1. Combine the Milks:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the whole milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
2. Thicken the Pudding:
- In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with ¼ cup of water or milk to make a slurry. Make sure there are no lumps.
- Once the milk mixture is heated through (but not boiling), slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan while whisking constantly.
- Add the sugar (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue stirring the mixture until it starts to thicken, about 5-7 minutes. The pudding should become smooth and creamy.
3. Simmer Until Perfectly Thickened:
- Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and keep stirring to prevent any lumps from forming. Allow the pudding to thicken further for about 2-3 more minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the pudding coats the back of a spoon, and you can run your finger through it, leaving a clear line.
4. Pour and Chill:
- Once the pudding has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes or a large serving bowl.
- Cover the pudding with plastic wrap, ensuring that the wrap touches the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until fully chilled and set.
5. Serve:
- Once chilled, serve the pudding as is, or top it with your favorite toppings. Caramel sauce, fresh berries, or whipped cream make excellent choices to complement the rich, creamy pudding.
Tips for Success:
- Sweetness Level: Sweetened condensed milk already provides a lot of sweetness, so adjust the amount of sugar you add to suit your taste. You may find you don’t need much or any extra sugar.
- Cornstarch: Make sure to dissolve the cornstarch completely before adding it to the milk mixture to avoid lumps.
- Consistency: For an even thicker pudding, you can increase the cornstarch to 5 tablespoons, or if you prefer a thinner texture, reduce it to 3 tablespoons.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Creamy and Fantastic 4-Milk Pudding is an absolute treat, with a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth. The combination of four different milks gives the pudding an indulgent creaminess that’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you need a little extra sweetness in your life. It’s easy to make, but the result is impressive and will leave everyone asking for more!
Enjoy this smooth and delightful pudding as a perfect end to any meal!