilla wafer cookies and banana slices and topped with a cloud of meringue. Some like it warm. Others prefer it nice and cold. The hardest part is waiting for it to fully chill before digging in.

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